F-ed Up/Hydrolocked Engine

[The_Commodore]

Like an idiot, I decided to drive my 91 Explorer through a creek that would probably be defined as a river out west. I went through the water fine, but the engine died as soon as I got to the other bank. Got it home and took it apart the entire intake manifold, head cover, and took off the rocker arms before I learned how to pump the water out by removing the spark plugs. I found water everywhere the entire time. I am in the process of removing them. Now, I have only gotten a click when I turn the key, but once I remove the plugs, I assume the engine will turn and pump the water. Will I have to reattatch the rocker arms or wiring harness to do this? Will I have to take the heads off, because I could do that easily, but dont want to spend money on head gaskets. Any water in the cylinders has sat for almost a month. Will this pose a problem? Also, how likely are my connecting rods bent? Any suggestions or anything? Please help.

 

[Mbrooks420]

The rockers will need put back on before trying to purge the cylinders. If the motor died under throttle there is a fair chance that same damage happened. I don't assume the water sitting in there for a month has done anything positive.

 

[Rustang©]

I did the same thing as you

all i had to do was remove the sparks and pump, but even then i had to spray the **** out of my engine with CRC 656, this helped drive out the water.

as for damage, i was luck to have none, for you it depends on throttle and whatnot

also if it sat for a month, you most likely have rust on some parts, id REALLY check em before you start

good luck man

 

[The_Commodore]

I pulled out the spark plugs today and put the rockers back on. Still, all I get is the loud click from the starter. I fear the connecting rods may be bent and wont let the engine move. Maybe even the pistons welded inside the block. But I might be wrong. Any input? Also, how hard is it to do an engine swap if I need to?

 

[little x]

either rebuild it or swap in a 5.0

 

[badge49]

I've done that! http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155965
Good luck with whatever you do! Look at this as an excuse to make/build a stronger engine!:navajo:

 

[Rustang©]

before yo say goodby to the engine!

take off the starter and take a big flat head screw driver and stick it between two teeth on the flywheel. Then push up and try to move it. if it moved you may just need a new starter or solenoid.

good luck man.

 

[The_Commodore]

before yo say goodby to the engine!

take off the starter and take a big flat head screw driver and stick it between two teeth on the flywheel. Then push up and try to move it. if it moved you may just need a new starter or solenoid.

good luck man.

Naw, Ive tested it many times AND replaced it THREE TIMES because of its lifetime warrenty from Advanced.
Anyone know how much it will cost to replace/rebuild the engine?

 

[Mbrooks420]

Your cheapest bet would be to find a reputable salvage yard and get a used motor. A decent shortblock would set you back in the $900 range.

 

[73Elsinore]

Dude try to rotate the motor using the bolt on the front of the crankshaft, inside the damper. I think it's a 19mm. Pull the spark plugs, spray a bunch of WD40 into each cylinder, then use a 19mm socket and a big ass breaker with a cheater bar and try to turn over the motor.

First - Make sure the trans in in neutral and block up the wheels.

You will have to pull the radiator and the fan shroud to get at the crank bolt and to get enough room to work in there but that's not hard.

Even if the rods are bent, the motor should still turn over, I would think, unless one of them is so bent that a piston is wedged against the cylinder bore. Pete

 

[73Elsinore]

Also - are you sure your starter is good???