Water in engine from passenger-side exhaust air inlet

[carlosnagomi]

Hey guys, last Sunday I took my ’93 Explorer XLT 4x4 through a shallow river. Didn’t seem too deep, but on the passenger side there’s some sort of air inlet that connects to the exhaust — didn’t even know it was there. The second I hit the water, the engine died instantly.

At first, I figured it was an electrical issue, but after towing it home… surprise: the engine’s locked up. Crankshaft won’t budge. Looks like it’s teardown time to see what’s going on inside.

Any tips for when I put it back together? And should I do something about that air inlet on that side?
I’m not building this rig for hardcore off-roading or deep water crossings — I just want it to be a bit more “water-resistant” in case something like this happens again. :’)

 

[wollimann]

but on the passenger side there’s some sort of air inlet that connects to the exhaust

Can't imagine what it means.

Maybe the river was a little bit too deep.
If the engine is hydro locked follow these steps

Possible Hydro-Lock help

Hello everyone..after 2 1/2 yrs of receiving quality help from this site, I finally registered today because I seriously need help. 97 Explorer 4x4, went through water flooded street and stalled after just about through the 'lake-effect-puddle'. Wouldn't start and battery lost charge and started...

www.explorerforum.com

Thumbs up that is no damage to the engine.

 

[BKennedy]

There shouldn't be an air inlet connected to the exhaust. I think what you saw is part of the smog equipment. It's a air pre-heater that pulls hot air from around the exhaust through the engine air intake.

I think what you did was get water into your air intake, hydrolocking the engine. Pull the plugs and see if it turns over by hand. Good chance it's replacement engine time.

 

[410Fortune]

What he said

The only pipe on a 93 passenger side exhaust is a pre heater for the airbox.. if water went in there it goes into the intake side of the engine not the exhaust

Pull spark plugs turn engine over by hand see if water comes out

 

[wollimann]

Was pre heating intake air a optional equipment?

Heat riser - It's game night... name that thingamajig!

hello everyone. my explorer started vibrating while stopped in gear, coughing every now and then. checking around i noticed my serp belt is tearing up. went underneath to see how far tear went and i noticed this... canteen-like part with the hose or tube obliterated. can anyone tell me...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[BKennedy]

Was pre heating intake air a optional equipment?

Heat riser - It's game night... name that thingamajig!

hello everyone. my explorer started vibrating while stopped in gear, coughing every now and then. checking around i noticed my serp belt is tearing up. went underneath to see how far tear went and i noticed this... canteen-like part with the hose or tube obliterated. can anyone tell me...

www.explorerforum.com

It's a smog part. I think it was only on 1993 and 1994 models. My 1994 has it, but my Dad's 1991 didn't. If I wasn't still in California I would remove the heat exchanger and hose and plug the vacuum line. I don't think it serves any real purpose in a warmer climate.

When I did my solid front axle swap, I had to move the air intake. Being in California, I couldn't modify anything from OEM. I used a 1999 intake to relocate the airbox. I grafted the preheater parts from the 1994 system into the bottom of the 1999 intake. It looks and works like OEM. When I register the Explorer in Arizona, I'll finally be able to run an aftermarket intake. There is no aftermarket CARB complient air intake for the 1st generation Explorers. 2nd generation aftermarket air intakes work on 1st generation Explorers but the battery location can be in the way.

 

[wollimann]

Did it work like this?

Linked to a 1992 Ford Explorer

https://www.quirkparts.com/v-1992-ford-explorer--xl--4-0l-v6-gas/engine--air-inlet?srsltid=AfmBOoo0wtXnT099k_snS4PewekqSuQctFGtjVDX1Be5EdSiALHQo1lo

 

[410Fortune]

Yes that is the pre heater setup from a gen 1