No it won't rid the cylinder of all water... It might be important to have a dry cylinder with a diesel engine but gasoline engines can take a little water and still start. The trail fix for a hydro locked engine was as described in my post.

Most people that can apply this fix and get lucky enough to continue wheeling are the the ones that entered the water at idle as in they didn't really know how deep it was. Others that almost always hurt their motor enter at high RPM.

 

Before you go taking things apart,look at the oil pan for holes.I did the same thing a while back and worked on drying it up for nothing.The rods blew through the pan and motor was done.Check the oil level and pan.If theres no oil or pan has a hole then get a new motor.Mine woldn't turn either.

 

This is where you can feel lucky that 4.0L shortblock/longblocks are one of the cheapest you can find.

 

wow thanks for all the responses. I plan on wednesday to rip the valve cover off to inspect valves and push rods. Id rather not buy a new engine because i have nor the tools or the knowledge to replace it.

 

Mine must have had a spun bearing to begin with. Always heard a strange noise from the bottom end. Anyways... i manually turned the engine back with a 3/4 socket and ratchet.. went to start it and finally snapped the rod sending it through the pan. not sure what i plan on doing. Rebuilt engine or Junk yard engine. ugh i wish i could replace it myself.

 

wish i could help you out, i used to live in keyport nj. now im 20 hrs away from there. good thing about nj is theres a lot more junkyards around than where im at, should be able to find yourself a decent running motor.

 

theres also a shop in keyport on the corner of w. front and osborn that only works on jeeps if you dont mind the drive from philly area. i can get the # if you want i dont have it in my phone but im sure he'd be a good backup to track down a motor/parts or just a hassle free drop in replacement guaranteed to run

 

How does a valve bend when water is sucked in????? When the piston is traveling up, valves are either closed (no pressure on the stems) or a valve is open allowing water to pass by (no pressure).

 

I work in the marine industry, so hydrolocks are pretty commonplace. Here are a few things to try.

1. Normally I'd suggest taking the plugs out and cranking over the engine. NEVER crank an engine that is hydrolocked unless you want bent rods and broken pistons. Since you've already tried that and it won't turn, proceed to #2.

2. Does the starter turn over when you twist the key? If not, it's probably rusted-up inside. Starters that are submerged in water usually have a very short lifespan. The brushes begin to rust and that's the end of it. If the Jeep won't even crank I'd begin there.

3. With the plugs out, try a breaker bar on the end of the crank. Don't force it too much, but try to get the engine to rock back and forth. If it won't turn over all the way you're most likely up against a bent rod.

4. If you can get it to turn over, crank all the water out with the starter, then change the oil until all the water is out. Oil and water do not mix well, so if you leave water in the pan, the crank will turn it into a brownish substance the consistency of a chocolate milkshake that isn't the best for internal lubrication! Depending on how bad you drown her, you may have to change the oil 4 or 5 times.

Good luck, hopefully it's nothing life threatening. -Marc.

 

According to the OP... the engine is dead 04GC

The rod let go.



Probably the cheapest and most reliable solution is to get a long block and swap it in. Either salvaged or re manufactured.

Sucks to hear the engine let go

 

Im in the market for a wrongler. Something with less miles. I just put this engine in ive put over 4grand into this truck. lol i need to let it go and try something else, love my cherokee but damn shes a money pit

 

Everything that throws a rod through the pan is a money pit.

Everything you modify is a money pit. If you want cheap, buy a Focus, change the oil regularly, and drive it into the ground...but not underwater.

Get on craigslist and buy an engine. If you're near any reasonable size city you'll find an xj being parted out within a week. Buy the motor and swap. It's not that bad a job.

 

I love that smiley