So I was stuck in a river in the middle of nowhere a few days ago and Idled for 13 hours before I could get a tractor to pull me out. Exhaust was submerged and didn't want to turn the motor off. If this bad for the engine. I see alot of signs around here saying idling is bad for your car and the enviernment but I didnt know if that was just hippie propaganda or not. I didn't burn any oil or coolant and only used a 1/4 tank of gas. Thanks.

 

Did it get hot? I am not sure how it is on a car but if I idle my dirtbike for more than a minute the header starts glowing red. I would think that it would be fine though.

 

Well your bike must be lean. But dirtbikes also don't have cooling fans, they need to be moving and getting fresh air to keep them cool generally.
If you didn't lose coolant than I'd say you didn't overheat. I think the only concern is that the tail pipe was submerged meaning the exhaust gases couldn't escape properly. And this is not good for an engine. I don't what damage it would cause, I'd think the engine would've stalled out if the exhaust wasn't able to escape at all. So maybe you just have an exhaust leak somewhere and that's what saved you

 

It should have been able to escape. I can blow air out of my lungs under water. Why couldnt exhaust fumes do the same? And if it wasnt able to escape you probably would have smelled it in the cab

 

id be checking the oil, diffs and trans t-case fluids.... water will seep in. if the engine oil looks good and oil psi is ok id say youre fine. i would still change all the mentioned fluids .

 

I agree, it's best to check all fluids so u can sleep better at night knowing your jeep is ok. Preventive maintenance is the best way to prolong the life of your jeep.

 

100% Change the differential fluid.

The only thing idling did was burn gas.

13hrs huh? Time to buy a winch?

 

Only 1/4 tank for 14 hours? Damn I gotta plug my exhaust in the winter mornings, then!

+1 change all of your fluids. If your exhaust was submerged then so was your oil pan, transmission, transfer case, and differentials. Regrease everything too.