I sank my jeep in a creek last night, engine died (assuming that it died due to water in the intake). I plan to change all the fluids, pull the plugs to get the water out of the engine, check over all the electrical connectors and do my best to dry out the inside.

Anything else I should do? It’s a daily driver and I’d like to keep it reliable.

 

Pull the distributor cap off and allow to dry.
pull the carpet out and allow to dry

Dont forget to change the differential oil

ETA
Is it lifted? Just wondering how deep the water is lol

 

tranny fluid too. antifreeze should ok

 

It’s an 01 so it has the coil packs instead of the distributor, do I need to do anything to them?

And I’m running about 3” of lift on 31s

 

Give it plenty of time to dry out. Also, change every fluid. Axles, transfer case, transmission, oil, etc. Heck, you may have even got some water in the gas tank.

 

Some good advice here. I agree with you and would change out every single fluid. Fluids are inexpensive and are the lifeblood of your vehicle.

The engine management sensors are a bit of a wildcard for water intrusion. If the sensor itself was actually submerged, I would remove the connector, spray everything thoroughly with electrical contact cleaner, replace the connector and hope for the best. I will tell you that the throttle position sensor (TPS) really hates water. If you have issues starting it, that is definitely a sensor to keep in mind for replacement, don't bother trying to dry electrical sensors out if they fail testing or are symptomatic. Get MOPAR sensors if available.

Good luck and be sure to keep us updated!

 

Update: I pulled the intake off up to the throttle body and there is a puddle in the intake manifold. Some of the spark plugs were wet so I’m certain it died from water in the intake. Starter spun but didn’t engage so I’m going to hook a booster pack up to it tomorrow and try to spin the engine over and get that water out of there.

When the engine died it was at around 1250-1500 rpm, what are the chances I bent a rod or did engine damage?

 

There is an chance of engine damage. Did it sorta sputter and peter out or did it stop like a door slam?

 

if no damage i would shoot some marvel mystery oil in the cylinders to keep it lubricated and the plugs out for a bit until it fully dries (the entire jeep that is). change fluids and i mean everything except maybe coolant. dont forget power steering and brake fluid. and new air filter for obvious reasons. regrease everything in the undercarriage and take a gander at your brakes as well and maybe relube them. dry heat in the gas tank as well.

 

It just shut off, didn't seem like a very hard stop but it didn't sputter either.