Hydro lock
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4
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Hydro lock
My engine hydro locked. I was not driving it. I went to start it in garage and it would not turn over. I found out the fuel diaphram ruptured and gas got into the engine. I need to change the oil and filter, new spark plugs, new fuel diaphram, and dry out inside of engine. Any idea of the cost to have these items repaired ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
Cost by pros 500.00 ish. Towing, tune up (spark plugs), FPR replacement, lof ... shop may try to sell you flush. and there will always be something more. Only 1 cylinder is locked usually but fluid will be in others. Most of the process would be routine maintaince. Other than dissabling ignition (unplug ICM) and injection (pull fuses for injectors) so engine could be turned over to clear cylinders. You would want a fire extinguisher and water hose close also car outside and away from anything you care for, there is a slight chance of flash fire.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
Cost by pros 500.00 ish. Towing, tune up (spark plugs), FPR replacement, lof ... shop may try to sell you flush. and there will always be something more. Only 1 cylinder is locked usually but fluid will be in others. Most of the process would be routine maintaince. Other than dissabling ignition (unplug ICM) and injection (pull fuses for injectors) so engine could be turned over to clear cylinders. You would want a fire extinguisher and water hose close also car outside and away from anything you care for, there is a slight chance of flash fire.
A lot less if you do it yourself. Make sure its just gas and not water from a head gasket.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
To the OP:
If you pull the plugs and crank it (taking precautions against fire hazard), you'll know PDQ if it is coolant or fuel that is locking it. Then you can proceed according to what squirts out of the plug holes.
Either way, an oil/filter change is SOP, and a new FPR is a given. But, as for plugs or other stuff...nah.
Whether water or gas is determined to be locking it, bringing the piston to the top and injecting compressed air in the spark plug hole will clear it out. Then rotate the crank 180 degrees, and squirt a little motor oil in the cylinder and roll the starter a few revolutions. OR, you can crank it with all the plugs out...will work, but might take longer.
If it is water, you'll have to find out where it got in. The cost will be for gaskets, and your time if you're a DIY guy. No biggie.
If it is fuel, you may luck out, cost wise - tho I'm still
of fuel locking it, tho the FPR replacement is a given. Change oil/filter and the regulator, lube the cylinder(s) (optional) and that should do it.Note: The only time I saw a fuel caused hydra-lock was after the ignition switch was left on for a minute or so and an injector was stuck. It didn't take long to fill the intake runner!
Last edited by Paul Workman; Oct 12, 2013 at 10:39 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: moraga ca
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
Total cost to repair is $148.00. The cost of one pizza, a case of beerr, two oil changes and a new fuel diagram.
Replace the fuel diaphragm. Pull the plugs, drain the gas, clean the plugs and replace. Change the oil run for no more than 10 minutes, then change the oil and filter again.
Now you are good.
The beer and pizza is for your friends who help you out.
Replace the fuel diaphragm. Pull the plugs, drain the gas, clean the plugs and replace. Change the oil run for no more than 10 minutes, then change the oil and filter again.
Now you are good.
The beer and pizza is for your friends who help you out.
Last edited by billschroeder5842; Aug 31, 2019 at 08:20 PM.
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