Hydrolocked LS3
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 1
From: NJ..."the way I saw it, everyone takes a beating sometimes."
I agree that the starter is probably toast. That actually was good because you DO NOT want to make several attempts to start it if there is water in the conbustion chamber. Like everyone suggested, pull the plugs and try cranking it over to see if any water comes out. The penetrating oil and a day or two to dry out might just be enough. Hopefully it's not major and the shop takes care of you. Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,259
Likes: 16
From: Monroe Township New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
St. Jude donor in memory of jpee '14
Is the Callaway CAI for the LS3 placed lower than the LS2? I have been caught in some very bad rain storms traveling around in Florida. The puddles were unavoidable, maybe 3 inches deep (hard to tell from the top 
) I was putting up a bit of a spray even at slow speed so I imagine the air dam was under water and yet there was no water in the intake and the car was fine. (and yes I slowed down to a crawl after I saw the water spray)
I also thought that Callaway has never had an incident of a hydrolocked engine.
In any event sorry to hear about your problem, good luck
) I was putting up a bit of a spray even at slow speed so I imagine the air dam was under water and yet there was no water in the intake and the car was fine. (and yes I slowed down to a crawl after I saw the water spray)I also thought that Callaway has never had an incident of a hydrolocked engine.
In any event sorry to hear about your problem, good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,690
Likes: 1
From: Northern Calif
I was always muttering *&^*()(&&# ... 427, God Da...$#^%%$##@*.... 427 as I was going through some big puddles recently during a rainstorm with my Honker. My wife kept asking me "what?". My reply was always, " huh?---ahh nothing" Then afterward I tolf her what a 427 is.. She didnt see the humor.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
For those worried about me taking the car to a dealer for warranty work, as I stated in my second post, that isn't going to happen. My insurance company is going to cover the damage under comprehensive.
As for the speed, I was creeping at under 10mph through the puddle. I guess there was just too much water coming down and everything was already soaking wet from the drive to my office that the water got in past the air cleaner and into the motor. I don't know what the damage is, yet. The insurance adjustor will be checking out the car in a day or two. Once the damage is figured out, the shop and I will figure out what way to go...stay stock or go other. Again, depends on the extent of the damage. Tomorrow, I am driving my wife's Daytona RT to work. She doesn't want me to destroy the motor in my 86 Corvette and my 86 Monte Carlo SS wears drag radials year round (not great in the rain). After tomorrow, I'll decide whether I need to rent a car or not. I have that coverage on my insurance, so we will see. I'll give you all an update on the damage once it is torn into.
As for the speed, I was creeping at under 10mph through the puddle. I guess there was just too much water coming down and everything was already soaking wet from the drive to my office that the water got in past the air cleaner and into the motor. I don't know what the damage is, yet. The insurance adjustor will be checking out the car in a day or two. Once the damage is figured out, the shop and I will figure out what way to go...stay stock or go other. Again, depends on the extent of the damage. Tomorrow, I am driving my wife's Daytona RT to work. She doesn't want me to destroy the motor in my 86 Corvette and my 86 Monte Carlo SS wears drag radials year round (not great in the rain). After tomorrow, I'll decide whether I need to rent a car or not. I have that coverage on my insurance, so we will see. I'll give you all an update on the damage once it is torn into.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
All in all it's not a big deal... a comp claim is a non-chargable claim so it won't affect your rates. If the motor's toast they'll play to put it back to OEM condition and you can take the money and add to it and do some mods if you like 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
That sucks Neil...at least my car now has a broke buddy to talk to at the shop! Hasn't rained here in what, 2 months? First my son's field trip is canceled now this.
Ahh well. I'm hoping it's small and you are back on the road. If not, get a 427 and I'll buy your heads off your car now that the new FAST is coming out very soon.
Ahh well. I'm hoping it's small and you are back on the road. If not, get a 427 and I'll buy your heads off your car now that the new FAST is coming out very soon.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,206
Likes: 6
From: Makena, Maui & NM
Is the Callaway CAI for the LS3 placed lower than the LS2? I have been caught in some very bad rain storms traveling around in Florida. The puddles were unavoidable, maybe 3 inches deep (hard to tell from the top ) I was putting up a bit of a spray even at slow speed so I imagine the air dam was under water and yet there was no water in the intake and the car was fine. (and yes I slowed down to a crawl after I saw the water spray)
I also thought that Callaway has never had an incident of a hydrolocked engine.
In any event sorry to hear about your problem, good luck
) I was putting up a bit of a spray even at slow speed so I imagine the air dam was under water and yet there was no water in the intake and the car was fine. (and yes I slowed down to a crawl after I saw the water spray)I also thought that Callaway has never had an incident of a hydrolocked engine.
In any event sorry to hear about your problem, good luck
Last edited by siffert; Mar 19, 2009 at 12:47 AM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
That sucks Neil...at least my car now has a broke buddy to talk to at the shop! Hasn't rained here in what, 2 months? First my son's field trip is canceled now this.
Ahh well. I'm hoping it's small and you are back on the road. If not, get a 427 and I'll buy your heads off your car now that the new FAST is coming out very soon.
Ahh well. I'm hoping it's small and you are back on the road. If not, get a 427 and I'll buy your heads off your car now that the new FAST is coming out very soon.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,499
Likes: 5
From: Meadville Pennsylvania
I think they are in the same place. While its more likely to happen to a front grill cai intake, I did say it was slightly possible to happen to an upper opposite side of radiator intake. I can only guess a lot of water splashed to the radiator and bounced across to the shroud filter side. I think somebody on Smokin Vettes forum had Honker hyrdolock too.
I came CLOSE to hyrdolocking my RX8 which had a front moint CAI filter...BUT that was because a pickup decided to cut me off and threw a ton of water on my front end. It got to the point that my car was missfiring...but I took the filter out and let it dry...no problem.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
I'm sorry about the damage to your car.
Instead of de-modding the car in an attempt to defraud the dealership and GM in order to get free warranty repairs, I suggest you man-up and be responsible for your actions. I can understand your motivation but those that commit fraud are thieves...they're stealing. Again, I sympathize with your situation. It’s your conscience (or lack thereof) but come on...do the ‘right thing.’
Instead of de-modding the car in an attempt to defraud the dealership and GM in order to get free warranty repairs, I suggest you man-up and be responsible for your actions. I can understand your motivation but those that commit fraud are thieves...they're stealing. Again, I sympathize with your situation. It’s your conscience (or lack thereof) but come on...do the ‘right thing.’
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,206
Likes: 6
From: Makena, Maui & NM
I congradulate you on making it through 2-3" inches of water with your Vararam. Though the last time you posted about how your "Vararam Parted The Seas"
it was "I have driven in 4 inches of water no problem". Now this miraculous story is down to 2 inches? 
We have had other former Vararam owners chiming in with their own hydrolock misfortunes. I still believe its more likely to happen to a Vararam, but I always say it could also happen to Honkers and other radiator side intakes. If ya play, ya gotta pay. Maybe someday we'll get a real 6" water update from you. Till then...
Last edited by siffert; Mar 19, 2009 at 12:50 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 680
Likes: 11
From: Ames IA
I'm sorry about the damage to your car.
Instead of de-modding the car in an attempt to defraud the dealership and GM in order to get free warranty repairs, I suggest you man-up and be responsible for your actions. I can understand your motivation but those that commit fraud are thieves...they're stealing. Again, I sympathize with your situation. It’s your conscience (or lack thereof) but come on...do the ‘right thing.’
Instead of de-modding the car in an attempt to defraud the dealership and GM in order to get free warranty repairs, I suggest you man-up and be responsible for your actions. I can understand your motivation but those that commit fraud are thieves...they're stealing. Again, I sympathize with your situation. It’s your conscience (or lack thereof) but come on...do the ‘right thing.’
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,246
Likes: 130
From: Short Hills, NJ
Puddle was a little too deep for my 08. Was about 6 inches deep, but the puddle won. Motor cut right off...wouldn't start up. I took the air intake hose off and a good amount of water poured out of the TB. Called my insurance company to have it towed to my local performance shop and to place a claim. Warranty won't cover, due to Callaway Honker intake. Not even going to try...unless my insurance doesn't cover, then I guess I'll buy a new shroud and have the shop put it back to factory and pay for towing to the dealer. Not a great way to start off the day.
Those that have hydrolocked an LS motor, what type of damage is generally done? Thanks.
Those that have hydrolocked an LS motor, what type of damage is generally done? Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
People... the dealer will never ever ever ever ever ever cover hydrolock. This is a user error and has nothing to do with GM/Chevy. It doesn't matter what kind of mods you have done to the car or even if it's 100% oem stock. Your comprehensive insurance policy covers this. And a reputable quality CAI is not a problem. They cannot deny coverage because you have an aftermarket air intake on the car. From there perspective it's flood damage.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 680
Likes: 11
From: Ames IA
True, he did say that after editing the post of course, this was the actual original post:Again this is not to give the OP a hard time or anything, he certainly is taking the correct (legal) route...but for those all too quick to jump down the throats of others who have mentioned how fraudulent it initially appeared, please understand where it is coming from.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,246
Likes: 130
From: Short Hills, NJ
More like some of the people ripping the OP were not quick enough. He edited it yesterday. If people wanted to rip the guy they should have jumped in then. The OP edited the post yesterday and has said he's doing the right thing and we still have people ripping him. If you are going to give someone suggestions and rip them then read the whole thread in it's current context.
I was merely responding to those that might be responding to those of us that may've responded before the edit.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
People... the dealer will never ever ever ever ever ever cover hydrolock. This is a user error and has nothing to do with GM/Chevy. It doesn't matter what kind of mods you have done to the car or even if it's 100% oem stock. Your comprehensive insurance policy covers this. And a reputable quality CAI is not a problem. They cannot deny coverage because you have an aftermarket air intake on the car. From there perspective it's flood damage.
I think OP is now looking at this correctly and seeking the correct solution(s) to the problem. My biggest fear is that one can't always tell just how deep the water is, esp. when it's pouring out and visibility is terrible. But worse still is if this happens at night---then it's really a gamble.