How to Restart Your Bike When the Engine Stalls in Rain

Abdullah

21 Aug 2024

289

How to Restart Your Bike When the Engine Stalls in Rain

As August arrives, monsoon rains reach their height, frequently causing urban flooding, particularly in cities like Karachi. For motorcyclists, navigating flooded streets can be tricky, often leading to engine failure. Knowing how to manage such situations can prevent serious damage to your motorcycle.

The Impact of Floods on Motorcycle Engines

Urban flooding poses significant risks to both motorcycles and cars. When water enters your bike's engine through the air intake or near the spark plug, it can cause the engine to fail. While we've previously discussed steps for car owners, it's equally important for motorcycle riders to know how to address engine failure due to water intrusion.

Why Does an Engine Stall in Floodwaters?

Water entering the combustion chamber disrupts the fuel combustion process, leading to engine failure. There are two primary ways water can enter the engine:

Via the Air Intake: If the water level rises above the air intake, water can be drawn into the engine, interrupting the combustion process.
Through the Spark Plug Area: In certain motorcycles, such as the CD70 and Pridor, the spark plug is located lower on the engine, making these bikes more vulnerable to water entering, even in shallow floods.

For other motorcycles like the CG, YBR, GS, GR, GD, and CB, the spark plug is situated higher up, reducing the risk of water entry through the plug area.

Potential Engine Damage from Water

Typically, water entering the engine won’t cause major damage. Your engine may just refuse to start for a few hours. However, in rare cases, water can cause more serious problems, such as damaging the piston or cracking the connecting rod. Fortunately, the engine usually stalls before any significant harm is done.

Steps to Fix a Waterlogged Engine

When water prevents your engine from starting, this is known as a hydro-locked engine. If this happens to your bike, follow these steps to try and fix the issue:

Do Not Attempt to Start the Engine: Trying to start the engine can cause further damage due to an improper fuel-to-air mixture, which can put undue stress on the piston or connecting rod, potentially leading to breakage or bending.
Remove the Spark Plug: This ensures that the engine cannot combust, allowing you to proceed safely.
Shift the Bike to Neutral: This prevents any unintended movement during the repair process.
Attempt to Kickstart the Engine: For bikes with a kick start, try 3-5 kicks. If your bike has a self-start feature, give it 3-5 short bursts of 1-2 seconds each. This process helps expel water from the engine through the spark plug hole.
Inspect the Spark Plug: If the tip of the spark plug is blackened, replace it with a new one. If it’s a light brown color, you can clean it using a dish scrubber.
Allow Time for Drying: Give the CDI unit and other components a few hours to dry out completely.
Reinstall the Spark Plug and Start the Engine: After everything is reassembled, attempt to start the engine again. It should run properly now.

When to Consult a Mechanic

If your bike still doesn’t start after these steps, it’s best to take it to a mechanic. They have the knowledge and tools to diagnose and repair any lingering issues that might be causing the engine to fail.

By following these steps, you can protect your motorcycle during the monsoon season and keep it in top condition, even in challenging flood conditions. For more helpful guides and tips, stay tuned to Gari.pk.

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