Hydrostatic Lock

When an engine is suspected of hydrostatic lock (regardless of what caused the problem), follow the steps below.

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Lift the engine cover retaining grommets off the ball studs and remove the engine cover.
3. Place a shop towel around the fuel supply line quick connect fitting to catch any fuel that may be under pressure, then disconnect the fuel supply line. Refer to QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS .
4. Loosen the air duct retaining clamp at the throttle body.
5. Disconnect the intake air temperature sensor electrical connector.
6. Remove the makeup air hose at the air cleaner housing.
7. Remove the air cleaner housing retaining bolt.
8. While lifting up the air cleaner housing, slide the air duct off the throttle body and remove the air cleaner housing from the vehicle.
9. Inspect the air duct, air cleaner housing and the intake manifold to make sure the system is dry and clear of any foreign material.
10. Place a shop towel around the spark plugs to catch any fluid that may possibly be under pressure in the cylinder head.
11. Remove the spark plugs. Refer to SPARK PLUG, REMOVAL .
12. With the spark plugs removed, rotate the crankshaft using a breaker bar and socket.
13. Identify the fluid in the cylinders (coolant, fuel, oil, and others).
14. Make sure all fluid has been removed from the cylinders.
15. Repair engine or components as necessary to prevent this problem from occurring again.
16. Squirt a small amount of engine oil into the cylinders to lubricate the walls. This will help prevent engine damage on restart.
17. Install new spark plugs. Refer to SPARK PLUG, INSTALLATION .
18. Perform the Engine Oil Service procedure. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL SERVICE  .
19. Connect negative battery cable.
20. Start the engine and check for leaks.