Waterlocked my truck, help!

[learningcircles]

Hey guys,

I have a 96 mazda b4000 (4.0 liter ranger by another name) and got in some water that was much deeper than it looked (isn't it always?)

It shut down in the water and refuses to turn over. I figure it's waterlocked (water in the cylinder). I've never done this before, but tomorrow I'm going to try pulling the plugs, spraying WD40 in it, turning it over quite a bit, then change the oil and see if it come back.

Hopefully I didn't bend a rod, valve, or break the crank, etc. I wasn't doing any high rpms when it shut down. Are the 4.0 motors known for any specific problems if they water lock?

some tips and suggestions would be great. Thanks!

 

[Sunk]

Check the oil too, there may be water in there too.

 

[06RangerXLT]

Check the oil too, there may be water in there too.

little early in the morning for ya sunk? lol


Do all that, and let us know. basically just pull your plugs and crank it over. there isnt much else you can do. Idk if id use WD40, but its up to you. crank it, dont let it run, then drain your oil and put a fresh filter on. your gonna need a ait filter, and to clean the IAC, MAF and intake hose. grab a can of intake cleaner. clean the hoses off of the truck to keep more stuff getting in. if your lucky, you might not have bent anything. You'll know right away when you start it next. New plugs isnt a bad idea since your in there.

Check yourtrans for water, as well as your rear diff. if you had enough to get in the intake, im betting your trans if full of water. you diff will be if the water was above the rear wheel arch.

 

[Explorin94]

I hydrolocked my 92 years ago. I only had water in one of the cylinders. I never seen any adverse reactions from it. I actually retired the engine at 353,XXX miles cause the body of the truck was rusting so bad. Definately pull all the plugs and drain the oil. I'm with 06 when he said to check the transmission, but only if it is an auto. The 5 speed shold be alright. Definately check the rearends unless you have a high vent/breather that you put on it.

 

[learningcircles]

How do I open up the transmission and differential? anyway to check it for water?

 

[pcollins]

If its an auto pull the dipstick. If its a manual get under it and pull the FILL plug to make sure its full, and not of water. The rear diff just has a square in it on the front for a 3/8 drive to loosen it.

 

[learningcircles]

OK, so...

I changed the oil. Twice. I'll change it again in a few hundred miles.

I drained and changed both differentials, and I'll probably do that again soon too.

Now, how do I change the fluid in the transfer case? Is there a good pictorial/write up on this? Where is it at on a 4.0?

 

[exbass94]

How to change transfer case fluid:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242696

 

[learningcircles]

How to change transfer case fluid:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242696

Thanks, just what I needed.

I'm never getting near water again in this

Could you explain where under the truck it is? Also, I can just use the same fluid that I put in the transmission, correct?

 

[exbass94]

The transfer case is bolted to the back of the transmission. It's what the driveshafts bolt to. It uses the same fluid as the transmission.

 

[learningcircles]

The transfer case is bolted to the back of the transmission. It's what the driveshafts bolt to. It uses the same fluid as the transmission.

Thanks, sorry for the newbish question, my last ranger was rwd only. You guys have been a big help!

 

[learningcircles]

so, there is a problem. I apparently don't have a fill plug? It looks like the auto-lock for the hubs could be making a difference too. here is a picture:

Here is the tag on it for further info, it looks to be a warner 1354:

 

[exbass94]

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80702&highlight=drain+plug

 

[learningcircles]

the drain plug was hidden under a heavy, black round thing connected by 4 bolts. There were no sensors or cables going into it, so I have no idea what it does. I put it back on after I flushed the system and 4x4 seems to be working fine. Any idea what it was?

PS, I put Dexron/Mercon III in the transfer case and transmission (that what advance auto parts had in the system for it). Is that good for it? I'm going to be flushing it again soon, so I can change it to something else if that's not right. Also, how much fluid does the transmission take to fill again? I didn't keep track the first time

Also, does a manual 5 speed have a torque convertor or does the clutch interface directly with the fly wheel? Should I be worried about water being trapped in that?

 

[exbass94]

The black round thing is a vibration damper. Some trucks have it, some don't. You probably don't really need it. I'm sure you meant to say Dexron III/Mercon, not Mercon III. (sorry, that's a pet peeve of mine) and yes that's the correct fluid. The transmission takes about 2.5 quarts and uses the same fluid. Manual transmissions don't have torque converters.