i think i flooded my z, what can i do?

[mushupork5]

from what happened I'm pretty sure i flooded the engine of my z today, or badly damaged it. So here marks the end of a good thing, my 76 280z that I have only had for 11 months. Water came rushing in through the driver side floor and I knew i was in trouble and then it died and I still had to get it up my driveway and the only way was to crank the starter with the car in 1st gear and the clutch out, smoke was everywhere. So really what I'm wondering is if there is something I can do with a flooded z (at least thats what I think it is, I'm going to make sure when this damn rain stops). Or am I better off stripping the parts and trying to find another z? all i can really say is *UCK

[2ManyZs]

First thing I would do is pull the carpet and the drain plugs in the floors and let it dry out as quick as possible.

Once it starts to dry out, take some WD-40 and pull any of the electrical harness plugs you suspect might have gotten under water and spray them as well as the plug wires, under the cap and then change all the fluids to be sure. Engine oil and transmission to be sure, and perhaps even the diff fluid if it sat in the water very long. If a seal is seaping even the slighest bit, it would have allowed water to get in there.

I'd also put the car up on jackstands and check the drains on the frame rails, if they are plugged, unplug them.

I doubt just driving through the water did all that much damage, but to be sure, you ought to park it and let it dry as much as possible before you start using it again.You might end up having to buy replacement carpets if they are soaked, mildew is going to be your worst enemy with the carpets and backing.

[Ed]

Originally posted by mushupork5

smoke was everywhere.

Your smoke was probably just steam. I don't think you dammaged your car that bad. Like 2many suggested dry it out change fluids and she should be alright.

[Daniel]

I also doubt you did much if any damage.As for the water on the inside I have friends that run a detail shop.They remove the carpets and pressure wash them then lay them on a table made of a fence gate to dry.I've seen them do entire cloth bench seats the same way.Your car died when the exhaust when under.Had a friend in highschool that did that .Car would not start.Tried everything.Turns out the cold water dunk collasped the hot exhaust pipe in one area.Unhooked the pipe for a test and RMMMM! Hey at least it wasn't salt water!!

[280zx Fever]

My 79 280zx was all wet inside from the rain... both windows wound down when i got and it had been sitting for 2 years...

Dried it out and its fine even the carpet is great not moldy or anything..

[Daniel]

I just remembered.There is a vent on the top of the rearend.It surely took in water.Its the plastic part that has a cap that just doesn't quite get tight in the center of the rear end.Like keith said Change all the fluids fast.

[beandip]

How deep was the water you were going through. Alot depends on this . The car dident sit there for long did it ? Like 2many said already drain the oil in the engine , filter too. Cheep insurance. The thing here is , when the engine and drive train is hot and gets sumerged in cold water , it causes it to suck the water in around the seals front and rear of the engine and trans and the same with the diff. Sorry . WD-40 as 2many said does wonders.

[mushupork5]

blew out the head gasket, thats the first problem, after thats fixed then we'll see if the car has any more problems