Vehicle Writedown: Post Submerged in Rain

[soap]

My friend's VW Polo got submerged in the heavy rainfall that occurred last week in Bangalore. He got the vehicle towed to the nearest VW service station. The service personnel are saying that the vehicle is a write down as the water has not drained properly from the powertrain and the complete repairs will go beyond the IDV of the vehicle. My friend is flabbergasted. I would welcome any suggestions from the forum members on how my friend can proceed next.

 

[bhvm]

Re: Vehicle Writedown - Post submerged in rain

Unless they foolishly tried starting the car with water in, damage is not that bad. Drain the fluids, then use hair dryer to dry out the internals. Spray liberal WD40 on each joint, wire, fuse, motor, bearing etc.

The car should be recovered soon.

 

[kkn13]

Re: Vehicle Writedown - Post submerged in rain

Yeah my cousin's Ritz diesel and a friend's 5 series were also submerged like this a few years back and they tried cranking but an incomplete crank
They faced the same issues , finally they simply gave them to a well known mechanic in my area (separate instances and different years) and he had them up and running in a week
For some reason, I found the acceleration in his Ritz more linear than my identical one(bought together) after the episode and car never felt the same again but it was working and no issues at all fortunately,better than a write off at least

Not very sure about the 5 series though, I havent sat in it after the incident
But I have seen it running and parked when Ive gone to meet him so Im assuming its alright

 

[soap]

Re: Vehicle Writedown - Post submerged in rain

I will update soon. He has a two wheeler to cater as well. My God! I now know when one says things can get worse from bad.

 

[Nanofreak]

Re: Vehicle Writedown - Post submerged in rain

Unless they foolishly tried starting the car with water in, damage is not that bad. Drain the fluids, then use hair dryer to dry out the internals. Spray liberal WD40 on each joint, wire, fuse, motor, bearing etc.

The car should be recovered soon.

I second @bhvm suggestions, my '82 Bajaj super I had bought in June, and that years Monsoon was severe in kanpur, it was parked at the lowest end of our bungalow, and water came up to the seats, the downpour was in the night, I and my brother panicked, we asked our neighbour uncle what to do in the morning water had receded, he called Parker our FNG, he came, opened the plug, tilted the scooter drained out the excess water, blank fired with a cloth on the spark plug mouth, till it became warm, put back the plug, and violla it started, he took it, drained the oil, cleaned the carburater and filter, and everything worked. I suppose it was the simple engineering no electronic gizmos that saved it.

 

[bhvm]

Re: Vehicle Writedown - Post submerged in rain

There's a nice video from scotty kilmer. Its for older vehicles with simpler electronics, but basics remain the same-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47B1oo6nDZw

Please follow these tips before visiting any mechanic.

 

[bhvm]

Re: Vehicle Writedown - Post submerged in rain

I will update soon. He has a two wheeler to cater as well. My God! I now know when one says things can get worse from bad.

Most importantly ask him to disconnect battery negative in all affected vehicles and absolutely DO NOT crank them or run any electronics. Don't even put key in ignition.

 

[soap]

Re: Vehicle Writedown - Post submerged in rain

Here are some updates
- The car was sent to the service center via towing vehicle once the water was pumped out of the basement. No cranking was done
- The total loss suggestion was given by the service centre personnel (!!) and not the insurance surveyor. I have asked my friend to first get a repair estimate from the surveyor

It seems there were around 25 vehicles at the VW place. My guess is that the VW Service folks want to take the easy way out rather than check the vehicle

I am also planning to get in touch with Bosch Service centre as Plan B

 

[Suryaputhra]

If car not cranked follow these Points, point to point electrical check including ecm, drain engine oil and fill two times, drain and fill transmission oil. change air filter, fuel filter. all fuel lines brake booster and others need to be checked. Open the valve cover door manually rotate the engine by rotating tyres. If you found vales opens smoothly and engine is not struck the you can crank engine.