DEUCE HYDROLOCK!

Published on April 21, 2019
Duration: 10:23

This guide from Deuce and Guns explains how to identify and address a hydrolocked engine, specifically on a Deuce and a Half military truck. It details a method for checking for hydrolock by briefly bumping the starter and outlines steps for clearing fuel hydrolock by removing and reinstalling fuel injectors. For more severe cases involving water or coolant, it suggests more involved engine disassembly and repair.

Quick Summary

Engine hydrolock occurs when incompressible fluids like water, fuel, or coolant enter the cylinders, preventing the piston from completing its compression stroke. This can cause severe engine damage. The Deuce and a Half is less prone to water hydrolock due to its high air intake placement. To check for hydrolock, briefly bump the starter with the fuel cut off; a sudden stop indicates a problem.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Hydrolocking
  2. 00:21What is Engine Hydrolock?
  3. 00:41Causes of Hydrolock (Water, Fuel, Coolant)
  4. 00:65Engine Damage from Hydrolock
  5. 00:84User Error: Driving Through Water
  6. 01:09Engine as an Air Pump
  7. 01:17Water Intake into Engine
  8. 01:28Submerging the Intake
  9. 01:39Volume of Water Ingress
  10. 01:47Engine Totaled
  11. 01:54Deuce and a Half Hydrolock Resistance
  12. 01:68Air Cleaner Location
  13. 01:87Water Crossing Depth
  14. 01:93Fender Splash Protection
  15. 02:00Causing a Wave
  16. 02:10Snorkel Kits
  17. 02:31Second Cause: Coolant Hydrolock
  18. 02:36Blown Head Gasket
  19. 02:47Coolant Channel into Cylinder
  20. 02:59Fluid Does Not Compress
  21. 02:71Third Cause: Fuel Hydrolock (Deuce Specific)
  22. 02:81Fuel Pump Running Off
  23. 02:84Injector Drips
  24. 02:96Liquid Fuel Compression Failure
  25. 03:10How to Check for Hydrolock
  26. 03:20Pull Engine Stop
  27. 03:24Diesel Engine Shutdown
  28. 03:37Ignition and Fuel Pump
  29. 03:46Bump Start Test
  30. 03:58Sudden Stop Indicates Hydrolock
  31. 03:62Push Engine Stop In
  32. 03:71Starting the Engine
  33. 03:81If Hydrolocked: Next Steps
  34. 03:90Open the Hood
  35. 04:01Engine Overview
  36. 04:31Six Cylinder Engine & Injectors
  37. 04:37Removing Fuel Injectors
  38. 04:42Cranking to Expel Fuel
  39. 04:48Reinstall Injectors and Pray
  40. 04:54If That Doesn't Work: Head Removal
  41. 04:59Valve Covers and Head Removal
  42. 04:63Split Head Design
  43. 04:68Focusing on One Head
  44. 04:78Replacing Both Head Gaskets
  45. 05:05Catastrophic Engine Failure
  46. 05:11Bent or Thrown Rod
  47. 05:17Multi-fuel Engine Failure
  48. 05:28What to Do After Catastrophic Failure
  49. 05:32Finding a Replacement Multi-fuel Engine
  50. 05:41Difficulty of Finding/Installing
  51. 05:48Engine Swap Popularity
  52. 05:54Alternative Engine Options (Cummins, International, CAT)
  53. 05:66Benefits of Modern Engines
  54. 05:73More Power and Fuel Economy
  55. 05:87Engine Swap Cost vs. Stock Replacement
  56. 05:57Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes an engine to hydrolock?

An engine hydrolocks when an incompressible fluid, most commonly water, but also fuel or coolant, enters the combustion chambers. When the piston tries to compress this fluid during the compression stroke, it cannot be compressed like air, leading to immense pressure and potential engine damage.

How can I check if my Deuce and a Half engine is hydrolocked?

To check for hydrolock, pull the engine stop lever out to cut fuel. Turn on the ignition to engage the fuel pump, then briefly bump the starter. If the engine stops suddenly instead of turning over, it is likely hydrolocked.

What is the quickest way to fix a fuel hydrolock in a Deuce engine?

For a fuel hydrolock, remove the fuel injectors. Then, crank the engine to expel the excess liquid fuel that should spray out. After clearing the fuel, reinstall the injectors and attempt to start the engine.

Why is the Deuce and a Half less prone to water hydrolock than other vehicles?

The Deuce and a Half has a significantly higher ground clearance and its air intake system, including the air cleaner, is typically positioned much higher than on most vehicles, often above knee height, making it harder for water to be ingested.

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