Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hey all.

Got the vitara in a bit of bother this evening. Was driving through one of the many water hazards in Newcastle and managed to find a hole that was about nipple deep. (Yeah I know, should have walked it first, even though it was a major road.)
Managed to pull it out with some help, but the engine wont start.

I am heading back over soon with a mate to see if we can get her going again. What should I check for in order to get it going?

I know i should check the easy parts battery, spark plugs/coils (coil on plug ignition, no distributor) and swap/dry them as neccessary.

What else should be on my list and how should i attack it?

(98 swb vitara with 2.0L J20a engine)

pull plugs out n crank it over
wd40 in the bores n crank it again.
undo all magor plugs n spray with wd40 then put back together.
check oil for water.
check air filter and inlet plumbing
coil n dizzy,computor if it has one etc

crank it again it should start

I was going to ask the same for my mates VN Commodore V6 that was found floating at the local shopping centre when he finished work

Do you have to check and dry the computer if water got that far up??
If so, is a VN in the passenger footwell?

yes and yes, left front kick panel.

Update: got the car home and did everything as said. Water was in the engine, but is now all removed and spark plugs/coils cleaned and replaced.

Another problem has reared its head instead. Looks like the started motor might have swallowed some water and is refusing to cooperate.
Tried to clutch start it instead, however the auto locking hubs have not been unlocked, and thus cannot do a rolling start.

Any ideas about getting the started motor kicking over again? I tried tapping it so the brushes might start going again but no luck.


Thanks for the info above fellas. Much appreciated.
Who knows, I may just figure out DIY mechanics eventually...

you may have to pull the starter out and dissassemble it. Spray heavily with wd40 and leave to dry. Then give it another light coating in wd40 before reassembly. You may have to regrease the bendix drive too.

Might be a stupid question but why cant you roll start it with the hubs engaged

The alternator will need attention as well.
There is no reason you cannot bump start it.