Motorcycle Flooded With Water? | Here’s How To Fix It In 7 Easy Steps

Do not attempt to start a motorcycle flooded with water. Bikes can be rode in the rain and are made to handle most weather conditions. Just make sure you don’t let water flood into the exhaust system or air filter. This would fill the combustion chamber inside the engine and require you to drain it before attempting to start the engine.

Can I try to start my bike if the exhaust filled with water?

These steps are only for bikes that have quickly dunked under water and have NOT been submerged for hours or days.

1. First thing remove the spark plug.
2. Remove the air filter (If wet) and wring it out the best you can.
3. Drain the air box and exhaust from any sitting water. (wheelie position or upside down works)
4. Turn the rear wheel slowly while the bike is in gear to pump out any water in the cylinder. It will come out of the spark plug hole if the bike is still tilted.
5. If your bike has a carburetor remove the bowls drain screw, drain the gas and then reinstall.
6. Replace spark plug after drying the contacts and check for a spark.
7. Attempt to start the motorcycle.

You can also put 3 tablespoons of fuel down in the spark plug hole and directly into the combustion chamber so that the engine may start a little easier.

I like to rotate the tire (motor in gear) after adding fuel a couple times to run some pure gasoline back through the bike.

What if my Bike has been under water for days or weeks?

In this situation you need to do a very thorough list of tasks if you want to get your bike running again. Especially if you want it to last for years to come.

If your bike has been submerged for a long period of time then water has most likely filled everything.

Here is a check list of things I would do in this extreme situation:

1. Remove and clean the brake pads and braking system, applying grease to the cam but not the brake lining.
2. Take out the air filter and replace it with a new one.
3. You should remove the exhaust muffler and wash it thoroughly with kerosene (dry before installing)
4. Drain the fuel tank and check for any corrosion around the neck and lid. Clean it out with gasoline and compressed air to prevent rust from forming.
5. Remove the spark plug and tilt the motorcycle to drain out the water.
6. Clean the spark plug contacts and do a spark test to make sure it produces a spark.
7. Drain the engines oil completely, you will probably see a lot of water.
8. Drain the air compressor tank from any water.
9. Clean the drive chain with a wire brush and kerosene. Lube the chain and adjust the slack.
10. Use compressed air to flush out any water, this is great for hard to reach places.
11. Spray all the electrical couplets with contact cleaner to ensure a proper connection.
12. Take apart the carburetor and clean the jets and housing with carburetor cleaner. 
13. Check the fuel line, you may need to replace the fuel strainer.
14. Re-install the exhaust and spark plug, air filter and carburetor.
15. Re-fill the engine oil to the appropriate level or check owners manual for quantity.
16. Start the engine and let it idle for about 5-10 minutes so it can warm up.
17. Stop the engine, drain the oil and repeat 2-3 times or until the white color oil is gone. This will ensure all the water has been flushed from the motor and it only contains oil.

Conclusion:

Be patient if you experience flooding and try your best to dry everything out as much as possible.

Protect the longevity of your motorcycle by doing it the right way.

I hope this guide helped answer some questions of anyone experiencing a flooded motorcycle or a quick fix for a race.

Comment below if there is any tips you would add or if this guide helped you in any way! 

– Dirt Bike Masters