Post by
Jacko3 »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/jacko3-u85814.html
Tue Aug 12, 2008 4:54 am
csguy0:
I am going to go by my experiences with submerged cars in my comments, and I don't know how it specifically aplies to the G.
1. Judging by the water level, i am highly doubtful that the water made it to the wirings of your dashboard. Over many years of auto design and experiences, most auto manufacturers tend to hide wires right under the dashboard, covered by all sorts of plastics. I don't remember ever seeing them hiding wires on the floor, and this dates as far back as the 70s as far as i can remember--even my little Nissan has zero wires on the floor--remember some of these cars are sold in tropical areas of the world, that are more flood prone than others, and so auto manufacturers tend to take those conditions into account when designing their cars as well----the G was designed for the world and not just for North America. So, I wouldn't worry about those wires for now, but in time, rust could be a problem---and when they become a problem, it probably would affect only a small or single part more than others---problem with electrical problems is that they are a pain in the a$$ to detect. In addition, do you plan to keep this car forever? If you don't, then some kid who has been dreaming about having a G-35 Coupe all his life will readily buy it from you some day. So, don't worry about reselling the car in the future---I doubt you bought this car for reselling purposes---you probabaly bought it for driving--so focus on driveability.
2. I drive with my window down all the time, 24/7, 365/12, for years--I do the same with my G-35. If humidity and moisture was a real pain, then my little nissan and the other cars I have had in the past should have quit by now. Heck It rains inside of my little Nissan sometimes when I leave the windows down---never had a single electrical problem till date. And then, if it does occur, usually electric windows tend to go out first---the motors are relatively cheap to replace.
3. The one part I think needs immedate replacement is the entire clutch assembly. I cannot stress this enough. Clutch systems and water are perfect enemies---heat inside the bell housing will evaporate that water and some of it will surely cause metal parts to rust premarturely. Rust of any kind inside of your clutch can cause a catastrophic failure, and this could happen anywhere on a trip at high or low speeds---this is more of a life and death issue. Replace the clutch fluid as well.
4. As for your brakes, I am highly doubtful, any moisture made it through. In addition, your calipers have a plastic seal where the pistons push out from them. From caliper to brake lining, I think you will be okay. Just replace fuilds, brake pads and rotors simply beaucse a rusted rotor may cause uneven and excessive wear and performance. And judging from the picture, I really doubt the water made it to your brake fluid container--but just change it in order to be safe.
5. Just about all the sensors have seals. But, with 5 - 6 hours of flooding, some seals may have given way. I would ask you tell the technicians to check each and every replaceable and removable sensor. I would rather have new sensors than cleaned ones. It takes less than 1 micron of vapor, which somnetimes cannot be seen with the eye, to cause some of these sensors to give false read outs--they are very sensitive these days. Many years ago, in a lab, I used to work with all sorts of lab equipment that had sensors, and I was amazed at how even a small change in the state of the materials in their outer coating could interrupt effective readings. Of course, this includes replacing all your 4 02 sensors.
6. In my little Nissan, I have never replaced the in-cabin air filter or serviced the A/C since it was bought in over 14 years ago. A/C works perfectly well, and in-cabin air filter has never caused me any disease or hospitalization as a result of mold or humidity---I really don't know why people worry about these small issues.
7. You alternator---just get a brand new one--don't even bother to think about this. If it works today, it would probabaly give you the headache of your life in a few weeks--I have never seen an alternator that loves to be submerged. Now, surprisingly, alternators tend to do well, if sprayed with a water hose during washing of your car, as it removes dust that can cause electric charges around it, which sometimes can cause it to fail. However, one must run their car immediately to dry out the water under the hood--big difference between being submerged and a small/short spray with a water hose. I wash under the hood of my little Nissan all the time with a water hose right in front of my driveway--i spray everything under the hood--never had a starting problem.
8. As for your exhaust, if anything needs to be replaced, it would probabaly be your cats. The water may not affect the metals that cause the catalytic effect, but I think the water my affect the honey comb inside the cats, as i suspect they absorb moisture and degrade over time. So, I would suggest the cats are replaced. The rest of your exhaust is just a contraption of baffles and drive ways for gas to escape.
I don't think you have a lot to worry about. You engine block and heads are made of aluminium, and I doubt the water made it to that point. I certainly would not sell the car anytime soon. I would keep if for another 3 years and enjoy it properly. I never buy stuff to sell. I buy stuff to use or enjoy it. Same goes for my house. All those calculations on value, price, etc, are all a bunch of bull to me--too much headache to be worrying about. Just have faith and someone will come by and buy your car from you, if in your heart, you really really want to sell it. But most of all, I am sorry for this incidence. It will all be well. My humble and honest 2 cents. I am unworthy.