possible water in engine

[shikikanzero]

so were working on a build and the engine from the donor car had its distributor left off, which wouldn't have been so bad if the hood wasn't vented. so a couple of rains later i fear water might have gotten into the engine. the engine isn't planned to go into the other car for a while, and isn't going to be torn down, so what would be the best course of action? theres still oil in the engine. thanks for any help

[SoundEfx]

Why risk it?
Simply tear the engine down to make sure that everything is good.

If you take the time to put the engine in and it hydrolocks, you'll be worse off than if you tore it down.

Now there is the slim chance that it would start on the first crank and everything is fine.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Like you said you're tearing it down. Just make sure there's no rust spots on any of the bearing surfaces, and in the cylinder walls.

[corey170]

He said the engine is NOT going to be torn down, so that would be extra work required. I thought hydrolock only happens when water gets into the cylinders? wouldn't water just be mixed in with the oil if the distributor was left off? I don't think it's too big of a deal but I also don't build engines...

[SoundEfx]

I would atleast take the head off and inspect the engine.

There is no way I would simple place an engine in my car knowing that it has water in it, regardless of where.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

He said the engine is NOT going to be torn down,

Well, I fail at reading.

The best bet then is to douche the thing out with oil, and run it for a while, preferably before swapping it in to your car.

[Lobo240sx]

Inspect the oil that is in the engine to see if it is mixed with water. Take the valve cover off and look for corrosion in the head. Worst case as stated, may need to take the head off to at least inspect the cylinder walls.

If you can turn the crank with a ratchet on an engine stand, that could be a good sign.