Got stuck in a surprisingly deep mud hole, and now the truck is taking longer to start.

So today I went off-roading and got stuck in a deep mud hole. The truck was initially failing to start, but it turns out the ground line was just loose for some reason. The truck is now taking an extra 0.5-1s to start, but after that, it runs fine. I've driven it for about 20 miles at speeds ranging from 30-60mph with no issues, but after learning where the air intake vent is, I'm super worried that I got water in my engine. I have no idea if hydrolocking is something that occurs instantly or after some time so some input would be appreciated. Attached is a photo at its deepest.

 

If the starter got submerged, then it's on borrowed time.

 

Your intake is well above the water line and behind your fender liner. No issues there. It’s basically behind the decorative crease in the bodywork of the fender.

 

It doesn't look like it to me, maybe slightly. If that is the case is replacing the starter the only thing that needs to be done?

 

Okay good to hear, do you have any idea why it would be taking longer to start?

 

I would suspect, like others, that the starter has had muddy water in it. That may reduce its spin up time.

However, my truck takes over a second to start, and it’s not been soaked in a mud hole, so I would say what you are seeing is normal, if you hadn’t told me otherwise.

But for sure, the starter is the most likely thing to have changed behaviour after getting submerged.

 

Could the Alternator be a cog in the machine, as well?

 

Okay, I just saw this picture on the forum which is what had me worrying. My truck is across my campus parked right now so no way of seeing if mine looks like that.

 

Those vents allow air into the area behind the fender liner, but the actual intake is high up in the fender, almost at hood level, with a splash guard over it.

Toyota has your back on this. They put the intake in the best spot possible.

 

Check to see if your air filter is wet or water damaged. I bet it's not, that doesn't look very deep. Delayed hydrolocking seems extremely unlikely unless maybe you had an air box full of water and then tilted sideways to pour that water into the engine, I dunno seems far fetched, and again hydrolocking is an instant catastrophic problem. Look for water if you're concerned though.

I once got hood deep in water, oops. Yes I had to change my starter. But it also had 180k miles on it. Problems became apparent immediately, solenoid wouldn't always engage right away. So cranking would be delayed or not happen at all, flicking the key a few times would get it though. Changed it right away when I got home. You can get a reasonably priced reman from Toyota, at least for the 1GR.

Edit: oh, and make sure your carpet is dry, the sooner the better. Pull the sill trim and lift it up. Be prepared to pull the seats and console to let it fully dry. Put a dehumidifier in there if you're in a humid area.

Edit 2: in the unlikely event your filter is wet, change it, check the oil, then drive the truck for an hour before leaving it parked for days on end. That'll get the residual moisture out of the engine.

 

The black plastic intake can be seen with the fender liner removed. The splash guard is facing toward the front of the truck in case any water makes its way up there.

 

Do people just drive threw water without knowledge of how deep it is ?

 

These trucks are loaded with computers, just wonder if one got wet thats now been affected. The water on the passenger side front tire appears above the rocker.

 

The starter probably got submerged if water/mud got up to the top of your tires like the picture showed. It's near the height of the frame: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-replace-third-gen-starter.661003/

 

Yes.

And then they know how deep it is.

 

Do you generally walk through it first? or send your wife through it first

 

Take a video of the extended start time. Post it on YouTube then post it here. It could just be in your head that it's taking a bit longer.

 

I heard in the dirty south, people pre-emptively hook up a recovery strap before going full send in a mud hole.

All the computers in the Taco are tucked high away from the floorboard. Not so with the 4Runner though...

 

Back in my "younger and dumber" age, absolutely we would! Now that I am older and wiser, I wait for someone younger and dumber to go through first.

 

Cool engine. Wash everything with moderate hose pressure. Brush off remaining mud. Rinse. Check air filter is clean or replace. Drive down the tank to light on and fill.

If something breaks later in life repair it.

Air down and sound ditches.