On Tuesday, parts of Chicago (especially Lakeview) were hit with record-breaking rainfall (~4" in 40 minutes). I was on Lake Shore Drive which had standing water up to 6-8" inches and stalled cars all along it. After maneuvering off my exit, I was at a stop sign (while sitting in about 8" of water) when an SUV plowed by me creating an enormous water wake that briefly submerged the hood of my car. The engine seized up, the "check hybrid system" light came on and the car refused to start. Finally managed to get it towed to the dealership.

Just got a call from Lexus. The air filter was filled with water, meaning there is water in the engine where it shouldn't be, meaning the engine must be disassembled to determine what the damage may or may not be, since the pistons may have gotten damaged/bent.

I guess it's possible the engine will have to be replaced/rebuilt. They can't look in detail at the car until Allstate comes and takes a look. The powertrain in this car is so complex, I'm afraid after that sort of repair, it will never again be the same. Curious if anyone here has any comments on what this sort of damage will do to an engine.

Guess I'll be in the Camry rental for a while. Not a bad car at all, but I'm spoiled with all of Lexus' power and gadgetry. At least it has an AUX jack for my iPod...

Is it too early for a Martini?

PS Here's a crappy phone pic from LSD on Tuesday. (I bet the iPhone takes better photographs!)

 

ohh man thats crazy... hope everything works out for ya. keep us posted

 

oi sorry to hear that... good luck with the repair!

 

I think your going to be needing a new motor.Did any water get in the interior?could be a write off.Just my 2 cents.

 

Doesn't look good, but it's best not to worry. Let the car be diagnosed, and deal with the situation one step at a time. Hopefully, all goes well...

 

Fortunately, the interior is dry as a bone (other than from my tears...).

Wondering if I need a new engine, is that enough for the insurance company to "total" the car? Now I'm thinking, when are the 2008s coming out and what's new....

 

Wow that's unfortunate. Hopefully your insurance company will do the right thing by considering it flood damage and total it out. Keep us updated.

 

Sorry to hear about this. Typical SUV tool move to haul through the water and splash it all over the place. Honestly, I don't know what't wrong with most of the people who drive those Stupid Useless Vehicles.

 

For those SUV'ers that do things like that, the following characteristics seem to apply: "socially challenged", "adultly adolescent", "incompetently aware", "remorsefully impotent", "caringly desfunctional". I could go on, but why bother. I say, just let them live their lives in peaceful unawareness! (end of rave). As for the rest of you SUV'ers out there, please ignore the above statements. They do not apply to you (some of my best friends drive SUV's).

 

Thank you for making that distinction.

Argelius, sorry to read this. Best of luck getting it resolved.

 

This is what insurance is for. Good luck!

 

Sorry to hear that, looks like a pretty crazy situation from that pic. Good luck on the repairs, I hope things go smoothly for you.

 

Sorry for your loss, hope for the best!!!

Do keep us updated, best of luck!!!

 

Any updates yet Argelius?