We have a problem HOUSTON!

Update:

1989 Ford Maverick ("the Rock") Diesel.

Well, well, well. Took the head off to see why missing on a new engine only $26k on the clock. Missing piston. Uncle thought WTF, and it got the better of him.

Piston was tight, ok, weird, get it out, give it a clean, and what are these weird grooves. next piston a little easier, and again weird grooves. No coolant AT ALL. Yes old man it will over heat without coolant!

Empty the sump, where is all that water coming from??? 2 ltrs of water out of the sump.

Off to a engine recon expert we go

Diagnosis.

Silly of bugger we bought it off has taken it for a swim - big swim. The car does not have a snorkel or fins for that matter.

So far it needs a few more parts than first thought. The recon expert needs to look at the insides of the motor and check to make sure the water hasn't damaged anything else. Water and diesels don't mix.

So my question to you all is what else are we missing?

What snorkel do you suggest we invest in?

What hidden damage could there be?

All the above aside the lad is very excited to get this up and running by Easter - off to Straddie :)

Thanks for all your hard earned advice.

Any of the big players have a great snorkle ARB, TJM, Op Lock and Ironman
Safari and airtech are used buy the major players as well,
Avoid the cheap Ebay ones sometimes the templates are not to scale and contours dont fit the body correctely

Sounds like a total rebuild coming up unfortunately, as you will need rebore or replace piston liners by the descriptions you have given.

A snorkel is a good idea - I like them and have one, but you can get by without one .. just keep out of deep water over 700mm deep and you will be fine. We go away with quite a few trucks without snorkels, and I get worried for them every water crossing but they haven't had any issues yet - even in fairly deep water

yep and if no snorkel then use a tarp across the front to help push a bow wave.