Everyone is familiar with the effects of large quantities of water getting into the combustion chamber (hydro-lock) that can cause massive engine damage. But, there is a much more common form of water caused engine damage. Relatively small amounts of water in liquid form, much less than that required for hydro-lock, hitting very hot exhaust valves can warp them. It is caused by ingesting substantial liquid water, not from the normal vaporized water from injection systems. This type of damage is more subtle, usually resulting from multiple big puddle high water events over a longer period of time that have splashed liquid water into the intake system. The resulting engine damage can go un-noticed, and can be difficult to detect. Usually the first clue shows up as minor power loss from slightly lower compression due to the poor sealing of one, or more, warped exhaust valves.
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