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Fitting of a snorkel concerns

Submitted: Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 08:10

TJC

Hi, I am thinking about fitting a snorkel to a 9/2003 T/D hilux, mainly for clean air intake (above the dust) and also for the occasional water crossing if it can't be avoided. I have heard & read about countless problems about snorkels either being fitted incorrectly or just failing. The most recent I heard of was a brand new hilux coming back from the Cape, crossed deep water, sucked water and one thing lead to another to the point where it was written off and the insurance was pusuing the 4wd place (a big name supposedly reputable place) that fitted it becuase it diddn't have o-rings/seals etc. A 50+ grand whoops.

Snorkels are everywhere and been around for a long time, so they obviously work if fitted correctly. Thats not the concern.

My concerns are:-
1) How long do the seals last?
2) Do they need to be maintained (eg. removed, cleaned and silicon preserver applied etc.)?
3) Is there Rust issues around the guard where a dirty big hole needs to be cut (this is a long term vehicle for me)?
4) Is there rust issues on the windscreen pillar where the brackets for the riser are brutally screwed into (this one concerns me the most, 'cause a guard can be easily repaired or replaced if need be, but the pillar is not)?
5) What's the best type/brand?

Thanks for any advice, opinions or experiences etc.
Regards
TJC
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AnswerID: 197432   Submitted: Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 09:54

Truckster (Vic) replied:

My concerns are:-
1) How long do the seals last?
Seals? My snorkel has no seals.

2) Do they need to be maintained (eg. removed, cleaned and silicon preserver applied etc.)?
Checking and resealing of joints wont ever hurt, but then again, why disturb a good join.

3) Is there Rust issues around the guard where a dirty big hole needs to be cut (this is a long term vehicle for me)?
Only if you dont paint the area where you cut.

4) Is there rust issues on the windscreen pillar where the brackets for the riser are brutally screwed into (this one concerns me the most, 'cause a guard can be easily repaired or replaced if need be, but the pillar is not)?
Same as above.

5) What's the best type/brand?
Safari.
Reply 1 of 3
AnswerID: 197437   Submitted: Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 10:50

Kiwi Kia replied:

Hi TJC, Truckster is correct.

Also, from personal experience with this type of vehicle - some model snorkels are noisy ! Check out other peoples vehicles to see what I mean.
Reply 2 of 3
AnswerID: 197445   Submitted: Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 11:46

Member - Matt Mu (Perth-WA) replied:

TJC my AIRTEC (TJM) snorkel was very professional and very well crafted. The 'dirty' big hole in the guard if 50mm and if you paint it after the cut...no rust issues.
The instructions require you to seal all joins with silicon before you tighten the hose clamps for extra protection.
The pillar mount is not screwed into the pillar but rather you drill two 10 mm holes, paint them and then fit the plastic plugs that you srew into...so no rust and SOLID joint, wont work loose.
The only area of concern that is no included in the kits is the 'ducks bum' valve in the base of most air cleaners. The do perrish and/or fall out.
I replaced mine with a short piece of hose with a boat bung in the bottom of it so can preiodicaly just unscrew the bung and drain the bugs etc out of the bottom. Works as an additional reservour for crud.

Do it!

Matt.
The Rig
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Reply 3 of 3