Snorkel

Like the idea of testing integrity of the snorkel. Will add to my list of pre-trip checks.

Was at Nolans Brook on the Cape in 2003 and this guy was beside himself after is engine blew up because it had water in it. Someone had pointed out to him that the connection around the guard had vibrated loose. He had incorrectly assumed that after having it fitted by a 4WD shop it should be right. WRONG
I have always checked every year since.
Another tip if you suspect a trip may involve deep water. In conjunction with my 4WD shop I have ascertained that I can go into water up to 25mm below the side mirrors. When I get to a deep crossing I stand next to my mirror, mark my shirt, walk the crossing, and if the mark is dry - go, mark wet no go. That way the decision is made in Melbourne and not in the heat of the moment with others egging you on.

The sealing the drain can be argued.
Safari design their snorkel heads to channel the water drops to the back of the snorkel head where they can drain away without going down the actual snorkel.


http://www.offroadaussie.com/2013/02/how-does-a-4wd-snorkel-work/

While the engine is running and drawing in air, if you do get water in the air box it isn't going to drain out. It will sit there, possibly with air bubbling through it, until the engine is shut down at which point it might drain.

The other reason to seal the air box is that the one way valves can fall out, I know the one in my wagon did, or be less than a good seal anyway.

My BT50 has a 'valve' in the bottom of the airbox but Mazda/Ford, in their infinite wisdom, decided to discontinue the thin rubber disc that might have had some hope of keeping the water out and left the hole open. I know it didn't fall out due to age as I found it missing with 1500km on the clock. It isn't even listed as a spare part.

Safari and a tube of Polyurethane sealant for me.

I also have a Safari snorkel fitted to my 4.2TD Patrol. I was surprised how much grot builds up in the drain slots, so it has become something I check on a regular basis.

Hooks,

Agree with the Safari snorkel, I have one, but original poster mentioned 'other' snorkels that may not work as well.

The drain is I agree is debatable, but keep clean will collect water and allow to drain on idle, the Toyota 100 box is designed to collect water in the drain recess, can't comment on all vehicles.

Sorry, Hoyks , spell check on my tablet...

Rob,

As Bludge said, Safari or Airtec. If you were planning on doing a lot of scrub bashing, the Airtec might be the better choice, because it follows the contour of the cab closely. The Safari could be damaged by any low, overhanging branches.

I fitted a Safari snorkel to an 80 series we had, after seeing the amount of water that got close to the air intake, at low speeds, in water maybe 600mm deep.

Two things to remember if you fit one yourself.............cutting that humungous hole in your pride and joy, and having the dexterity to be able to screw the nuts, onto the mounting studs, in the mudguard. Had to break my wrist in 3 places to get everything tightened up :-)

Had no improvement in economy, and it wasn't noisy.

Bob