Tarping for Deep Creek Crossings??

What you trying to achieve is a bow wave and to stop the engine bay from filling. That means not stopping for a cup of tea in the middle of the river if you can help it. Reason being that the fan will otherwise pull itself into the radiator like a propellor in water and flatten some of those vanes thus blocking a bit of airflow. Maybe damage the radiator seriously tho I havent met anyone with that problem. The fan is plastic to start with and the viscous clutch should let the thing slow down some but dont count on it. Maybe another forum readier has had some experience of this.

I have crossed a few creeks and had the water fairly high as it pushed up the front of the vehicle making it seem like we were heading under but never had a problem. I used a tarp on the front couple of times when it was a bit deep just for insurance but many dont bother. I just tied it on over and outside and the water pressure just pushed it tight against the front. I suppose putting it under the bonnet would hold it in place a bit better though. If the attennae are a prob you can remove them at least mine can be.

Most important is to get out and walk the creek first with a long stick to look for holes and boggy bits. If there are others going through recently then you are pretty sure not to get stuck

Next important is to be in 4wd. Sounds a dumb remark but plenty of folk forget or dont have the hub locks on. Not good in crocadile country hey.

Hope this of some help and I stand corrected if someone can show the error of my tenor. Criticism welcomed and encouraged.

Owen

Hi Signman

I am not a big believer in tarps as most 4X4 these days have air con and radiators that stop the water coming through as long as you keep a bow wave going. I have an 80 series which is a lot like yours. If you are not going fast enough to create a bow wave then the water will come up from underneath the car, so unless you can get a tarp all the way under your motor and seal it of from underneath their is no point.

Have fun

Craig

When water depth exceeds published vehicle fording depth I always use a tarp. I tape the tarp to the top of the bonnet and simply avoid the UHF and HF antennas. While letting the car cool avoids the problems of water entering rapidly cooling components, this is only so if the water stays away from the top of the breathers. When water depth exceeds fording depth this cannot be guarateed. Allowing the fan clutch to cool avoids the fan cutting through the radiator, but muddy water does dirty the radiator core, so a tarp helps in muddy conditions. I always turn off A/C compressors, but any assistance to keep water out of the engine bay will help the alternator also. While the idea of a bow wave works in all circumstances, I like the idea of a tarp when watr depth exceeds fording depth.

Most high clearance 4wd's have a fording depth of 700mm (about the top of the wheels).

Signman,
Michells sacks water bra mate is ya answer.
Has holes for winch, and arials, and a pocket for ya snatch.
It fits like a glove and works a bloody treat.
ya can order over the phone, just grab any 4by mag and get their number off an add.
IMHO ya cant beat em.
and they're not dear, around $150 i think, but top top top quality!
Cheeers
Wayne-o