Deep creek crossings

Got to agree with Kev. Raise the breathers up as high as you can in the Engine bay for the front one and up near the vent on the rear panel. Fit a fuel filter cartridge to stop sucking in dust.
The blind should tuck under the front panel and up over the bonnet. If the water is really deep, it might also pay to remove the fan belts as well.

Agree also - and don't forget the gearbox/transfer box. If the petrol is like the diesel, then they are already tee'd together and run up on the firewall, just behind the engine (hard to see, but it's there). I extended the front diff and gearbox/transfer to high up in the engine compartment, with small transparent fuel filters on the end of the hose. The rear diff, I went into the rear quarter panel (behind the tail light) by cutting a small hole through the rubber bung underneath and sealed with silicone.

The problem with the standard breathers is that they have a non-return valve on the end which allows them to release air due to expansion as it heats up, but closes when the pressure reverses (as it cools down). Thus, with a hot diff suddenly being cooled in a creek crossing, there is a real chance of sucking water in past the oil seals.

Cheers
Gerry

Fit a diesel

CJ - I have found I do not need to limit the fan. I had to hop out one day when in 1.2 meters of water to move a submerged log, for interest I raised the hood of the hilux. Fan was not spinning as the water restriction was stopping it from doing so. From that day on I assumed with the viscus type fan it is not an issue and to date it has not been.

These days I like to see the water down a bit before I take the dip. Had to open the doors and let out a flood of water too many times. These days I am more concerned with the computers, so keep crossings to a max of 800mm.

Cheers Tony

My Motto exactly - If you Walk it without struggling against the current you can drive it. If there is no current the water must be below any motor intake.

I have also found that with viscous coupling fans you do not need the blind out front. I have done a lot of deep crossing with no drawbacks.

Cheers Tony