[Sco-tie]

How deep of a water crossing can you do in a petrol engin with a snorkel.
What protection does a snorkel actually offer? What about the spark plugs?
What other prep work needs to be done to ensure a working car at the end of a water crossing?
Cheers

[shep]

the only petrol 4wd i have owned that didn't like water was a holden powered 40 series.
ya just need to make sure that everything is in good condition and the dizzy cap still has the rubber gasket in place

[Gwagensteve]

Your car looks pretty shiny - It's not preparation under bonnet that's the deciding factor (once a snorkel is fitted) it's how willing you are to fill the interior with water.

Even if the engine is running fine, there is always the risk that you will diff out on a rut or rock in deep water and get stuck or have to stop and reverse. This is when your interior will start to take on water.

So think about the water level in the engine bay and apply that to the inside of the car. If you don't like the idea of that much water in the car then there's your limit.

Travel with others and ensure a more capable car goes ahead of you and you can assess the risk as appropriate.

If your snorkel is well sealed to the air box there is little other special preparation required. Bear in mind there will be a drain hole in the bottom of your air box. That will have to be plugged if you are planning deeper crossings.

Steve

[bailey08]

I drove into a puddle and got bogged quarter way, water just under head lights, rear wheels just out of water. started winching across the puddle and water water over bonnet and 3/4 up drivers door, 1/4 way up passenger door, so it was pretty deep. had minimal water in the car so will stay water tight for a bit. I have a snorkel and had no problems (i wish I personally had a snorkel lol, was a pain looking for the winch engage lever under the bumper under water).

[Sco-tie]

Yeah im not planning on going swimming with it lol and Ill make sure all the seals are good before i do anything and ofcourse let the leader go first then i can pull them out. The pic in my dp is of the car as standard with nothing added except for bull bar and spotties there are plenty more mods to go on before ill be taking it out.

[Gwagensteve]

It's not the door seals, the doors fill up and the water comes past the trims, and there's lots of grommets etc for the water to get past. Door seals rarely pass water. You can get water under the carpet and not know until the stench starts getting to you.

Steve.

[JrZook]

I dunno about all you other guys on here but I would look at loosening or taking off the fan belt in prep for deep crossings. The fan does like to try and make love to the radiator in many cases. Not cool! Oh and I wouldn't assume that if you have a fan clutch (viscous hub) that this make it immune to it eating the radiator. Ever tried grabbing one running at say 4K rpm? I seriously doubt it will stop straight away

[DMAC]

I have done some deep crossings when out at Cruiser Park. Water over bonnet deep.

My first rule is if you can't walk you can't drive it. Also nice to know what the bottom is like too.
I let a larger car go first as zukes are light and can be pushed easily if the water is flowing.
Its nice to see what your up against.
I have an electric fan which I can turn off.
Spray electrics with water repellent like WD40.
I fit a water bra. Tarp will do.
Have a plan if things go pear shaped and prepare for that. Ie. attach snatch strap, setup for winching what ever your plan is.
Windows down.

Once committed don't baulk.
Approach the water in low range 1st or 2nd go at a pace that starts a bow wave and tavel at that speed. Ie. don't overrun the bow wave.
Do not change gears.

After you do the deed check diff, transfercase, and gearbox oils for water contamination.

It seems logical that snorkels are for water crossings but I think the main benifit is to lift the air intake up out of the dust and the heat of the engine bay.

[Sco-tie]

Thanks DMAC! I was planning on doing most of those things already from what ive learnt from watching off road dvds and mags etc but its good to hear it from other people and have it all written down in the one spot. ill keep all that in mind and ive already got waders for walking it out as for the snorkel my original conception was that obviously its for snorkeling but from research that is normally kind of vauge now know its mainly for good air woot for learning before you screw up and try SCUBA diving with your 4x4