Snorkel users.

[Blain]

Question. I installed the Airflow snorkel on my Xterra a few months ago. So far so good, and no problems. In the directions, it says to never turn the intake so it's facing backwards. Causing negative pressure in the engine, maybe it's just for Nissans but I have seen a few pictures of trucks running snorkels with the head turned around backwards?

I was a little worried about rain water, but I drove through a really bad down pour on the highway for almost an hour with the snorkel facing forward, and arrived with a dry air filter.

So, just wondering why some are turned around, or if their even aware that it may cause issues with the engine in certain makes.

 

[The Adam Blaster]

I don't "know" but I think the force that the engine exerts while sucking in air would be enough to pull the required amount in, even while turned backwards on the highway.
If you're that curious about it, just try it early in the morning on Sunday when there's no traffic.
Get on the highway and see if the truck feels like it's getting less power.
Worst thing that happens is you don't get enough air and you feel it, just pull over and turn the intake back to the forward position.

 

[overlander]

I think most turn them backwards when operating in off trail under highway speeds, when negative pressure would be created, such as fording and mud.

I could see how backwards on the highway could rob you of power in certain applications and high speeds.

 

[Mr. Leary]

I now have a pre cleaner on there, but when I had the scoop, I had it turned around so it would not catch so many branches. That is all. I never noticed a power loss after turning it around.

BTW, I like your little "dude" in your front bumper.

 

[justinhw]

I now have a pre cleaner on there, but when I had the scoop, I had it turned around so it would not catch so many branches. That is all. I never noticed a power loss after turning it around.

I thought it was to reduce possibility of getting dust and dirt into the intake when driving behind people off highway <-- is this a significant consideration?

 

[Hill Bill E.]

I thought it was to reduce possibility of getting dust and dirt into the intake when driving behind people off highway <-- is this a significant consideration?

Just having the snorkle will help with that. (ie: the intake is higher than stock, above the dust cloud the tires kick up)

But the engine is going to take in just as much air regardless, I don't think turning the head around will really prevent dust from getting in (at low speeds anyway), as the intake will suck in whatever is near it.

 

[trump]

I've always understood it to be a way of keeping bugs from collecting in the air box. As for water and dust with the Safari Snorkel design:

http://4wheelsupply.com/arb/safari-snorkels-arb-air-ram-info.htm

 

[Blain]

OK, cool. Thanks guys!

I was just wondering, and definitely good things to know. I do check my air box a little more often than usual after regular driving and usually end up cleaning a few "bugs" out of their. Nothing that would cause serious performance issues.

I'm fine with leaving it facing forward all the time. I suppose if the wind was bad enough while driving at high speeds it could be turned around, but I'm not to worried about it right now.

Mine does a good job with water as well, as mentioned above the monsoon I had to drive through, the air filter was completely dry after that trip.

I have gone down a few tight trails, and if I could fit them I think some Limb Risers would really help out, or just be a little more careful driving so you don't take off the top of the snorkel.


"BTW, I like your little "dude" in your front bumper. "

Thanks!!

 

[winkosmosis]

More air pressure is a good thing if you want more horsepower at highway speed, but why would you want more horsepower? On the highway you want better gas mileage! So you benefit from the intaking pointing backward and reducing pressure/density.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I can't imagine how pointing the the snorkel backwards could cause engine damage. It just doesn't make any sense.

I've HAD to turn mine around before, while driving in a blizzard. The snow was building up inside the throat of the intake tube, starting to block it. It absolutely worked to reduce the amount of snow going inside, and I would imagine it works for dust too.

Turning it backwards WILL NOT improve gas milage. Not a chance. The lower pressure/density at the intake will cause you to step on the gas a little more to achieve the same power, increasing how often the ECU sees "high throttle" and therefore running in a rich open loop setting.

 

[CanuckMariner/Nomad]

Having it face forward will also increase the "ram" effect and thus increase air intake. This is good for highway conditions at cruising speed and does increase fuel economy - Australian 4WD Action Magazine a few years back did a test on this and proved that a snorkel can pay for itself in about a year.

Having it face backwards does decrease bugs, etc. - the snorkel will still suck air to the engine or you would notice a decrease in power - but in no way effects engine performance except at cruising speed when the back pressure works against the design effect of ram. Hence decreasing fuel economy. :costumed-smiley-007

 

[rusty_tlc]

Sanity check

Aside from lower intake pressure on the highway wouldn't this (turning the intake backwards) cause an increase in the amount of dirt going into the system at dirt road speeds due to a vortex behind the intake? (Same principal as the Dyson vacuum.)

Or am I crazy?

 

[barlowrs]

Just back from a trip to big bear and on one of the trails, Torquey ended up cracking his as it got caught on a tree. Fromt that point on, I had my facing backward just in case. With it forward, it creates a nice "hook" that will catch things.

 

[Dirty_Jeeper]

Just back from a trip to big bear and on one of the trails, Torquey ended up cracking his as it got caught on a tree. Fromt that point on, I had my facing backward just in case. With it forward, it creates a nice "hook" that will catch things.

Mine is currently in a fixed forward position(home brew) I plan on removing it and adding a couple set screws to make for a change in direction quick and easy.

 

[barlowrs]

Mine is currently in a fixed forward position(home brew) I plan on removing it and adding a couple set screws to make for a change in direction quick and easy.

Yeah, the pipe clamp that comes on the safari snorkel makes it very easy to switch it around. I had never turned it around, but after seeing him catch his and crack it, I decided its a good idea.