Deep water crossing - Gen 3

tj90

Member
Did the Afton river crossing in my stock 03 montero. I learned the the door seals stuck and the floorboard flooded with a few in of water. I figure it was 30ish in deep. Took out the mats and drove home with windows open and carpets were dry from desert heat and wind blowing. The north side of crossing definitely a few in deeper.

My rig is completely stock and it handles the crossing fine. I was throwing a fuel evap code on my way home and noticed that when I refueled with 1/2 tank there was a very large vacuum when u removed the cap. I figured that I may have blocked a evap vent valve or something and my CEL codes are real. I'm hoping that eventually they will clear with time..

Anyway, I've read other forums that talk about diff vent tube extensions and changing fluids after water crossings etc. What do you guys know about gen3 and water crossings?

I see a post a post from @eyehate here:

Here is the afton crossing with my rig:
 
Last edited:

Michael Brown

You followed me, so now we're both lost
I've had mine up to the fender well crossing a river more than once. Much like the crossings you showed. Have not had any issues so far, not even leaking past the door seals.

You may want to check the vacuum lines around the fuel/evap system. If your door seals are drying out and not sealing, some of the rubber lines may be doing the same.
 

dos531

Member
If you havent extended your diff and trans breathers I would change the diff oils and trans fluid for peace of mind. Doesnt take much water getting sucked past the seals to cause damage.
 
if ur getting water in automatic trans. it's a goner .
water has a deleterious effect on clutchbfacings.
aisin trans are more durable than some others but will succumb eventually.
lastly automatics deal with hydraulic pressures, water don't compress.
valve bodies do and water will blow seals or valve body castings
 

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