Snorkel = Snake Oil ?

[mauricio_28]

The following discussion pertain to the benefits of a snorkel when wading/fording. It does not pertain to the benefits of cleaner air, cooler air, more air, etc. from a snorkel. That being said, the question is:

Being that the air intake hose on most engines already sits pretty high, on some almost flush against the hood, does a snorkel not give a false sense of security unless the exhaust and the engine electrics/electronics are also shielded from water? Or in other words, is it not true that a snorkel really does not extend the maximum wading/fording depth of a vehicle?

 

[Spikepretorius]

Mmmmmmm. Theoretical or practical?
Suck some water into the motor unintentionally and bend conrods and all of a sudden a snorkel becomes a wonderful thing.
My view is that if you plan on going through any substantial water or have the risk of doing it, then you should fit one.

 

[mauricio_28]

If you're in so deep that you've sucked in water, don't you think the electronics would have gotten wet also, or that that water would have gotten in through the back door, the exhaust system?

 

[Spikepretorius]

Anything is possible but the thing is that you don't necessary choose when you're going to suck water. It can be an error or bad luck. Something can happen. depending on your skill and what's going down around you your engine bay should be relatively empty.
But a hydrolocked motor is waaaay more expensive than a snorkel.

All the electrics and electronics on a petrol motor should be sprayed with something before going in water anyway.
It's only diesel that can get wet like that (yeah baby)

 

[Alaska Mike]

I ran some deep water (windshield high in some cases) for years on my gas-powered CJ without a snorkel without ever sucking in water, relying on technique and no small amount of luck to maintain the air pocket in the engine compartment. I checked the air filter after every trip, and never got water near the air filter. I wouldn't suggest it. I now have an ARB, and I can honestly say I tense up a little less when I cross water. Admittedly, my CJ is not the most technologically advanced vehicle when it comes to electronics, but it also has a lot of electrical connections that aren't sealed as well as today's vehicles.

Food for thought.

 

[ntsqd]

The thing I've long wondered about snorkels is their max CFM. Seems to me that for their size and the number of bends & convolutions; and given their small operating pressure differential that they are borderline on being able to flow enough non-turbulent air for peak engine demand.
That is purely semi-educated guess. I've no idea what they actually flow, but I would be curious to see numbers.

 

[Desertdude]

in the design of the 04 and earlier year Tacoma's the air filter box is high but the intake is low coming out of the inner fender area.

 

[IggyB]

I've seen an 85 Toy seize the engine in 18" of water. Went in too fast, water splashed into the intake and then the engine would only rotate 300° instead if the usual 360°. Bent rod. :snorkel:

Yes, I have a snorkel. Not that I like going deep enough to really use it. It's for "Just in case".

 

[Michael Slade]

I've run my Chev 350 with the Safari snorkel for several years. I wondered the same thing, so I did some 'seat of the pants' testing and ran it w/out any air intake/filter at all, then hooked up the snorkel and ran it again. Didn't notice any difference.

I like the snorkel for the filtration, not so much for the water crossings.

 

[Colorado Ron]

A snorkel for water crossing is nothing more than expedition bling, UNLESSSSSS.................................

You extend all your vent tubes for axles, tcase and transmission. On a gasser, you need to also block the electronics. Its funny to hear people say, "oh yea I cross rivers all the way up to the headlights all the time" and you see they have done nothing to keep water out of any vital areas other than bolt on a snorkel!:yikes:

I have written an article on it here: More info on the subject!

 

[teotwaki]

FJ cruiser air inlet scoop in fender well

4th Gen 4Runners have a smaller, simpler scoop sticking into the fenderwell

 

[BigAl]

Which "electronics" are you guys talking about? The main reason to keep water out of the engine compartment is this

 

[Spikepretorius]

Yup BigAl, my point exactly. When you have a motor like that then all of a sudden the bucks for that bit of plastic becomes cheap at the price.

 

[Blair G]

Here a few more opinions on snorkals.

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2299&highlight=snorkel

 

[cruiseroutfit]

How many different ways do we have the same conversation...
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2299&highlight=snorkel

If you have to ask, you don't need it. There are several reasons to run a snorkel, water entry is just one of them. Am I worried about my electronics, NO, on a Toyota OE system (both my Landcruisers and my Taco) they ignition systems are pretty watertight, o-ring seals on the dizzy's, vented to the snorkel, etc. Mine has paid for itself, some might not... again its not for everybody, nor is a lift, nor is a locker, nor is a tow strap. Every vehicle has a different "fording" depth from the factory, in the case of newer Toyotas (as illustrated above) they can take on water in pretty shallow situations, a snorkel greatly increases that. As for a snorkel restricting the airflow to the motor, theoretically sure, but practically... no. I'm yet to hear of a motor/snorkel application that has the issue, none of mine have. I'm sure a built large displacement motor might, but again nothing I deal with.

EDIT: Blair beat me to the link