Snorkels - Horizons Unlimited

**danielsprague** · #1 30 Apr 2004

Hi

What's the opinion on getting a snorkel fitted to a Hi-lux? Are they just another piece of equipment (like sanladders) which are as much for show as they are useful?

If I do fit one, will I need to change any setting on the engine? Does it affect fuel consumption and performance?

I'm guessing I'll need to ford some rivers, but I'd be concerned about crossing water at the level of the engine intake regardless...

Cheers

Dan

**Roman** · #2 30 Apr 2004

Dan,

Quote:

<font face="" size="2">I'm guessing I'll need to ford some rivers, but I'd be concerned about crossing water at the level of the engine intake regardless...?</font>

Actually, they were first used in the Australian desert, in order to raise the air intake to the level where the air is cooler and cleaner.

Like any other piece of equipment people have invented for extreme conditions, it's there to make life a little easier, though not necessarily longer.

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Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info

[This message has been edited by Roman (edited 30 April 2004).]

**Toby2** · #3 30 Apr 2004

Primary reason for most travellers to fit a snorkel would be for the reasons Roman has given above. The ability to get cleaner air into the engine will significantly help its operation and hopefully give more life to the air filter. If you are fitting one for fording rivers, don't forget that you also need to extend all the breather pipes round the vehicle. These including things such as the differentials.

**Chris Scott** · #4 1 May 2004

IMO not needed out of water but they look great! All they really do is space out air filter maintenance. Noisey too.

Ch

**Bundubasher** · #5 3 May 2004

I also think they contribute to engine overheating at low speeds.

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Enzo
BUNDUBASHER.com

**Roman** · #6 3 May 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by Bundubasher:
I also think they contribute to engine overheating at low speeds.

Bundubasher,
May you please elaborate on that point?

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Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info

**Gipper** · #7 3 May 2004

They are definitely a good modification for a long trip, The air they feed is a little cooler, and carrying less dust or sand due to the height above ground. If you use a good quality Cyclonic head, (Mantec or Darrs) and not one of those Safari Snorkel sand suckers, it will also throw out most of the particles before they can get to the air filter,(they create a vortice in the cone and most particles are expelled out of small vents in the side, due to centrifugal force) and yes they prevent an engine hydraulic if you wade some deep water - but like the guys say, you need to use a snorkel in conjunction with (both) axle, timing case and gear/transfer box breather tubes for any sort of wading. You will rarely ever need the height of the snorkel for wading, if you enter the water correctly and create a good bow wave the low area behind the wave will be where your air intake is. BUT if you stop, lose traction or hit an obstacle, you lose the bow wave the water may then be high enough to enter the intake. I've only needed the height during competition driving, (up to the windscreen) if you drive through water that deep on an overland trip you are looking for trouble. The effects on fuel comsumption and performance are negligable and you should not have to make any adjustments. As for noise, with a larger capacity turbocharged (4litres+) engine requiring a much greater air volume, you will get a bit of induction noise, but very little with a 2.4 Turbo diesel.
As for Sand Ladders being for 'show' - when your stuck up to the axles in a big patch of Feche Feche, and you have no air left in your tyres to let out, you'll then realise how vital they are. Happy Motoring, Grif.