Driving through water in a 3rd gen

I had an interesting experience the other day.. I had been averaging right around 18mpg mixed driving for the last ~4 fill ups until last Tuesday. We got some crazy weather down here in southern Minnesota; 60mph winds, 2 tornadoes, and 6 inches of rain. I drove the truck home, ended up going through water up to the top of the tires for about a mile or so (truck drove great through deep water btw >.> ). I got home and parked it in the garage, and came back out to the garage about 2 hours later to work on a project and heard a buzzing noise from under the truck. I had no idea what it was, still don't I guess, but I gave it a good 10 minutes to stop and it never did stop buzzing. I didn't much care for the idea that something was shorted out, nor did I want to have a dead battery in the morning so I crawled under the truck. It seemed to be coming from the top of the gas tank, I'm guessing a purge valve. I got the key fob and turned the accessories on then off (didn't start the truck) and it stopped buzzing. I haven't had it come back yet, a week later, and no CEL or anything so I'm not really worried. The interesting thing though is that my gas mileage went up almost exactly 2mpg. I'm getting 19.5-21 from mixed driving now. It might just be that I am getting more miles on the truck (1800ish) but the engine runs smoother, transmission shifts nicer... idk. I'm kind of regretting not doing the diff breather mod yet, maybe I'll take a look at the fluid this weekend..

 

Judging by your estimate of the location, I would guess it was something in the fuel tank pressurization system. I'm guess the gas mileage is unrelated.

 

Probably right on the mileage, I'm wondering if the fuel map doesn't change slightly after a certain number of miles. Running a little rich helps with engine temps, and with the extra friction of parts wearing into spec I suppose it's not impossible they would have a richer map for break in.

 

Evap test, it's in the manual

 

You might want to do the diff breather mod if you do that type of water crossings. You may already have some water in there now!

 

At just above the tires he still has several inches to go before water, exception of some splashing maybe, directly enters the intake.

 

He's talking about the rear differential breather not the intake. If the tires were submerged, the breather was submerged too.

 

You should change the oil in your diff asap. If water got in there it will be bad. Also do the diff breather mod while you are at it.

 

Once the water is above floor board level, a standard vehicle will start getting 'lighter'.

I have my doubts the water was 'top of tire' and 'driving well'. I'd predict you were still somewhat below floor board level.

Of course, if it did have a bit of float, that might explain the MPG increase. Wt reduction and all.

And as others have said, a diff breather mod would be reasonable if you plan to soak your rear regularly.

Be careful in deep water. Standing or moving. See lots of folks get in serious trouble by underestimating the water or overestimating their vehicular prowess every year. I'm not talking about seasoned off roaders. I'm talking folks in the 'burbs.

 

Breather shuts closed when there is a pressure differential, creating a vacuum.
Contamination doesn't occur through the 'breather'; it occurs through the axle seals.
This is why you need to use a real two way breather. Relocating a one way does no good.

 

would there be any noticable symptoms of water in the diff? (other than the milky fluid)...anything that you could feel while driving?

 

He's the deepest water I've been through..https://youtu.be/PNQWh1FFeko

 

someone put rain-x on their windshield

 

Your truck came with a go pro mount for a reason

 

Rain x sucks go with http://www.aquapel.com/What-is-Aquapel.php

 

I drove through a thunderstorm a couple of days ago with a lot of lightning. I heard a "chirping" noise while idling. I now have 50 more hp!

 

Being a lifetime Floridian it is a big help.

 

I use Meguiar's Cleaner Wax on mine and also spray wax.

 

whats better about this product, i am interested in it

 

Aquapel is like rain-x but better last for 8 months+ up here in the PNW. It stays clear just a way better option imo.Aquapel Glass Treatment & Rain Repellent

Aquapel Glass Treatment & Rain Repellent

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A6VS7TO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_m6rVxbMRBGHG7