Just bought a truck with a snorkel, what do I need to check before I actually get the truck in water

I bought a new truck, it came with a snorkel. I understand you're supposed to seal and or waterproof certain parts before it's ready for water? If so, what do I check to make sure I don't kill my truck? I saw something about sealing the air intake box so water can't get in but what else needs to be done?

 

Snorkels are actually meant for dust, not water. At least those that are made for our trucks. It’s not a military snorkel. You’d have to seal everything up well but keep in mind that you wouldn’t want to go any deeper than the lowest electronic module.

 

Yeah I understood it was for dust mainly. I live in an area with a decent amount of streams and rivers so having a snorkel for water would be nice, just wanted to know how much work I'd have to do for that. What would I have to seal up? Pretty much everything and everything?

 

If you want to check how sealed the snorkel is the best way to do so is to pull whatever style of head you have off. Leaving just the 3" tube on the top and with the engine running put you hand over it, in theory if its perfectly sealed, the engine can be stalled out due to lack of air. If you do that and nothing happens you can tell its getting lots of air from other places. Then pull the inner fender liner out and and inspect the connections between the snorkel and the airbox. Like others mentions the snorkel is more for dust however a good seal can help in water crossings that are up to the height of the hood. Passed that there are too many things to mention that need to be taken care of.
Also if you wanna do any water crossings, make sure you relocated the rear diff breather if it hasn't been already. Even on a 18" crossing you'll flood a diff.

 

What about relocating the transfer case, gearbox, and front diff breathers? I redid my fluids and my front diff and transfer case had some water in them. I did go through a river but it wasn't very deep or big so I'm not sure if I did that.

 

It never hurts to move them up at far as possible, tucking them up to the windshield wiper motor is about as high as they can get.

 

the rear diff breather is on the top of the rear diff, extend that at minimum, even on a truck that only would cross a flooded street

 

Water getting into the intake is only one thing that you have to worry about when doing water crossings. As stated above, do not go deeper than any electronics module or fuse box. I would seriously spend some time on this forum searching threads regarding water damage before you decide to do any water crossings. There have been many folks that have had to spend a fair amount of money repairing their trucks because they went too deep!

 

Electronics are the biggest issue. Super easy to start frying ecms once you involve h20. The cabs aren't sealed- if you go into water past the door sills, it'll be in the truck. Cleaning the carpet will be the least of your worries if you go further.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone. By electronic modules do you guys mean the ECU or just any electronic part such as the alternator? I never planned on doing any serious river crossings but I want to make sure my truck can cross water that goes to 75% of my wheel (I'm on 33's with a 4 inch lift)

 

Is it a black truck?

 

someone was selling a water crossing rated snorkel with a white fender the other day. might see if you can find that listing in the classifieds section and see what the differences were and how its sealed.

also flagging for follow for future "is this hydro locked" thread

 

it's not a black truck

 

Modern vehicles have more than one electric control module (ecm). Examples other than the main ECU, would be ABS, SRS, 4WD, etc, etc... These are located in various places in the cab, and again, the cab is not water tight. If 75% of your wheel in height means water is getting in the cab, you're gonna have problems. Also keep in mind that water can and will make it's way into things like your wheel bearings and shorten their lifespan...

See this recent thread to see what it takes to repair water damage: May have killed my taco..penny for your thoughts | Tacoma World

 

as far as the engine bay goes, for water levels nearing the stock airbox inlet Id be worried about the fuse/relay box, maf, igniter, and the associated connectors/wiring

 

Along with everything already stated be aware that front/rear axle bearings while having seals are are "water resistant" not water proof. Same with the steering rack.
A quick dip now and then is usually fine. If you are up to the sills don't stop to get that picture.

 

Snorkels are not for deep water crossings. They are to collect dust free air from the top of the cab instead of from the fender well. You will flood the cab and electronics before you get deep enough to hydro lock your truck. Just enjoy the clean air it provides on dusty roads and avoid deep water crossings. Just sayin' .......

 

Thanks, I barely know anything mechanical but I'm trying to learn. I checked out that thread and yeah I hope to do nothing as serious as what he did.