Engine protection while off-roading

Hello Forum,

Any suggestions or ideas on how to protect the engine while mudding (besides not going mudding, LOL)? I'm always concerned that I'll damage my alternator or A/C compressor.

Thanks

 

......? just rinse off when you're finished.

 

He's talking about while he's actually going through the mud. Since Tacoma alternators are placed so low it's an issue when it comes to mud and river crossings. Not really sure how to help as that's not my forte, but I'm sure someone will be in to help.

 

Thank you for "wording" it better than I did Toyota Tech31. That's exactly my concern.

Jon4x4, I usually rinse off the engine ASAP & I do it with the engine idling. I don't shoot the water into the alternator or compressor. I just lightly rinse those areas.

Thank you both.

 

If you are concerned about citrus, there are very few deep mud areas. Jon4x4 was lucky enough to find the deepest I have seen out there yet. I found one, but only diff deep, not too bad. Citrus is more clay, sand, and grass/dirt trails and articulation areas. IMO, you will be just fine out there, I have seen plenty of stock tacos go out there and never have an issue.

 

That's awesome news! A few other members also mentioned that I should be fine out there but you reminded me of what others have said about the mud. Don't get me wrong, I DO want to go through some mud but not ALL THE TIME. The trails are actually what appeal to me most & we don't have that in Miami. I have a friend in Cleveland, Tennessee who drives his stock Cherokee on some beautiful trails.

Thanks again for answering so many of my questions man. I appreciate that.

 

this is the muddiest i have ever been at citrus so don't worry bout it.

 

Tis is another storey...lol

 

I killed my starter with mud one time. The little vent tubes easily took in mud.
Never had an issue with anything else though. I've had My truck fairly deep and pressure wash the entire engine with no issues.....yet.

 

Thanks for the info guys. This vid is one of my first times off-roading. My truck is a little higher now.
http://youtu.be/H62TXOmRZe4

And this one was earlier this year behind the Regal Cinemas in WPB:
http://youtu.be/wJoGGH7naQE

I thought I damaged the underside but all I did was bend the metal plate under the engine. Found one off of a 2011 for $40.

 

Hey I'm in this video!

I love watching the other videos it suggests after it's over. Like watching them try to get that stock excursion out.

 

Me too!!!

Those guys and their egos...

 

Should have just pulled it from the rear...probably would have had it out of there in 5 minutes, if that.

 

Yeah Fink & Dan. That Excursion was firmly planted in that hole!

 

From Sunday.

 

Do not drive fast. Your truck will create a bow wave at the right speeds lessening your chances of screwing up something.

The cleaner the water the better (don't be the last guy through the hole).

Exactly what you don't want to do. If your spraying mud on your hood your spraying the crap out of your alternator and starter.

 

HAHA!

Same here jmangone. I ended up washing it myself with the engine running. I wiped it down as if I were washing the truck itself. I noticed some light scratches on the sided also but I will have the truck waxed after Citrus. The local car wash guy that I take my truck to said that they will come off. It's very, very, light.

 

The amount of mud a 2wd could get himself into makes me doubt it's much of a concern.

 

So what you guys are saying is I shouldn't of done this?



And probably not this?

http://youtu.be/2bwTebdreZY

 

You can do whatever you want.

Parts guys and techs need someone to keep them in business