Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

Hi there

Can I get advice on how to ensure that the engine/electrical is protected (beside a snorkel) in the event of a crossing?

I know that a diesel will survive better than a petrol,and my problem is that I have a petrol (happy with that problem )

I don't forsee a crossing,although I have 4x4 when needed

tx
cas

Cas wrote: I know that a diesel will survive better than a petrol,and my problem is that I have a petrol (happy with that problem

A diesel is less likely to die when it gets wet compared to a petrol, but a diesel that ingests water will leave you with more costly repairs.

I haven't a clue as to what happens on a petrol when drowned.

Is it the same as diesel?

Besides Q20-ing everything,what else would help?

It seems as if we are discussing two issues here:

• hydo-lock (ingesting water into the combustion chamber(s)
• electrickery

Hydro-lock is much the same for both types of engines.
When water is sucked into the inlet manifold, it gets into the combustion chamber.
Since fluids cannot be compressed, something has to give, usually the pistons and/or con-rods.
A snorkel prevents this.

Electrical / Electronic components can be protected by coverings, water-proofing spray etc.

Cas,
4EPajero is correct (as usual). Water into inlet manifold leads to an extremely fast and total death of any internal combustion engine. A snorkel reduces that risk, but legend has it that water can be sucked into an engine through a submerged exhaust. I somehow believe it is possible if the engine is idling really slow, so I keep the revs above 1500 if I think the exhaust is in the water.

Wet electronics is a different story and 99% of the time will clear itself after a few minutes. The biggest culprit under these conditions is the radiator fan. Some Land Rovers (V8 110's, if I remember correctly) actually stated in the owners manual that the fanbelt should be removed before deep water crossings. A more simple method is to drape a sheet of canvas or plastic over the grill to avoid water passing through the radiator to the fan.

Applying Q20 (or something similar) to electronics and vaseline into joints of fuse boxes and any other McGiver tricks, will go a long way to reduce the impact of water on the electronics.

Water ingress into diffs and gearbox (normally through little vent pipes) can cause very expensive diff and gearbox failures in the long run. If you plan on deepwater crossings, extend the vent pipes up into the engine bay on the firewall. If deepwater jumps into your path, then replace the diff and gearbox oils as soon as possible after the event.

Cheers
Roelf