Snorkel

[Bobc163]

Well we are getting ready for the big trip and one of the items that comes up is a snorkel
My question is which one and is it really necessary?
I have looked at the only 2 available which are, genuine or safari
Pros and cons of either would be appreciated
Vehicle is d4 sd/se winch bar etc fitted
First trip is to Kakadu then onward

[Gary S11]

I like them if only to get cooler clean air

[schuy1]

A snorkel will extend your air filters life if you do a lot of dirt. and guard against an unexpected water pothole, but don't use it as an excuse to try deep water crossings!
Cheers Scott

[JDNSW]

I have been driving Landrovers without snorkels all over Australia for over fifty years, much of it when roads were far worse than today. The only occasion when a snorkel would have been useful was one occasion when I drove my Series 1 into water above bonnet level (and I think the engine would have died anyway with wet ignition). And in this case I freely admit I was an idiot - but I was only twenty!

My current 110 spends a lot of the time on dusty roads, and has driven through water above the top of the tyres with no issues. Currently coming up to 600,000km.

In my view, the only reason for fitting a snorkel is to reduce the dust intake and hence the amount of aircleaner servicing. This is only necessary if planning to drive extensively in convoy on unsealed roads.

John

[strangy]

My experience in a D2 on unsealed roads- it is essential.
The position of the intake ensures the air filter gets every opportunity to fill with dust.
I had to change the filter after700kms of dirt road and I was traveling solo in clear air.
Other vehicles I've not had an issue with.

My reason for a snorkel is as already mentioned. An unforeseen washout putting the bonnet underwater becomes an inconvenience rather than a vehicle and trip end.
It's cheap insurance in the Top parts of oz as you can't/shouldn't always walk your crossing first. D

[Slunnie]

Just check that Safari don't also make the LandRover snorkel also. My genuine snorkel is branded with Safari and Landrover on the side of it. If so, get the cheapest.

I think snorkels reduce dust intake and reduce water risk of bending that motor that's so essential for your holiday.

[p38arover]

I like them if only to get cooler clean air

This term is used a lot in 4WD magazines but I really doubt the "cooler" bit.

[schuy1]

I like them if only to get cooler clean air

The cleaner bit is likely, but by the time the air has journeyed down all the pipework ,been compressed by the turbo , been heated by all the engine bay the "cooler"bit becomes quite a moot point!:D
Cheers Scott

[Gary S11]

On my obviously non turbo v8 I doubt at highway speed the air traveling into the motor would pick up much engine bay heat,
My other thought is a number of HP car manufacturers wouldn't have spent the time and effort of cold air induction including our GTHO if it didn't have some benefits

[schuy1]

AHH yes, cold air induction for petrol engines are quite different to air fed down a snorkel type delivery. Generally cold air induction systems deliver air directly into the filter via the shortest route, mostly via ducting from directly in the front of the car, not a good place on a bulldust ploughing, water fording, mud playing 4wd! The GTHO Phase 3 was fed from the "shaker" via a direct opening into the carby that opened under high throttle demand , bypassing the filter :) Again maybe not a good plan for a 4wd :D
Cheers Scott

[jcamp]

The only occasion when a snorkel would have been useful was one occasion when I drove my Series 1 into water above bonnet level (and I think the engine would have died anyway with wet ignition).
John

Series II certainly would run for about 15sec over bonnet level before hydraulicing - you had to plan the river crossing beforehand due water over the windscreen. Was on a trip to Tali Karn where a film was taken where all you can see of the LR was the snorkel in the Wellington River.

Important to tow a winch cable behind you and open the downstream door so you don't float away

Re wet ignition the distributor was the same as on the Morris Mini and waterproofing gear was available cheaply and for a bit more money (or beer) DCA vehicles or Army FFR vehicles had distributor, coil, ign cables (screw fittings each end)and spark plugs fully radio shielded and waterproof.

[Tins]

Around 5 years ago I did a very stupid thing. There were quite serious floods around Melbourne at the time. My son and I had picked up a secondhand gearbox for his Disco and were heading home with it in a 6x4 box trailer behind my D2. On a back road near Monbulk we were stopped by a severely flooded creek. Rather than try to reverse the trailer back about 500 metres I chose to cross the creek. The water was over the mirrors, the trailer was floating sideways and the car had a fair degree of left lock on to keep it pointing the right way. Scary, foolish stuff, as I drive, and reverse, a B double so I have no excuse other than laziness.
The Disco? Didn't miss a beat. The carpet didn't even get wet. Without a snorkel? No way.
I doubt if the brand of snorkel matters a jot, as long as it is sealed properly.

[Tank]

Around 5 years ago I did a very stupid thing. There were quite serious floods around Melbourne at the time. My son and I had picked up a secondhand gearbox for his Disco and were heading home with it in a 6x4 box trailer behind my D2. On a back road near Monbulk we were stopped by a severely flooded creek. Rather than try to reverse the trailer back about 500 metres I chose to cross the creek. The water was over the mirrors, the trailer was floating sideways and the car had a fair degree of left lock on to keep it pointing the right way. Scary, foolish stuff, as I drive, and reverse, a B double so I have no excuse other than laziness.
The Disco? Didn't miss a beat. The carpet didn't even get wet. Without a snorkel? No way.
I doubt if the brand of snorkel matters a jot, as long as it is sealed properly.
How did the gearbox in the trailer fare, did it get a gutful of water, Regards Frank.

[Tins]

How did the gearbox in the trailer fare, did it get a gutful of water, Regards Frank.

No. The trailer is pretty watertight and floated. Not that it would have mattered. The box only lasted for a few months. Last time I buy a secondhand R380.