Thread: Snorkel Options for D4. Pros & Cons

I just fitted the genuine LR "dog guard" today (imported from USA - good exchange rate) and it cost me $350 plus p&h......but whilst its a 20minute job to fit its not Australian compliance (but it is everywhere else in the World)..so up to you I guess.

Originally Posted by CaverD3

I recon you could easily make the OEM waterproof by replacing the hose like I did and sealing the connection. Or even removable with an adaptor plate. That would have been my choice if I would use it more often.

your thoughts - if I was bying for a D3 would it not be a better idea to purchase a D4 RAI instead with the upmarket part included.
Aren't the D3 & D4 units the same?????

dj

a few comments....the LR 'snorkels' are indeed RAIs. The air tube is not waterproof. If you remove it and pour water on it it drips through. Done that.

The LR RAI is much better than nothing for water crossings, in the same way a lifejacket is better than a lifeboat.

If you do waterproof the RAI (as mine is) you get some soft induction noise, only noticeable with the window down. I quite like the noise, sounds a bit cool and turbo-blow-off ish.

No snorkel turns your D3 into a submarine. Consider them insurance.

D3s have axle breathers already, in case anyone was wondering.

Even if other factors limit the wading depth, a snorkel much reduces the chances of the engine ingesting water in the event you stop or go a bit deep. Repairing a waterlogged D3 isn't cheap, repairing one that is waterlogged and has a broken engine due to breathing water...well, I doubt that would be repaired at all. Electronics have been known to dry out and work again, bent pistons are not known for their self-repairing properties.

Wind noise - don't worry about it. The D3 is well insulated, even roofracks don't worry it overmuch. If you have a Safari rotate the head to see if it changes, even 180 degrees.

The 700m depth is for still water and a flat bottom. Flowing water means it'll be say 800 one side and 600 the other. All the more reason to get a snorkel.

Once you're in deep and the water is cascading gently over the bonnet, the engine revs start to drop, you realise you're not even in the deepest part yet, the car starts to slide and your sphincter closes up then you will appreciate what I mean. You may decide never to try such crossings, but the offroading world is full of people who never intended to do things and end up doing them by design or accident.

Hi rmp,
IIRC you have a D3 and, therefore, probably used the original air tube.

LR have brought out a new air tube for the D4 (which, I believe, is retrofittable to the D3). I believe that this new air tube is waterproof.

Best Wishes,
Peter

I do have a D3. Be suprised if the design has changed as the induction noise to which I referred was as a result of making it waterproof and LR wouldn't want production cars with that. Maybe they've found a way around it.

Robert, I think you will find they did change the fabric hose:

DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - Waterproof RAI?

Still call it a RAI so I doubt the connections are waterproof but better than the fabric hose and 'religious' elbow.