Thread: Landrover D4 Snorkel

I could be wrong but think I've read on here before its not totally waterproof and there is better out there I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure that's what I read on here a while ago.

I know GGHaggis offers some solutions to remedy the OE version's lack of being totally waterproof and the bit I understand is not is the connecting section from the airbag to the snorkel that resides within the engine bay/inner guard. That section has holes in it for drainage (yes that is correct) and all that need to be done, as I understand, is to either replace that section or plug the holes. We have one D3 with an OE snorkel fitted that has done Cape York and the Kimberley and High Country with no problems at all.I am still working out if I really need one on the D4

Rob

No, the Land Rover RAI, is merely that, a raised air intake. It is not waterproof. It is better looking than the safari, but for my money if you are going to do it at all, then do it properly with a Safari. Otherwise save your money.

I agree with Rob. OEM raised air intake (RAI) is not waterproof and the air intake tubing is perforated (I saw mine after it was removed to fit my Safari snorkel to my D4). I had a RAI on my D3 although the deepest crossing I did was only 600mm (Kakadu). I decided to get Safari snorkel for my D4 as it's cheaper and waterproof- so I thought it's clearly superior! (I hope to do Cape York one day). However I am now not entirely convinced it's the only way to go. There is some induction noise with the Safari snorkel which vaguely irritates me . If I am honest I also prefer the appearance of the OEM RAI (but I realise that's very much in the eye of the beholder).
For interest I once put my D3 to Offroad height and LLAMS +50 and found it was 920mm from the ground to the base of the RAI where it attaches to side of the vehicle. GGHaggis has also posted in the past that the RAI won't let water in unless you are stationary in deep water.

So in reality for most D3/D4 owners (who have rods or LLAMS) unless you wade >900mm and get stuck (which is possible I accept) it's very unlikely you will have an issue- and you can water proof the RAI if you want. Furthermore I've read in the handbook that you risk severe electrical problems if you wade >700mm (and get stuck in deep water)......so hydraulic lock isn't your only concern if you plan on wading in deep water. I know that's stating the obvious but it's worth considering in this discussion. Finally despite the RAI not being waterproof I found it amazingly effective in keeping dust out of the air filter (perhaps because it faces backwards). My brother had the same experience with his D3 and RAI. We both travelled numerous dusty outback tracks on trips to the Red Centre and hardly needed to clean the air filter on arrival in Alice Springs. So it's not entirely a waste of money

All fair points, but you can buy quite a few air filters for the price of the RAI. I agree that if you get stuck deep enough water to worry about water intake there are other things to worry about as well.

I think it's a perfectly reasonable choice to decide you don't need a snorkel for the water you are prepared to take your vehicle through, in which case I would say save your money and throw a spare air filter in you car for when you are travelling dusty tracks.

Thank you to you all for your significant help. I will investigate the sealing of the drain holes before proceeding. It may be worth sealing the drain holes and replacing that function with a valve that can be closed before attempting deep water. Will now be talking with my auto elec re what the big problems are with water ingress . I suspect it will be a long chat.

Pick up car in a few weeks !

Regards
Peter

Peter,


these are some photos of the factory elbows and pipe between the intake grill and the air cleaner box, the only holes you would be able to fill are in the elbow at the air cleaner box end, the hose is covered in fabric so it would have to be wrapped in tape to seal it, there is also a drain hole in the air cleaner box plus a valve that may let water in as well.


if you want it to be waterproof then fit a Safari snorkel

I remember that years ago, Nick (TheLargeOne on Disco3 UK) said that the D4 RAI had sealed pipework between the RAI and the air box. Further, there is a gasket to seal against the mudguard.

Best Wishes,
Peter