D4 Snorkel

[rhinosm]

I am picking up my new D4 SDV6SE today.
I have been planning some additions and following with interest some threads.
Excellent stuff.
I haven't noticed much talk about snorkels.
Landrover v 3rd party?
Are they really necessary for outback/ desert adventuring?
Any thoughts and opinions greatly appreciated.
Cheers

[Stuart02]

I am picking up my new D4 SDV6SE today.
I have been planning some additions and following with interest some threads.
Excellent stuff.
I haven't noticed much talk about snorkels.
Landrover v 3rd party?
Are they really necessary for outback/ desert adventuring?
Any thoughts and opinions greatly appreciated.
Cheers

Re general requirement for a snorkel the D4 is no different. The factory raised air intake is not water proof without sealing. Safari make the only quality aftermarket option.

[Catmatt]

When I bought my 2010 D4, it came fitted with a LR 'raised air intake' as well as a host of after market accessories. I had heard stories doubting the water-tight integrity of the OEM 'snorkel' and that they have a fabric style 'membrane' tube that runs from the lower intake through the inner engine bay panel into the air-cleaner.

With this in mind and that I usually don't think twice about tackling a water crossing, I decided to remove the 'raised air intake' and have a look for myself.

If I found the alleged fabric style tube, I planned to install a length of rubber suction hose (The type that has a spiral wire wound around the outside perimeter) as it would be flexible enough to negotiate the bends through the inner engine panel, be water proof and last the life of the vehicle.

Well fortunately, the previous owner was fastidious in ensuring that all T's were crossed and I's were dotted. It seems that we both had the same thought and once I had dismantled the air intake (Not a hard job), I found that a length of convoluted hose similar to the hose off a swimming pool vacuum had replaced the original 'fabric tube'.

Only downside is that I didn't get to see what was originally installed - can anyone confirm once and for all that the OEM 'raised air intake' is fitted with a fabric style hose that while dust proof - may or may not be water proof???

I can't help but think that if something is dustproof - it should also be waterproof.

Thanks

[laughto]

I haven't noticed much talk about snorkels.

Are they really necessary for outback/ desert adventuring?
Any thoughts and opinions greatly appreciated.
Cheers

I too am in a quandry as to whether or not a snorkel is a necessity. At what depth of wading/river crossing would you need one?

A friend of ours (Prado owner) has been convinced by the 4x4 aftermarket that they need one, suggesting that if for nothing else, the engine breaths easier. I have spoken to mechanics who refute this.

Also, what level of noise do they generate? Is it an issue? I suspect that the D4 is soundproof enough that this should not be an issue?

We are not ever likely (intentionally) cross deep waterways.

[SBD4]

The other reason you would have one is to minimise dust getting into the air filter when travelling on unsealed roads etc especially when in convoy. If you are not planning on doing much of this either then, no, there is no real need for you to have one.

[Tony V]

The main reason for the raised air intake is for cleaner, cooler air into the engine. The ingress of water is/can be a secondary advantage.

I have a Safari snorkel fitted to my D4 there is little noise, it does not obstruct vision and when doing water crossings, the knowledge that the air intake is water tight. I do not believe that there is a "Ram" effect for forced breathing, but I do know the air is cooler and cleaner 6 ft up


photo courtesy of ARB

[LandyAndy]

Make sure you look for a quality RAI,those cheap Ebay ones look cheap and nasty in the flesh.Would I trust one,nope.
I had a genuine Safari snorkel on my D2,would go the same again I think.
Andrew

[LRD414]

I agree with Sean & think it depends somewhat on how often you will be travelling on dusty roads and particularly in convoy.
I decided to simply carry an additional air filter on long outback trips.
They can be had for $40 each for the Mahle genuine article from roverlord offroad spares:
Land Rover Discovery 3 Range Rover Sport Quality Mahle AIR Filter PHE000112 | eBay (same filter for D3 & D4)
Actually, I carry two just in case and because it's cheap.
For example, I changed it at Cape York and it still had some life in it.

Obviously not relevant if you have concerns about water crossings.

Cheers,
Scott

[Bytemrk]

As the others have said, the primary reason is clean cool air.. not water proofing....

Take a close look under the bonnet, there are a LOT of joints that could leak water. I have a Safari Its good, its strong it's reliable..... does it make anything under the bonnet any less likely to leak if you get water too high in there .. nope.

Be aware it will also give you significantly more wind noise when travelling.

So to answer your question - -is it essential.. not at all. Is it a good idea, ?.. that depends what you are wanting it for - but don't rely solely on a snorkel to let you wade deeper water than you might otherwise.

[ADMIRAL]

As the others have said, the primary reason is clean cool air.. not water proofing....

Take a close look under the bonnet, there are a LOT of joints that could leak water. I have a Safari Its good, its strong it's reliable..... does it make anything under the bonnet any less likely to leak if you get water too high in there .. nope.

Be aware it will also give you significantly more wind noise when travelling.

So to answer your question - -is it essential.. not at all. Is it a good idea, ?.. that depends what you are wanting it for - but don't rely solely on a snorkel to let you wade deeper water than you might otherwise.

I second the comment on the noise. One of the items I would not fit to a new one if I had my time again. It's like off road tyres. If you look objectively at what you use the vehicle for, and how often you will use the capability, it is probably less than 5% of the vehicle's driving life. That's a lot of noise from a snorkel ( or tyres ) for what ? Have a good think before committing.