How deep can I go???

[OL Crony]

The other day we had torential downpours here and alot of the streets were flooded. After many attempts to find a dry path out of the city to go to work I disregarded all of the warning signs regarding high water that the city had placed all about. I sat there there pondering for several moments watching other cars and trucks cross this area that didn't seem too bad. no one was stuck in the middle of it and i had just seen a ranger go through so i though to myself - 'self, you have an explorer. you can make it!' so i started through and in the middle of the whole area the most embarrassing thing happened. my engine cut out. i quickly went to restart it and it did. i moved forward several feet and it died again. this happened several more times and finally i made it to the other side.

my questions are these:

in my '92, where is the stock air intake? i know where the filter is but below that where does it go?

and secondly:

how do you forge a flooded area properly?

and lastly:

what mods should i consider to increase my survival chances if this ever happens again? - the flooding i mean.

thanks for all of your input.

az

 

[kalel33]

another problem is the inablility of your exhaust to escape. With the pressure of the water the exhaust could be pushed back to the engine if the pressure of the water is greater than the pressure your engine is putting out. Like idling, would create little pressure and the water could win out and force the exhaust back.

 

[Rick]

Exhaust is not usually much of a problem unless you turn off the engine. The intake is another matter. The intake is low on the Explorer. I believe it is about even with the bottom of the headlight. Best bet is to go slow so you don't force a big wall of water up in front of your truck.

 

[Rick]

If you really want to take your Explorer swimming, do a search for "snorkle" on this site. A few people have build their own setups.

 

[Alec]

And remember that if your wheel bearings go underwater they need to be inspected and maybe repacked.

 

[gensic11]

Alec what do you mean by re-packed? is that what you guys are talkin about with the grease?

 

[Alec]

yes.

Don't end up like me with cooked bearings and your wheel trying to fly off!

 

[gensic11]

alec, couldn't help but to notice the last name....Rosenbaum.. now do you have any family that used to live in Indiana... and possibly be related to a Michael Rosenbaum who is an Actor?

 

[00XLS]

I'd also check all electrical connections and try and make 'em water tight too.