? on going through water

[ForTiLLiaN]

I got some questions. What are some of the things to watch for when going through water. How deep, how fast or slow, and potential what parts can be harmed....axcles, engine. Also, what keeps if from shorting any electronics? Thanks

 

[DeRocha]

I would only venture into water that lower than the door sill (so about a foot or so depending of lift etc). The electronics are high enough to stay out of trouble. The computer is located in the cabin (passenger side) while the other electronics (ignition etc) are at the top of the engine. You want to take it slow when going through water. On our July 2003 Trail run last run Nick26 member hit some water going fast and hydrolocked his engine. The speed played a big roll as it created a wave that flooded into the engine compartment. This coupled with the radiator fan spraying water everywhere saturated his open KKM air filter and ultimately stalled the engine. You want to have extended axle breather lines. On the 1st gen front axle there is a small rubber hose coming off the top of the differential. It is generally short and a potential point of entry for water. You can simply pull it off and replace it with a longer piece of 5/16" tubing. The rear axle has the same breather line, but it mounts above the spare tire, so it should be high enough.

 

[unclemeat]

You should also be aware that if you drive through water over the depth of the hub then you should grease (repack) the front wheel bearings. When driving through deep water you should inspect all the fluids, differential, transfer case and transmission for water contamination as soon as possible. If contaminated you should replace the fluids. Water is fun to play in but you got to pay to play.

 

[Bruce Rock]

When driving through deep water you should inspect all the fluids, differential, transfer case and transmission for water contamination as soon as possible.

The quickest way to check for water in the oil is the "crackle test". Place a drop or two of the suspected oil on a piece of aluminum foil, heat it, If it crackles like cooking bacon or placing french fries into hot oil, it has water in it. If it just smokes it's OK.

 

[thewishkah]

ahh this reminds me , I Drove through water up past my front bumper ( i have pics on my friends digital camera but hes in the navy right now ) when he gets back ill get them up or if he could mail me them , well i was amazed that i didnt stall or set off the check engine light it was a sick sight! and this is in a mostly stock 1st gen

 

[ThespecialistKC]

Drive backwards.
Watch out for whales.
Call me Ishmael.
Seriously, be careful in water over a foot or so deep, especially if it's running. Things can get a little hairy. And as others have said, be prepared for a whole lot of maintenence afterwards. "Pay to play" indeed.

 

[ForTiLLiaN]

So all i gotta do is extend the breather tube for the front axle, the rear is ok because it is up near the spare tire carrier. THe transmission is up pretty high but is there anything to do to make sure not liquids get in that are not supposed to? I read in a nother post that ford kinda already took care of this. What do you mean re-pack the wheel barings? I have the chilton repair manual so ill take a look in there. And then just take it slow so not to flood the engine compartment. I have the stock intake with a fram air hog filter. Thanks for all this great information.

 

[ThespecialistKC]

So all i gotta do is extend the breather tube for the front axle, the rear is ok because it is up near the spare tire carrier. THe transmission is up pretty high but is there anything to do to make sure not liquids get in that are not supposed to? I read in a nother post that ford kinda already took care of this. What do you mean re-pack the wheel barings? I have the chilton repair manual so ill take a look in there. And then just take it slow so not to flood the engine compartment. I have the stock intake with a fram air hog filter. Thanks for all this great information.

The stock airbox draws air from towards the bottom of the engine bay, so it's easier than you think to dunk it under water - a very bad thing. The intake runs underneath the airbox and battery. Crawl under and take a look.

 

[shaggsta]

On a related question, I heard that it is possible for backpressure to suck in water through the exhaust and cause problems. Is this possible? How can you prevent it?

 

[ForTiLLiaN]

Yea, ive seen the air box air intake tube, has anyone ever done anything differant with it? I like the look of the IFab intake but then with that you have an open filter so if you do flood your engine bay its a sure bet its going to suck in quite a good ammount of water. I guess that is when a snorkel comes into play. I just ask these questions really to know. I dont drive in a lot of water. But when i was living in washington there were quiete a few times rivers and things flooded. So i guess i just wanted to know. THanks for all this info

 

[unclemeat]

If you plan to run through deep water you should extend the breather lines for the transmission, transfer case and front diferential into the engine compartment. The rear differential breather line can be entended to the gas filler spout. Repack bearings means remove, wheel, brakes and bearings, re-grease bearingsand reverse operation. Depending on your tools and experience it takes 1 to 4-hours.

 

[DeRocha]

Yea, ive seen the air box air intake tube, has anyone ever done anything differant with it? I like the look of the IFab intake but then with that you have an open filter so if you do flood your engine bay its a sure bet its going to suck in quite a good ammount of water. I guess that is when a snorkel comes into play. I just ask these questions really to know. I dont drive in a lot of water. But when i was living in washington there were quiete a few times rivers and things flooded. So i guess i just wanted to know. THanks for all this info

I have a feeling you are thinking about the air Intake manifold tube and not the Air Box intake tube. The air box intake tube connects right behind the bumper and sends air into the air filter box... Therfore going through water at bumper level will force water into the box (obviously not good). IMO the an open cone filter (KKM etc) is better, but not without problems... It eliminates the air box, but if you're going through deep water the fan will spray water like a shower into the engine bay.