what to cover up for off road?

[XLT_Explorer]

hey there just under my rig given her a mobil 1 oil change and i couldn't help but notice that the front of the engine is rather open ,especially the crank position sensor ont he harmonic balancer or atleast it looks like one. has anyone had problems with mud clogging it up ? what else should i cover up or build skid plates for ?

 

[j602]

It'll be fine. Really the only thing you need to worry about is getting into water that's too deep, otherwise it'll get sucked into the intake, hydrolocking the engine. Best way to prevent this is an open element intake or better yet, a snorkel.

 

[jimbo74]

an open element intake depending on where it is could actually be easier to hydrolock the engine... i know, i did it to my explroer

 

[j602]

A normal open element, say a KKM, will be more resistant to hydrolock as it is farther up. The stock aribox tube runs low behind the passenger headlight.

 

[jimbo74]

i know, i had a modified airbox, but the low intake point was removed.... that puts it about the same spot as a kkm... however, i didnt have the plastic inner fender anymore..... so im sure that contributed... as the airbox is in reality like 6" above the tire.....