Winter snorkel issue

[Malahki]

Thought I would share my experience running my snorkel this winter. Using the safari air ram head I discovered I was getting moisture into my air filter box, as seen in the first picture.

I decided to change it out for a precleaner style head and the results speak for them self. The second pic was taken after driving in an early morning ice fog at about -15*C. It was not snowing at all. You can see how much frost the pre cleaner captured.

 

[canadian bum]

I just have my ram air turned sideways on my Taco. No snow has gone in yet.

 

[cruiser_guy]

I have the head on mine turned backwards for that reason in the winter. When the snow is gone it will get turned back around.

I'm sure there are folks who look and think, "That guys snorkel head is backwards, I wonder if he knows."

 

[Tapage]

I thought even with the engine bay temps it never dry .. ( your air filter and box )

 

[crushers]

if you run it towards the windshield you get the best air flow.
run it backwards and it fights the wind flow suction
run it forwards and you get the least wind pressure but the screen gets damaged easy

i run mine towards the windscreen... and have for a long long time.

 

[crushers]

BTW, to the original poster, thanks for posting. i have often wondered about that and always forgotten to check.

 

[ForealBoreal]

yeah good to see that. I like the windshield idea. I'll be putting a salad bowl on mine I think. That is the plan at least.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

I just have my ram air turned sideways on my Taco. No snow has gone in yet.

I don't know doodly about snorkels but that is one cool photo.
.....1978HJ45

 

[Notmyrealname]

I usally have mine towards the windscreen. I hate thinking if i floor it through some mud or a puddle that its going into my snorkel.
One time me and a mate where driveing his surf through a snow storm with the snorkel hat forwards and we stoped to check the hat. the grill was covered in snow and inside at the back of the hat was a layer of snow. We just carryed on

 

[Capitalguy]

I use a " Sy-Klone" unit on mine, good results, no dead bugs at the filter yet.
The guy who turned me onto them uses them in his road sweepers and swears by them
Sy-Klone International

 

[cruiser_guy]

I thought even with the engine bay temps it never dry .. ( your air filter and box )

David, it's more of an issue in the winter. In rain, even heavy rain, the snorkel is designed to drain. The problem arises in the winter when the light snow doesn't drain but would build up in the snorkel plumbing and eventually plug it. If you look carefully at the snorkel head you'll see the drainage channels.

run it backwards and it fights the wind flow suction

No issues with noticeable lack of power or anything, though in the winter on snowy roads I'm not "giv'n er" anyways.

 

[Tapage]

David, it's more of an issue in the winter. In rain, even heavy rain, the snorkel is designed to drain. The problem arises in the winter when the light snow doesn't drain but would build up in the snorkel plumbing and eventually plug it. If you look carefully at the snorkel head you'll see the drainage channels..

yap I know .. that's never an issue down here .. and as you know we have bunch of rain ..

 

[Malahki]

So after leaving my truck sitting in parking lot at work for a few days while I was away working, I came home to discover about 3/4" of snow had even been able to blow its way in to the pre cleaner while parked. I can only imagine how much it would catch with the regular snorkel head in place. Definitely has the potential to lead to engine damage.

Where I live their is a lot of wind and I don't think it would matter which way you turned your snorkel head in the winter. While driving at low speeds and stop and go city traffic I am convinced your going to get a wet air box.

 

[Mark W]

Snow... especially light powdery snow that will get into a snorkel, hold very little moisture. You will not get enough water into the engine this way to cause any adverse effect at all.


Mark...

 

[Malahki]

Maybe, maybe not? But what I do know is the filter will get wet and a wet paper filter is going to tear easier. Combine that with debris from a freshly sanded/salted road and the possibility for damage exists. Why take the chance??

 

[Mark W]

No "maybe, maybe no"t to it. Grab a few handfuls of powder. Melt it and see how little water it is. The amount of water that this results in would actually be more likely to benefit your engine than hurt it.

Worried about your filter getting wet and tearing? You will get a lot more moisture in there when it rains than you will from any snow.

What sort of debris to you expect to get in there and... bash?... through the filter (and the wire mesh on both sides of it) if it is a little bit damp? Filters are going to get moisture in them. Even in plain old street cars driven on the road all their life. Manufacturers take this into account

Not telling you not to worry about it. Up to you. Just pointing out the realities that seemed to be overlooked so far in the thread.


Mark...

 

[Malahki]

I am not convinced only "light powdery snow" is the only kind that is going to get in there.

I was referring to particles of sand or salt possibly tearing tiny holes through the filter, not large chunks "bashing through the mesh screens". I have never come across that amount of moisture, in any cars air filter driven on the road. I am not saying it is alot but certainly more then normal.

Any way, I originally posted as an FYI, do what you want with the information.

 

[crushers]

well, Mark is right. the amount of moisture would be minimal
but
in the winter when the wet air filter freezes it could cause further air flow restriction. something to consider.

me, i don't worry about it. but still good to know.

 

[Capitalguy]

If you're worried about snow getting in with your current pre-cleaner consider this one

http://www.sy-klone.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/downloads/videos/9000_HandFeedingSnow.zip

 

[Capitalguy]

I'll try this again

http://www.sy-klone.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SI&Category_Code=VID-PROD

Click on Video Library, scroll down to the Series 9000 in Heavy Snow