jk snorkel

[Bone206]

anyone running a snorkel on a JK? I'm debating the merits of one. . .have seen a few too many youtube videos of hydrolocking jeeps. Any opinions?

[frenchy]

I'm debating the merits of one. . .

Explain your thoughts on the pros/cons.

Is it a JK or a submarine? where are your breather lines and/or vital electronics located?

[Bone206]

I'm not a submariner and don't plan on submarining on a regular basis, but was thinking it would be more like an insurance purchase to protect my engine in the event that the waterhole I'm going through was a lot deeper than anticipated (I've been at McLean creek a few times where the depth changed significantly week to week from it being run a few too many times). I'm a big proponent of going very slow into holes, but nonetheless bad things can happen and I don't want to be stuck with a hydrolocked engine as a result.

The current air intake is right under the hood, and the fuse box is in a water tight box.

So I'm thinking the pros are that it is "cheap insurance" to protect an engine in the case that bad things happen, and apparently it slightly increases performance in a way similar to a cold air intake (although I'm not sure i really buy into this theory yet)

For the cons, I guess it is $400 that could be used to another mod.

Any ideas/thoughts?

[Immortal]

build it bigger... then you will be well above the water!! 

[JackstandJohnny]

the biggest con is the fact you think its cheap insurance.............



things such as the ignition system, electrical system, clutch fan, transmission will all still be affected by deep water crossings.  water deep enough to get into your tranny, or contact the fan will send mud shooting everywhere; into electronics, etc.

in short, yes it will stop your engine from hydrolocking, but won't make your jeep waterproof!!!!!!!!!


best bet is to check the hole before you drive through it.............. grab a stick (usually lots around) and feel for the bottom of a hole....... if you lose the stick, chances are you'll lose the jeep......

[Bone206]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I guess "cheap insurance" was the wrong wording. . .just stacking up the relative costs of a snorkel versus a new engine.

[jkrubi]

I've seen the videos too.And thought about putting one on my Jk as well.   But the question is do you like the way a jk looks with a snorkel?  Do you mind cutting a hole in the hood or fender tub?  There are other options  before You do that, have you put the electric rad fan on a manual switch? It throws water and mud around and for some reason into the intake.  Other people have relocated the intake elsewhere in the engine bay, true it does not make it higher but water does not get thrown there.  Those are the two off the top of my head but I know I have read others.  Or always go out and check how deep the puddle is or follow someone who is in a smaller jeep.  if he does not make it don't go in   
But look on the bright side if you hydro lock it you could get a hemi

[Bone206]

All good points for sure, and lots to think about. Lots of cool ways to build things up. I'm okay with how they look, and I don't have any problems cutting holes here and there if need be. I haven't put the fan on a manual switch, and I think neither did the people on Youtube who ended up hydrolocking in water lower than the air intake . I tend to like following people into things, especially smaller jeeps, tends to keep me safer . I hemi sure would be sweet, and there is always a positive side to things. Hmmmm, too many mods to do and too little time/resource. I winch is on the list too. Thanks for the input!