Snorkel necessary for Cape??

Went through the same delema a few months back. Fitted one and headed for the Cape. You don't need one for the water crossings but it will certainly help keep the dust out of the motor. In a petrol motor maybe not so important
have a good trip
ps stick to the telegraph track if you can.BOTH WAYSAlpaca

I don't understand why you would do such a trip without one.

It only has to rain the night before upstream to raise the water level wich is obviously totaly unpradictable.

It may be a petrol engine but it still will be an inconveniance to you and others to have to rescue you (especialy if fast flowing) from the crossing and wait for the engine to start again.

Its only a once off cost !

This is perhaps a good time to ask a question.

Do snorkels render the whole air intake from the top of the snorkel to the intake manifold waterproof?

If so then how is the existing air filter which presumably the end of the snorkel fits into made waterproof?
Paul

The wet season is a long way off yet - certainly not in August/September. That's way too early. I've owned a petrol 80 Series for a few years and do not have a snorkel. I've been through plenty of water including over the bonnet. If one takes the appropriate precautions there is no need for a snorkel. Also regarding dust the snorkel will only be of benefit if not following another vehicle's dust. When a mate and I went to the Cape recently his diesel with snorkel had heaps more dust in the filter than I did. Admittedly he did most of the following and tried his best to keep out of the dust, but it isn't always possible. In any case you can't avoid the dust from vehicles going the opposite way. In short if I was the fellow in the 4 Runner I wouldn't bother with a snorkel. He's better off learning the proper procedures to take in the event that he strikes some deepish water however nless there is a freak storm deep water will not be an issue on the Cape. It's a great trip and as stated above stick to the track both ways - the bypass to be avoided as much as possible.

Geoff as some one else said you can do a good tarp job and if you do get that flash flood its going to be gone in a day or two . Most of the peple on our trips dont have snorkels and we just tarp up . Take a spare air filter or two
All the best
Eric
www.capeyorkconnections.com.au
4wd Tag Along AdventuresCape York Connections

The snorkle is a good Idea for water however there are som cons that come with it that the sales people never tell you.

1. It does let more dust in. My filter is way dirtier now than pre snorkle. Solution is get a pre cleaner air scoop or use a snorkle sock (more dollars).
2. Some cars experience a higher amount of engine noise and body vibration inside the vehicle. I have a current model Hilix and the interior noise has gone up heaps. Have been unable to repair this to date. Is common with current Patrols too and have heard of it on some other cars.
3. May have to move some accessories under the bonnet. Batteries, electronics, compressors etc.

I actually wish that I had never bought the thing as the interior noise and body vibration level rise has driven me mental. Cant hear myself think sometimes.

I can't belive im reading all this !

There are water crossings near Cairns that would be too deep without a snorkel let alone up north, maybe not on the beaten track but you will find them.

To just rely on a tarp is just plain crazy.

A couple of weeks back we crossed a river that had large rocks on the bottom and was not able to travel across in a manner to create a bow wave needed to reduce water in engine bay even with a tarp.

Im blown away that you guys are willing to risk it with just a tarp !

Eric I have towed a number of vehicles through high water with a graders or my vehicle and the air filters on some of the vehicles where wet afterwards (BTW worst was on a KIA sportage, intake facing forwards on top of radiator!). As I said independence is something I prefer and is it wise not to have a snorkel?
In regards to stalls in deep water no it's not the de riguer of driver training to restart but if the water is deep and running, by the time you've winched/towed your vehicle it's going to be a couple of hundred meters down stream still upright at best. A restart is something you would never attempt without a snorkel.
Can it be done without a snorkel YES is it wise, I don't think so.