[Washi]

Man, crazy. On my old TJ, I opened up my filter box after a wheeling trip and dropped a brick when I saw the trail of liquid dirt running past the filter (Aftermarket filter oilable, if it were cotton this never would have happened) down the intake tube, in the throttle body, and past it. I cleaned everything out, but this scenario repeated its self several times before I installed my snorkel. It actually became a joke, my 4.0 gained a reputation as the "mud eater".

 

[Washi]

Iv had to change out air filters after getting them soaked in mud. Water never got past the cotton filter media. I would stay far, far away from a non cotton filter, simply for cotton's ability to absorb the water.

x2. That is what I was trying to say! Thank you. I have seen many instances where a friend's vehicle shuts down, and we diagnose it to a completely saturated cotton filter. The filter, though completely saturated, allowed no airflow past it (hence the shutdown) and consequently no water flow past it either. It really is amazing to see an airbox with standing dirty water, a saturated cotton filter, and NO moisture on the other side of the filter. This is the main reason I am leaving my stock box alone this time, nothing beats the cotton media.

 

[Washi]

This is so strange. I am sorry to hear about your JK, but am alarmed to hear that this may be a problem with the JK. I have splashed around in it a few times, and have discovered SOME water and dirt in the airbox, but hardly anything (liquid wise) on the filter and nothing past it. I just pull the box and clean it in the sink each time and replace the cotton filter. I usually keep one with me in case it gets soaked. Are you sure that it Hydrolocked? It wasn't just a soaked filter? If the cotton filter becomes saturated, it will completely block airflow to the engine, killing it and preventing it from starting.

 

[Washi]

Hmmm. Man, this just really sucks! I just can't beleive that this HYDROLOCKED it though!? I, like many others have said, have done the same and more in my TJ and JK. Are you sure that it's destroyed? It's not something simple as a clogged air filter, or wet ignition? I have seen both of those stop a vehicle the same way and prevent it from starting untill the filter is changed or the electrics have a chance to dry out. Where did you find out that the engine is destroyed? Is the block cracked? Thrown rod? Horrible self eating noises when trying to crank? Does it even try to crank now? I just can't fathom this, at all. I would hazzard that on a run like that, repeatedly, that it is something electric. Have you had the vehicle the whole time, or have not seen it since it happened?

I guess I am not trying to QUESTION you, as much as I am asking questions out of my own disbelief! Sorry to see and hear that man.

On a side note, and as a good example (unfortunately), if you are ever in a situation like this, and your engine dies. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESTART IT!!!! Safety situations not withstanding of course. You are better off being towed out and to start diagnosing the issue first. It could be as simple as pulling the plugs, blowing out water, re-installing and fluid changes. Sorry to see this though.

 

[Washi]

You can definitely tell by the speed that you'd be kicking up a ****load of water into the engine bay.

True, I agree. The thing is, you would have to have one hell of a lucky splashe to hit the small little splash preventer snorkel on the airbox to fill it. Or, it would accumulate over time as mentioned already. But, I can't see it making its way past the filter (if cotton). I have seen a stock cotton filter stop water from passing it (and air when wet) so many time now, I guess I am just convinced of it's ability to protect the engine from water damage. Don't get me wrong, I'm no fool. I know that these things aren't invinceable, or impenetrable. I just can't beleive a run like THAT one, would kill it. I KNOW that it can, I just can't beleive it. You know?

 

[Washi]

I to, would like a snorkel. But I also want to retain the stock airbox and filter. I always regretted the day that I stepped from stock to a snorkel on my TJ. I went with Volant because they included an enclosed airbox of their own, I just was never satisfied with the cone filter. I also hated how the darn thing always seemed to be in the way. If I wanted a light bar or a rack, forget it, wouldn't fit anymore. I am trying to come up with my own solution to this problem, but it's tough.

 

[Washi]

Is that necessary to actually write a article about this? And then to have know it alls post their opinions?

You can clearly see he hit the water too hard, too fast. It's not Jeep's fault. And Jeep advertises 19" for liability reasons. You can ford a lot more of water then that, as long as you don't go to fast.. That article is crap.

If you don't like opinions, keep them to yourself.....

 

[Washi]

...or maybe a vacuum line disconnected that sucks water into the engine?
...Whatever is causing the issue, a snorkel appears to be a wise investment if you own a JK.

Unless it's a vacuum line, in which case we are all still screwed.