Toyota 4Runner snorkel
From Schaffter
Contents |
The need for a snorkel
The engine needs air. A lot of air. And the air has to be clean. All (?) engines use an air filter to get rid of dust particles in the air before mixing it with the fuel. But, there must be an air intake somewhere.
The Toyota 4Runner engine is surprisingly well built for driving in water. All parts are well protected from the nasty liquid. I don't think it's completely water-proof, that would be foolish to believe. But anyway, things like the distributor and spark plugs etc. are nicely protected. And the cooling fan has got a strong plastic ring around the extremes of the fan blades. This will prevent the blades to start cutting holes in the radiator when driving in water, where the fan does actually become a propeller, working it's way through the water and into the radiator.
On the 4Runner the air intake is found under the hood, just behind the left headlight. By mounting a snorkel, the air will be taken higher up.
This has two major advantages.
- In dusty conditions, the air will be found higher up, where the air is supposed to contain less dust.
- When driving in deep water, the engine will not start drinking the water instead of breathing the air. Getting too much of water in the intake, will definitely stop (and most likely destroy) the engine.
Impressions
When I received the snorkel, I was very happy. But, the fit was not perfect. It took a lot of small modifications to make the pieces fit well together. I do not remember having used my files this much when mounting any accesories on any of my cars. Had it been modifications to fit the truck, I could understand it. But, this kit required modifications to make the delivered pieces fit together as well. The mounting instructions where just a picture with some comments, but it was enough. Nothing to complain about there. The snorkel is a high quality product. When finally mounted, there is nothing to complain about. Strong and solid.
Where I got mine
I was surprised to find out that it was not produced by ARB, from where I had bought it. It was actually produced by:
Luxons 4WD Equipment
1/72 Bayfield Rd.
Bayswater, Victoria. 3153.
Australia
Tel: +61 3 720 4211 (Invalid; see below)
Fax: +61 3 720 4850 (Invalid; see below)
Since then, I have learned that Luxons doesn't exist any more.
Last time I checked, the snorkel was provided by:
Safari 4x4 Engineering Pty. Ltd.
8/97 - 101 Bayfield Road
Bayswater Victoria 3153
Australia
Tel: +61 3 9720 4211
Fax: +61 3 9720 4850
Mounting instructions
This is the mounting instruction I received when I ordered the snorkel. As can be seen, it contains all necessary information. But, honestly, there is not one word to much in the instructions. Not even a paragraph stating that "Congratulations for having bought the best snorkel available in the world... etc.".
