Breathers in a 4WD?

[Pridey]

Oldboot. Before I go and have a look at the tank let me get this straight.

If I trace the hose that heads along the left hand chasis rail, I can find where it ends. Then I can jig up and extension sort of thing and rig it higher with a filter (or something) along the same principles as my diff breathers ?

[BenDover]

Yeah, thats right oldboot. But I dont think enough water can get in to cause a problem (believe me Ive tried). My sending unit is tucked so high to the chassi I doubt any water can get to it unless Im stopped and submerged well over my bonnet. But 4x4's are different I guess. The manufacturers have already addressed the water, sludge and particles anyway with their inline diesel filters. Makes sence that if air is replacing the fule thats leaving the tank then condensation creates water inside your tank anyway.

Diffs are a 1 way street. When stuff gets in there its not coming out. By all means it wouldnt hurt to put it higher or a filter on it. I just havent found a need to on my 4x4, nor think its as important as diffs. Just MO

[oldboot]

Oldboot. Before I go and have a look at the tank let me get this straight.

If I trace the hose that heads along the left hand chasis rail, I can find where it ends. Then I can jig up and extension sort of thing and rig it higher with a filter (or something) along the same principles as my diff breathers ?

Persactly......easiest to start from the fuel tank.... but they all travel together anyway.....first one to drop off is the breather.

amd yep same sort of drill as the diff breathers.



as far not bothering with the fuel tank breather.......hell nobody bothered with diff breathers for decades either.....not worth it..na don't bother.

No consider how poorly tolerant the newer injected cars are with water......it is simply not worth, not doing.....wot a length of hose, a few zippy ties, some sort of filter and .......~20 minutes.

If it was just a matter of crossing a few puddles..na..... but lots of people try on some pretty long water crossings thes days......

and

.....so you get stuck in a creek... up to ya sills or deeper........ya leave you motor running (yes) till you get draged or winch yourself out......all this time fuel is being drawn out of your tank.....where is the air comming from to replace it.

serioulsy...since getting involved in the 4wd thing...I am gob smacked how much of the gear doesn't like water.

at least the ECU in the hilux is inside up under the dash.....if ya got that wet you nearly be up to ya tits in water.

cheers

[Kevaclone]

While it's better to be safe than sorry and all that
I have never heard of anyone ever getting water in their fuel thank while crossing deep water, I've seen plenty stuck with water/mud at bonnet height for some time while they get recovered, engines running and none have had a problem of water in the fuel, water and mud in the upholstery causing some smell problems

Diff breathers are a different thing though, I've had water in diffs(usually the front) a few times, last time was last year with the flooding around Caboolture, had to use the landcruiser to get in and out of town and then promptly forgot about the diff. water in the diff and wheel bearings resulted in a complete front end rebuild, both wheel bearings failed, right axle spline rusted inside the freewheeling hub destroying the spline, both CVs corroded, $1600 later.........

[oldboot]

Yeh but look at the risk equasion.......especially if you have a common rail diesel...


A bit of water in your diff...yeh youll probaly make it home.....the most likley damage will happen over the long term......

If you have a common rail diesel, 1 injector could be worth over $300, then the cost of recovery from wherever you are, worst case, complete engine rebuild.

OR

less than $50 and half an hours work.......a simple no brainer.

remember too...... YOUR tank breather may be high and dry.... but ya don't know till you look

cheers

[Kevaclone]

I think if I were to do it I would be putting the end of the breathers in the air cleaner, two things I can't stand the smell of, Diesel and Gear Oil.

Plus if your getting water through your air cleaner, a bit of water in the diff would be the last thing you'd worry about

[ozscott]

Kev - where are the breathers on your Cruiser?

Cheers

[oldboot]

Yeh...I don't think running the breathers to the air cleaner is all that good an idea........
If you do 2 diffs and GBX and TX case, that is 4 more pipes in your air box

And if one comes adrift, that is a route for water entry into your airbox.

most people in waggon twpe vehicles just mount them on the firewall and the gautex filters on the brackets provided are pretty neat.

some people common up their breathers & I'm not sure think that is too good an idea either.

unless it is a comp truck ( even then).......having them inside the cab is not good, so you should not be smelling anything.

cheers