Which snorkel is better

[CQ_Prado Member Find all posts View Profile Close CQ_Prado]

So after driving around in the rain for about an hour some town/highway work i got home and thought i would check in the airbox to see if any water inside and was suprised that there was quite a few droplets and a small puddle at the bottom of the airbox where the snorkel installer siliconed up the drain holes. Also the first layer of coarse foam on the filter itself was a little damp.

Is this normal, i thought the snorkel seperated the water and air somehow and drained it off, also should the drain holes in the airbox be sealed up? once water gets in there, there is nowhere to go except through the motor?

[Dukaka Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Dukaka]

Checkout this thread http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...Air-Filter-Box for a debate about plugging the drain holes. Lots of opinions expressed but no evidence either way.

My view is that I'm more likely to spend time driving through heavy rain than I am making water crossings at that depth. I like the idea that the water has a way to get out - I guess that's why they called them 'drain holes'! If I plan on going submarining I might consider a temporary plug.

My airtec snorkel was fitted a couple of weeks ago. Can't see it from my driving position and with only the slightest increase in wind noise at highway speeds I am pretty pleased. Guys at TJM Coburg advised to not plug the drain holes either.

[CQ_Prado Member Find all posts View Profile Close CQ_Prado]

Yep thanks..

They siliconed up the duckbill and the drain holes, I think the duckbill drains most of the water and i'll probably unsilicone it so it can drain from heavy rain driving and just temporary clip it shut for very deep water crossings.

I also am very happy with the airtec snorkel, cannot hear it, cannot see it while driving.

[bj0075 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bj0075]

Do the snorkels actually give a performance / economy advantage to your car.

Yes I'm considering getting safari but like the sleekness of the air tech so still undecided

Thanks BJ

[downunder Find all posts View Profile Close downunder]

No, not really.
4wdaction did an article saying they you got about 0.5l /100km better fuel but that was on older cars, but on modern cars I do no think this is relevant. But this should not be the reason why you want a snorkel.

I went the safari and very happy with it, it is quiet and I do not notice it.

[bj0075 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bj0075]

Downunder

3 things

Firstly why shouldn't that be a reason to get a snorkel?

Secondly the safari you've found it quiet on the road, does that include highway driving 110kph ish?

Thirdly is it showing better economy on your vehicle?

Thanks
BJ

[Rusty62 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Rusty62]

OK this is not on a Prado but my 100 series.



This is what i found when i took off the inner guard.
Missing nuts and washers. Rust around the holes. Fitted by a professional service in Gympie.



Then under the bracket on the pillar. Sorry didn't rotate the pic.




Thats why i don't like the airtec units, would prefer the safari ones that bolt into the outside of the pillar.

Rusty.

[jamies Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close jamies]

In my view the Airtec is far better the way it mounts to the back of the pillar making it harder for water to be forced behind the plate.
Safari are screwed on the front and exposed to all of the weather
The rust problem you have can be easily prevented with a dollop caulking compound or even Vaseline when screwing it together.

I have an Airtec one on my 150 because of the rear pillar mounting at the top

PS I am a panel beater

[stanmiko Member Find all posts View Profile Close stanmiko]

OK this is not on a Prado but my 100 series.



This is what i found when i took off the inner guard.
Missing nuts and washers. Rust around the holes. Fitted by a professional service in Gympie.



Then under the bracket on the pillar. Sorry didn't rotate the pic.




Thats why i don't like the airtec units, would prefer the safari ones that bolt into the outside of the pillar.

Rusty.

Whoever installed it should be shot. Even the destructions that come with the snorkel make specific mention of using a sealant prior to final fixing of the bracket and nuts/washers.