Aussieboertjie wrote:Ross, awesome pics Boet!!
Did your Patrol handle the water OK? Looks almost unreal.... any tips?
PS. I'm ignoring your comment about Aus.
- luckily Botswana's not going anywhere soon!
Hi Aussieboertjie,
Ja, the Patrol handled the water fine, but we did do quite a bit of pre-trip vehicle preparation.
Tips:
1. If you`re going to tackle deep water, don`t assume that the fitment centre that installed your snorkel did it properly. Both Wes and My snorkels had integrity issues that could have led to serious motor damage had we not checked that all the joints were properly sealed.
2. We pressure washed the underside of our vans before the trip, and soaked everything in "Fluid Film" which is an oil based spray on product that repels mud and water.
3. Check the integrity of all gearbox and Diff breathers, and the integrity of the front kingpin seals.
4. Only attempt water as deep as we did, if there is no flow, AND the bottom is firm. Ignor this at your peril! Also I`m not sure I would try water that deep in a petrol vehicle, as you could damage the electrics. No such issues with a 4.2D!
5. When you enter the water, do so gently but decisively....dont race across, but maintain a steady speed to maintain the bow-wave in front of the vehicle.
5. After doing a crossing, check gearbox and diff oil for water contamination, and replace if necessarry (we didn`t have to, but check anyway). Also remove a bolt from the bottom of each front knuckle joint, to check for water contamination. Again, as long as the big rubber seals onthe inside of the knuckels are in good condition this shouldn`t be an issue, but check anyway just in case!
6. Make sure you enjoy the moment.....because its seriously fun!!!
Ross.