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Question about Donaldson air box/filter housing

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 7:55 pm
by sw1
I was wondering is it posibile that water could enter the filter housing through the vacuator valve, particularlly durring a water crossing with it being submerged.

obviously it is connected to a snorkel and there has been steps taken to water proof the rest of the housing & filter lid.



Unfortunately I suspect so, however interested to hear some other thoughts.
The simple solution would be to block it off but it is sort of a handy feature to have as part of the filtration system.

Re: Question about Donaldson air box/filter housing

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 8:02 pm
by chimpboy
sw1 wrote:I was wondering is it posibile that water could enter the filter housing through the vacuator valve, particularlly durring a water crossing with it being submerged.

obviously it is connected to a snorkel and there has been steps taken to water proof the rest of the housing & filter lid.



Unfortunately I suspect so, however interested to hear some other thoughts.
The simple solution would be to block it off but it is sort of a handy feature to have as part of the filtration system.
I think it's designed not to. But that isn't necessarily a guarantee that it is fine.

Some experienced tourers say that before a water crossing you should pop your bonnet and put duct-tape (or whatever) on every joint etc in the air intake. Some would say this is overkill and just drive the hell in. But if you took the conservative view, I guess that is when you'd (temporarily) block the valve.

I dunno, I don't have cause to do water crossings much these days but I think some people would be surprised how watertight their intake set-up isn't even if it looks good on a visual inspection.

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 7:24 am
by Bush65
If you will be doing a few deep water crossings, at the least make sure the rubber vacuator valve is in good condition.

Another option is to replace the vacuator valve with a clear glass jar that can hold a reasonable quantity of dust and allow you to see when it needs to be emptied.

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 6:34 pm
by hj 45
I think the air pressure inside the canister should prevent water entering through the vacuator valve. It is designed as a one way valve is it not? After all, if the vac valve is a dud idea, it would've been discarded decades ago. It's not new untested technology.

Posted: Fri Mar 19, 2010 8:11 pm
by dano80
Hey, I have a mat who has a Snorkel and Vaculator Valve and anytime he come near deep water he just yanks the vaculator valve and stuffs a stress ball (you the little squishy rubber balls) in the offending opening! Has worked for him for years.....including plenty of wet "Cape" trips!

Cheers, Dano

Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2010 9:07 am
by Patroler
Bush65 wrote:If you will be doing a few deep water crossings, at the least make sure the rubber vacuator valve is in good condition.
this is a good idea, i do know that when they get old and a bit stuffed they let a bit of water in, not a lot though - have found dampened dust in the bottom of the mq pre cleaner - but i don't think there was enough water to get through the paper filter - at least not 2 of them.

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 7:18 am
by sw1
thanks for the thoughts
the airbox is brand new, so the vacuator isnt going to be in any better condition

seems i wil just do a temporary seal before any water, just to be sure.