How Does A Snorkel Work On A Truck?

A truck snorkel is a crucial component in a vehicle’s engine, providing air filtration and allowing the engine to breathe properly. It connects to the truck’s air intake and creates a water-tight seal, moving the intake system above the hood and just below the roofline. This raises the air intake to a higher level, usually above the hood and just below the roofline. The snorkel works by sucking in air and channeling it down a series of blades located at the head, which spin as the air passes over them, throwing away dirt and water.

The three main parts of a snorkel are a hat or Air Ram, a Snorkel tube or Body, and an air filter either flat or cyclonic. These parts are designed to complement each other in their function. Snorkels are installed onto the air intake, creating a seal to keep water out of the engine while allowing the air intake to keep taking in air. The snorkel pipe that runs out of the air intake then travels through the hood and up the passenger side windshield post where it is securely mounted.

An off-road 4×4 snorkel elevates the location that your car, truck, or SUV drafts air into the engine, where it is then routed out through one of the front fenders or directly through the hood, and up beside the A-pillar to the level of the roofline. The snorkel moves the air intake to a higher elevation, protecting the engine by supplying only the cleanest air – no dust or water.


📹 Pros and Cons of putting a snorkel on your vehicle

Just a quick video talking about why you should and shouldn’t consider a snorkel.


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Is a snorkel worth it?

So, you might not plan to head out on an adventure where you are driving through deep water crossings, but with the addition of a quality snorkel, at least you will know that your vehicle is being protected from dust ingress as you drive down a dusty road. And in the event that you do hit a water crossing a little hard, your vehicle will be protected from water as well.

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What is the purpose of a snorkel on a 4x4
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Does a snorkel increase wading depth?

The argument usually starts with wading depth. The wading depth is how deep your 4×4 can go into the water without “drowning” it; this depth varies from vehicle to vehicle but is usually around the 400mm mark. If you’re unsure of your vehicle’s wading depth, check the owner’s manual or ask your local dealer for advice. Contrary to popular belief, a snorkel will seldom increase your 4×4’s water-fording abilities. In theory, it is possible, but the reality is that many factors determine your vehicle’s wading depth, and not just by where the engine’s air intake point is.

For example, if your snorkel is installed correctly, with no air or water leaks, it will, in fact, raise your vehicle’s air intake point and increase the depth of water your 4×4 can drive through before inhaling water into the engine. However, other factors, such as the height of your 4×4’s transmission breathers, diff breathers, engine-management system and electrics, also determine how much water you can drive through. What’s more, it’s vitally important to remember that driving through water can be a very dangerous exercise and that the safe way to look at it is: ‘If you can’t walk it, don’t drive it!’

Back to the point of the air intake height…. This is where the true benefit of a snorkel lies. By raising the height of the engine’s breathing point, we’re able to ensure that the engine gets a larger percentage of cooler, cleaner air, which means fewer air filter changes, and a greater chance of engine longevity. We’ve even noticed better fuel consumption after installing a snorkel!

How does a snorkel work on a truck chevy
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Does a snorkel add horsepower?

Purchasing a vehicle snorkel ought to improve your car’s performance at most engine speeds. Furthermore, it should reduce fuel consumption and make your engine run cleaner. Not all snorkel body designs produce a cold air induction effect. This effect improves fuel efficiency while also improving engine power. Once installed, your 4WD will be ready for new adventures and maybe some river crossings and let’s be honest….just look cool.

Article courtesy of: Michael Kirk-Williams, Australian engineer and designer ofAirflow Snorkels. Editor: Lori Palmer.

Disadvantages of a snorkel
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What is the point of using a snorkel?

Snorkel masks cover your eyes and nose, so you can see underwater without it going up your nose. The snorkel is a flexible tube that allows you to breathe while you have your face in the water. You hold one end in your mouth and for air exchange to happen, the top of the tube has to poke out about the water’s surface.

This splash guard helps keeps water out of the snorkel that could get in there from splashes from waves or other swimmers.

Semi-dry snorkels also have a purge valve. The purge valve is located at the bottom end of the snorkel letting you get rid of water in the tube really easily.

Dry snorkels and semi-dry snorkels have the same features such as purge valves, but dry snorkels also have a float valve.

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How do you breathe underwater with a snorkel?

So you can take your next breath. In don’t forget to keep a tight streamline off the wall. So you don’t lose the snorkel as you push off.

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Car snorkel benefits
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What is the benefit of a snorkel on a truck?

Why it’s so greatIncreased engine performance and efficiency. Because of its high position, a snorkel may increase engine performance on or off the road by taking in cooler, cleaner, and uncontaminated air. … Prevents dust from clogging the engine. … Increased fuel efficiency. … Reduced maintenance.

We’ve all seen 4x4s with amazing accessories such as wide, all-terrain tyres, stone deflectors, side cladding, and other accessories that make the vehicle look more rugged. But what about those exhaust-can-like pipes that run alongside the bonnet?

That’s a vehicle snorkel, and it has a purpose other than making an off-roader look that much more intimidating. A snorkel, as the name implies, allows a vehicle to ‘breathe’ while crossing water or traversing sandy paths.

This is why hardcore offroaders who like to take their 4x4s on incredibly difficult terrain frequently choose it as one of their favoured vehicle upgrades. Even if you’re not that interested in testing your fate on dangerous terrain, many people do it solely on the basis of “it looks good”. Which if we’re being honest, is as good a reason as any!

Car Snorkel Kit
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What does a snorkel do on a 4WD?

Essentially, a 4×4 snorkel is simply a raised inlet pipe that feeds air from the roof height of your vehicle, down to the air-box in your engine bay. Engine’s run at their best when they’re fed lots of cool, clean air.

Stainless Steel vs Plastic Snorkels. The difference between a plastic snorkel vs a stainless steel snorkel is fairly obvious. While they both serve the same purpose (to provide your motor with lots of cool, clean air) there are a few points of difference worth mentioning.

• Snorkel Aesthetics. While the look of a snorkel is obviously personal preference, the popularity of the stainless steel snorkel aesthetic is growing. A brand such as Meredith Metalworks stainless steel snorkels (see here) are designed to be recessed into the guard making them follow the body lines of your vehicle, presenting a sleek, smooth finish.

The good quality stainless steel snorkels (such as those from Meredith) are also designed to be completely seamless, which adds to the overall modern and classy look of the vehicle it’s on. Stainless steel snorkels usually come in either powder coasted black or a brushed/polished silver chrome finish.

Car snorkel pros and cons
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What are the disadvantages of a snorkel on a 4WD?

Maintenance can be another concern. A snorkel system includes components that need to be checked regularly to ensure they’re free of debris and properly sealed. Failing to maintain the snorkel can lead to issues with water or dust ingress, negating the benefits the snorkel provides.

Noise is another potential drawback. Some snorkels, particularly stainless steel models, can increase the intake noise. This is especially noticeable when the vehicle is under load. While some drivers enjoy the added engine sound, others may find it intrusive.

Installing a 4×4 Snorkel. Installing a snorkel for your 4×4 can be a bit of a challenge. It’s not as simple as just bolting it on. The process usually involves cutting into the vehicle’s bodywork. This can be intimidating, especially if you’re not experienced with car modifications. Most snorkel kits come with a template to guide you on where to cut and drill. These are the general steps involved when installing a snorkel.

Before you start, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools. You’ll need a drill, a hole saw, and a variety of wrenches and screwdrivers. The snorkel kit should include all the bolts, clamps, and hoses you need. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure a proper fit.

Car with snorkel in water
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Do you need a tune with a snorkel?

And let’s not forget engines typically don’t need a re-map when you fit a snorkel. So there’s hardly a profound change in airflow afoot. And – believe me – if you were adding 40 per cent more air, they probably would need a re-tune. And the stock injectors might not be able to keep up during high-speed overtaking manoeuvers, if airflow were increased by 40 per cent at high demand and revs.

And we haven’t really changed the turbo or the intercooler – and that kinda mitigates rather a lot of what you do ‘upstream’ in any case.

I really don’t see a great flow increase into the engine from fitting a snorkel. Although the designers would have done a good job – in my view – if they just managed not to restrict the flow at all.

Does a snorkel restrict airflow?

A snorkel cannot improve airflow into your engine in any meaningful way, but it can certainly restrict it when you make the engine substantially bigger, and leave the snorkel stock. And one of the best ways to limit power production is to restrict inlet airflow.

Do snorkels affect engine performance?

A snorkel cannot improve airflow into your engine in any meaningful way, but it can certainly restrict it when you make the engine substantially bigger, and leave the snorkel stock. And one of the best ways to limit power production is to restrict inlet airflow.

Car snorkel for sale
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Do snorkels restrict airflow?

A snorkel cannot improve airflow into your engine in any meaningful way, but it can certainly restrict it when you make the engine substantially bigger, and leave the snorkel stock. And one of the best ways to limit power production is to restrict inlet airflow.


📹 Safari Snorkel – Here’s why you need one!

Bryan McMeikan from Safari 4×4 Engineering covers the benefits of fitting a quality snorkel to your vehicle. Safari’s signature lies …


How Does A Snorkel Work On A Truck
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Debbie Green

I am a school teacher who was bitten by the travel bug many decades ago. My husband Billy has come along for the ride and now shares my dream to travel the world with our three children.The kids Pollyanna, 13, Cooper, 12 and Tommy 9 are in love with plane trips (thank goodness) and discovering new places, experiences and of course Disneyland.

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