Wading plugs

[SnakeLogic]

My Japanese owners manual makes a big deal about the wading plugs needing to be in place before venturing into the water, but the English manual I have makes no mention of wading plugs.  My dealer says they aren't really needed for wading, but if that's true, why do they even make wading plugs?

Also, how long can they be safely left in?  Do I have to climb under each time I emerge from the water?  Also, how important is it to cover the grill before a water crossing (Tdi engine)?

[Bulli]

lots of questions there, yes wading plugs are a good idea.

You can leave them in for the entire trip if you want, you definately dont have to take them out after every crossing.

extended breathers are a good idea as well.

the idea behine blocking the rad is to stop silt/mud from clogging the rad...but thats pretty deep wading! If the water is clear then you wouldnt need to bother...i have killed my rad because it got blocked so beware.

[Budgie]

If you're wading then put them in, one in the timing case and in the bellhousing. Once you've finished for the day then remove them to make sure there is no water in there.

If you leave them out when wading then you stand a good chance of wrecking the clutch &/or the timing gear, especially if you stall or get stuck half way through.
I leave mine in all the time, just removing them during each service and after I've been wading. That way I don't forget to put them in!  :D

Remember, if you stall the engine then don't try to restart it in the water, you may suck water into the engine through the exhaust. Better to get recovered from the water and then try.  

As for the grill, you only really need to cover it if the water is very muddy or there's a lot of loose grass etc that could block the radiator.
A pressure wash of the radiator from inside the engine bay will soon clear anything that is causing a problem, providing you don't leave it too long.  

[chris9119]

A pressure wash of the radiator from inside the engine bay will soon clear anything that is causing a problem, providing you don't leave it too long.  

You shouldn't use a pressure washer as it can/will damage the fins...., better to use a hose pipe :idea:

Chris

[muddyjames]

It isnt just when going through water you need to put them in. I didn't put them in during a pay and play day and the mud got in and wore the engine oil seels away and it made the engine drip oil everywhere. It cost be nearly £200 to have them replaced as the front of the engine needs to be stripped back to just behind the cam belt so a cam belt change is a good idea at the same time if that happens.

For the occasional clear water crossing I dont put the plugs in but for constant wading or if I know I will be going through mud or even green laning I put them in.

[SnakeLogic]

Thanks for the help.  Now I just need to get some wading plugs.  i've asked to dealer to order me a set, as I can't get inch size threadings at local shops.

[POTASH]

i git mine off e bay

[Range Rover Blues]

Yes LR do use some bananas sizes don't they :roll:

[Budgie]

Yep,
Nearly finished the Rangie's EFI motor.  :D

M8 exhaust manifold studs to hold the downpipes on and 7/16 Whitworth bolts to hold the manifolds onto the cylinder head!!  :shock:

[Lord Shagg-Pyle]

I found a great way of stopping watery crap going through the rad. I got an old bit of canvas that drops down in front of the grill. I screwed the top edge to the self tappers that hold the grill in place and tie it back up with baler twine when not in use.
The water pressure will keep it in place when wading.
It will also act as a rad muff for when the really bad, horrendous, arctic style blizzards arrive, that are predicted by the eco doom merchants!
I am currently working on a system to cover the whole car for when the Riders of the Apocalypse get here.

[Skibum346]

I am currently working on a system to cover the whole car for when the Riders of the Apocalypse get here.

On the principle that if they can't see you that can't damn you to eternal hell in a world with no 4x4's and where the only cars are li'l electric things that use a hamster wheel as a dynamo input...?

 :lol: