ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Grand Vitara, Vitara, Chevy Tracker (Gen. 2 Platform) 1999-2005 => Topic started by: lowrezolution on May 24, 2006, 12:41:45 PM
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Any body have any suggestions about waterproofing or protecting starters when doing the odd deep water crossing? ???
I had the Tracker in 24" + of water on the weekend, handled it fine but the starter sounded "angry" when it was wet. Any way to protect it?
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The first and easiest line of defence for any 4wd water crossing is to put a tarp across the front grill and to keep moving at a moderate pace (usually low range 2nd but with a not-so-low-range GV 1st would probably alright). This creates a bow wave and generally prevents too much water getting in the engine cavity. Maybe you already do this but that is the first thing that came to mind.
Oh and don't forget some WD40!
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my tracker makes all kinds noises after deep water crossings; clutch, fan, belts, brakes, i think thats it. i'm not looking forward to the starter...
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Protection will not be 100%, so, although I've no practical experience of a starter, here's my two cents, based on general practice:
If it's fresh water, and clean, once it's dried out there should be no problems. If the water has stirred up mud, vegetable matter, etc, it would be a good idea to wash it out with clean water. Make sure no bits have lodged in it, particularly around the brush gear.
If it's salt water, you do need to wash it out very thoughly, and don't try to use it before you've done that unless you really must.
Drying out in a low heat oven is a good idea.
My own view is that the sintered bronze bearings may have lost some lubricant in the immersion, so it's a good idea to drip some engine oil onto them - if they are low in oil, they will absorb it.
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Thanks for the replys :D, since we are on the topic of water crossings, should I remove the stock fan on the front of the engine and replace the electric fan with a Hi-Perf one, I've heard a manual overide switch is a good idea too. The jeep guys I went wheelin' with on sunday say the deep water could stall the fan and have it come a part and go through the rad. Should I be worried about this? :o
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Something I got from a friend in New Zealand that LOVED mud was to take some electrical contact cleaner and just hose the alternator and starter down with an entire can after every good dunking. He used to go through alternators left and right and then started carrying a can with him. After every trip he'd just empty the can into the alternator (don't think he had a problem with his starter, but it was a different vehicle) and most of his problems went away.
That said electrical + water don't mix so you'll never completely solve this issue.