Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Newest sub - first dive

["Sean T. Stevenson" <cast55@telus.net>]

There's a fair bit of work involved in modifying a vehicle to ford that much 
water - it's not just a matter of running a snorkel to the air intake.  
Everything needs to be sealed - oil and transmission dipsticks, filler caps, 
air handling etc., plus the differential case, transfer case, etc. need to be 
vented by running a line up to a position above the waterline.  Bearings and 
other sealed spaces must be pressure compensated (or seals audited and re-
spec'd as necessary) to avoid contamination.  The engine has to be diesel - 
gasoline engines can't handle the backpressure, and are susceptible to 
ignition failures.  Cooling fan must be disabled - if belt-driven, replaced by 
an electric fan which can be switched off prior to water entry.  All of the 
electrical systems must be sealed, etc.  A lot of effort, but perhaps 
worthwhile if it meant being able to traverse a "shortcut" to avoid traffic and 
save time on your daily commute.

I have often wondered how much effort would be involved in making a truck 
amphibious - no messy engine work - just add a displacement hull and some type 
of axle seal configuration.

-Sean


On November 1, 2009 11:44:57 Jon Wallace wrote:
> Given the muck and stuff that you can see rise up from the bottom
> disturbance, I was surprised that he got as far as he did.  When he
> rolled down the embankment backwards I was sure that he was probably
> stuck, but he managed to get it out.  I suppose the aggressive tires
> really do what they are intended.  I've seen partial submergence mud
> racing, but never to the point that the snorkel was underwater as well.
> 
> Glad you enjoyed it.  I came across it by chance while searching for
> something else.
> 
> Jon



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