problem with hydrolocking

[fordman49450]

Hello, I have a 94 Ranger with the 4.0. I know they had lots of problems with these trucks and the intake systems taking in water during a heavy rainfall or people going through water. This would cause the engine to hydrolock. Besides installing a Snorkel on it, do any of you have any suggestions to help prevent this from happening? I am going to be trail-riding the truck and may experience some water holes. I dont intend on going through anything I need a snorkel for, but I dont want engine damage. Thanks. I know there is a website out there where the guy goes through the bottom of the air box and through the inner fender, but that just seems like it could result in the same problem and even make it worse. thanks.

[MAKG]

To borrow an old solution from 2.9Ls, you can drill a hole (say, 1/2 inch to 1 inch) in the back of the airbox outside the filter. Run a vent line from that hole up to the top of the firewall. You'll have to submerge that to get the engine to hydrolock (though you may stall it due to air starvation). If you're going through water that deep, you need a snorkel anyway.

I've never heard of anyone hydrolocking from heavy rain. Even if it's in sheets, there is a lot of air in there. It's submersion that really gives it to you.

[fordman49450]

There was a TSB concerning this and it said heavy rainfall I believe. So, when you say outside the filter, do you mean, under the filter so the air is still being filtered? or do you mean above it? Thanks