Thanks, good info, going into the pond slowly usually does the trick for me. I tend to the let the axle cool down a bit in shallower water before submerging them completely. Never had an issue.Yes, those valves are designed to close when submerged but taking on water through the valve is a misunderstanding of how that system works. When that valve is closed water can still come into the axle. That valve is designed to breathe, i.e. as the axle heats up during normal operation it needs to vent. Yes the vent is also designed that if submerged it will be pushed shut from the pressure of the water on it so as water can not go down that tube. That's where most people stop and say I'm good as long as I don't submerge that vent and that is where they are wrong.
The danger is when the axle is hot (at operating temp from being driven), and as noted, it is venting. When the axle is suddenly plunged into water or mud and allowed to stay submerged it will cool rapidly. When it cools like that it forms a vacuum and pulls that valve shut and that is when the problem occurs. Now you have a vacuum and since it can't suck in air through that vent it's going to start pulling in through the seals and what's on the other side of the seals? Water. That is the real danger of submerging an axle that is at operating temp.
The solution to this is to run ALL (both diffs, tranny, t-case) to a common point up in the engine compartment as high as possible but DON'T put a closable vent on it. You typically tie them to a manifold that has a filter on it, ARB makes one for around $75. This way you keep out debris and it can breathe in/out without causing a vacuum. And if you are worried about sucking water in through them when they are way up in the engine compartment you've got bigger problems, like a hydro locked engine, to deal with
A friend of mine had the exact opposite thing happen to him. His breather valve was caked SHUT with mud. As his axle heated up it still needed to vent so it vented itself right out the pinion seal and he was leaking gear oil there. Time for a new pinion seal
Isn't the front breather up to the engine bay?
Pretty sure it is and this is a great example of how water can get sucked in through the seals since I'm pretty sure it wasn't taken in through the valve.
Second that!
You’ll be fine.
If you have a snorkel you look like a tool but to answer your question technically yes since it will keep water out of the intake. However have fun with cooking all of your electronics if you go deep enough for long enough and enough water gets in to submerge them. If that water is coming over your hood I guarantee you it's coming in the cab.
