Went through some water!

cbenton · 10-17-2009, 09:37 PM

I made it out to my first off road park today, which was amazing... will be going back very soon. There were a few mud holes and ponds that I decided to try my luck with. I've never done water crossings before so I thought I'd go for it while theres people around to pull me out. Luckily I didn't get stuck, just very wet. A little came in from under the right door I think, just a little not even enough to fill the floor boards on that side. But it was up to the top of my brush guard at points and up past the bottom of my spare at points, and I'm wandering if I need to clean or replace anything now? I'm doing the scuba mod tomorrow I think, once the fuel union part comes in... which is perfect timing, the day after I go through water for the first time lol. Just wandering what others have done to clean it up afterwards so it doesn't smell like a muddy pond or damage anything.

DoWork · 10-17-2009, 10:05 PM

You will probably want to dry out the foam under the plastic flooring to stop any mold. Also when you do the scuba mod you may want to just change out the diff oil. How many miles on your FJ? It may be time anyways.

joenshan · 10-17-2009, 10:17 PM

when i clean mine i just spray it out with a hose, un screw the top of a small broom and brush the extra water out. Leave the windows down and doors open on a nice sunny day i Also use a synthetic cleaner which leaves a nice coconut aroma.. and never had a prob with any kinda funky smell.

just me tho..

DoWork · 10-17-2009, 10:25 PM

^^ you know its not meant for that right? At the most I would use a damp rag to wipe down everything.

fj6high · 10-17-2009, 10:39 PM

I would change the fluids in the front diff the transfer and rear pumkin, use a quality synthetic 75W90 gear oil. I would not play again in deep water until after you install the Scuba mods.

To clean the interior I use simple green spray and rinse with garden hose low pressure as not to get more things wet. I pop the plastic side covers off and use a wet or dry shop vac with a crevis attachment to suck all the water out. After this things will completely dry in a few days leaving no foul smells. I've flooded my Fj a few times and this seems to work best for me.

I have also ordered and replaced my four idler pully bearings, sealed ones as they can handle mud and water. This is important as you will find many people here have replaced the Toyota OEM bearings time and time again.

cbenton · 10-18-2009, 09:00 AM

Quote:

DoWork previously said:

You will probably want to dry out the foam under the plastic flooring to stop any mold. Also when you do the scuba mod you may want to just change out the diff oil. How many miles on your FJ? It may be time anyways.

Only about 9000 miles on it, and what is the best way to dry out the foam? I saw it under the seats and that was my main reason for asking, if anything starts to smell I think that'd be it.

Quote:

fj6high previously said:

I would change the fluids in the front diff the transfer and rear pumkin, use a quality synthetic 75W90 gear oil. I would not play again in deep water until after you install the Scuba mods.

I thought I read some where the 08's came stock with the front diff and transfer breathers moved up high in the engine bay. Maybe I'm wrong but I was hoping I did'nt hurt that much.

Quote:

fj6high previously said:

I have also ordered and replaced my four idler pully bearings, sealed ones as they can handle mud and water. This is important as you will find many people here have replaced the Toyota OEM bearings time and time again.

How hard is that to do? I like doing all my own stuff but am not a mechanic. Also do you have a part number by chance?

Thanks for all the tips.

**amaintaylor** · 10-18-2009, 12:23 PM

You need to do the scuba mod right away. You would be very lucky if you didn't get any water in the rear diff (on top of the diff) and possibly the Transmission and transfer case located on top of the bell housing. The front diff breathers are the highest ones in the engine bay. At the very minimum I would change out the rear diff fluid to synthetic. You will eventually be replacing a pulley or two if you don't upgrade those too. The best way to dry the interior is to remove the seats and pull the padding up. If you like to go swimming you need to be prepared.

PaulThePhotographer · 10-18-2009, 02:16 PM

I personally don't think you need to overreact. I still never have done any of the scuba mods and I have been in some pretty deep water.

When I did replace the fluids, just for the heck of it, well after 30,000 miles, there was no sign of water intrusion.

Of course your experience could be different.

cbenton · 10-18-2009, 04:15 PM

I didn't think there'd be any problem with the fluids after one days worth. The only thing bugging me was that foam mat since it came in from the doors (I think) and maybe something in the engine. I'm only at 9,000 miles so I don't think I will change the fluids yet, but I will go to synthetic some time down the road.

**stringmachine** · 10-18-2009, 07:23 PM

removed