2012 Wrangler 3.6 Can't cross deep water?

**Rafa4x4** · 2012/02/25, 12:50 AM

Originally Posted by Apocalypse

the CRD was certainly fine for deep water....

I suspect that the problem was the use of first gear in low range/auto... impossible to say until I've had a go, but all autos do the same with that kind of reduction. if your rpm is high and you suddenly lift off it kills the motor.

both vehicles were auto I assume, were both driven through in Low Range first gear?

Both vehicles demo and mine are auto and were driven accross in low range first gear.

As soon as you get into the river, the waterline goes till about the lower part of the front lights, so above half the radiator grill.

**Scrat** · 2012/02/25, 05:05 PM

Looking at the pics posted....I have a few questions. So what happens if the radiator fan kicks in while you floating/boating, what about the residual water left in the chassis, body panels, parts you don't see rusting away...what about electrical connectors...what about hitting water with a cat at 700deg C let alone a hot Alu block instantly hitting cold water? I understand if you overlanding but just to play around, is it not an expensive gamble?

**tiger_sa** · 2012/02/25, 05:35 PM

Don't really think the stuff you pointing out have any effect. As long as you keep water out of your engine. What happens if one hit a rain storm on the highway after 100km driving, same affect applies to playing in water 4 x 4. My Rubi got 43000 km on and been playing in serious water depth from about 500 km.

**Scrat** · 2012/02/25, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by tiger_sa

Don't really think the stuff you pointing out have any effect. As long as you keep water out of your engine. What happens if one hit a rain storm on the highway after 100km driving, same affect applies to playing in water 4 x 4. My Rubi got 43000 km on and been playing in serious water depth from about 500 km.

Ye I know but I get to see how cars are build from Body Shop to final build and sure they build them in mind that people will wade but to go and LOOK for water and then to see how deep you can go.....

....but I'm just asking.

**Rickard Nell** · 2012/02/27, 06:21 AM

Go get yourself a 2012 Ford Ranger with 800mm water wading capability

**Rolf** · 2012/02/27, 08:13 AM

Originally Posted by Rickard Nell

Go get yourself a 2012 Ford Ranger with 800mm water wading capability

Wow, 50mm more than a stock Rubicon

**paulventer** · 2012/02/27, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by Rafa4x4

..... after crossing the mud part at the beggining of the trail (about 60cm depth), the car tried to go off, just how it feels when you are running out of petrol, like a drowning effect. Lots of steam coming out of the front. Revved it a bit, and after 1 minute the engine felt stable again.
......

.... the demo model had the same effect my car had at Groenkloof, it even turned off completely. Their driver had to wait for 3 minutes when he managed to start it again, took it out of the water, and revved it till it stabilized. ....

I have to admit - this sounds very much like points (distributor) getting wet, causing the car to stutter, and then after drying out a bit, running like normal again.

Now I know the Jeep doesn't have a distributor, but my money would be on some electronic black box or HT cables related to the ignition system getting wet. Once you've identified this box/leak, it should be an easy job to waterproof it.

A good idea could also be to experiment going through the water in a higher gear, which should cause less splash from the radiator fan as the revs will be lower (although I suppose the viscous coupled radiator fan won't be moving much once it is deep enough in the water).

The steam is normal - all 4x4's will let of steam when you dunk the hot exhaust into cold water

Cheers
paul

**rudioverland** · 2012/02/28, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by Fluffy

I am feeling better and better. I got a Rubi with an American truck engine, not a platkar witha Fiat/Alfa engine, that actually knows how to swim.

Fluffy
As a Pentastar owner I feel I need to burst your bubble. The 3.8 was developed and first used in Voyager, thus a minivan engine, not a truck engine.

**spikkels** · 2012/02/28, 04:50 PM

I also have a 2 door 3.6l Rubicon and did the same obstical at Groenkloof while in 4L second gear

I noticed steaam frorm the left front, but there was nothing wrong with the engine's performance

**Rafa4x4** · 2012/02/28, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by spikkels

I also have a 2 door 3.6l Rubicon and did the same obstical at Groenkloof while in 4L second gear

I noticed steaam frorm the left front, but there was nothing wrong with the engine's performance

<THANKS Spikkels
Have seen comments for 2dr and 4dr rubis, no saharas ... Could be just a production batch... of unlimited saharas

**Apocalypse** · 2012/02/28, 09:22 PM

Well... Right now in SA there is only one batch of 3.6 wranglers... All made at the same factory.

I really think 4L first was a lot of the problem..

**komatsu** · 2012/04/21, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by Rafa4x4

I was probably one of the first to get the new Pentastar delivered during first week Jan. Have always wanted a Jeep Wrangler due to its capabilities, and this engine is just awesome!

Took it for a bit of offroading at Groenkloof, and after crossing the mud part at the beggining of the trail (about 60cm depth), the car tried to go off, just how it feels when you are running out of petrol, like a drowning effect. Lots of steam coming out of the front. Revved it a bit, and after 1 minute the engine felt stable again.

A couple of weeks ago went to a 4x4 experience in Krugersdorp, thanks to Grand Central Motors. The trail has lots of fun, and includes river crossing. There is a part you drive against the current, and the depth is probably 30-40cm. There is also a deeper part (about 60 - 70cm depth) and Grand Central Motors had a demo 3.6 wrangler, exactly like mine, doing the obstacles demonstration. To the surprise off all the invited customers and Grand Central Motors - Jeep staff that were present, the demo model had the same effect my car had at Groenkloof, it even turned off completely. Their driver had to wait for 3 minutes when he managed to start it again, took it out of the water, and revved it till it stabilized. What a coincidence! The driver and Jeep staff gave the excuse that the Hill descent control was on, even when Jannie (the guide) had clearly said (on the radio) that this feature needs to be off before crossing rivers.

It was my turn next, and I was excited to go through all the obstacles, but I already had my doubts about the last one, the deep part of the river. When I got to the obstacle, the guide over the radio said "Remember to turn the Hill decent control off", which I clearly did. Went down into the river, cautiously, when I had the whole car in the water, made sure that I kept constant speed and revs, managed to get out and just before climbing the exit, the engine started drowing again, with lots of steam. Revved it for a minute, and it stabilized. I parked my car, and the guide and Jeep staff asked me what engine am I driving, and if I had the Hill descent control on. I said that it was clear and obvious that I didnt have it on, and that this should not be just a coincidence. There were 6 extra wranglers present, all with 3.8 engines, and none of them had problems crossing the obstacle. What can you conclude out of this?

I have asked Grand Central Motors to give me an answer about this, to which they said that they have requested Jeep South Africa to investigate. It has been almost two weeks now, and I don't have an answer yet.

To all 3.6 owners in the forum, would be good to hear if you have experienced something similar.

If a Jeep South Africa staff member is also reading this, please, I will appreciate an answer - solution.

Thanks.

well i had the same problem with my 3.6 ribucon

**komatsu** · 2012/04/21, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by markvdm

I might be wrong, but when I looked at the 3.6 motor it looked like the alternator was a lot lower than on the 3.8. Could have an effect?

the alternater sits right in top in the middle of the v fasing back side to the front

**komatsu** · 2012/04/21, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by Fluffy

I am feeling better and better. I got a Rubi with an American truck engine, not a platkar witha Fiat/Alfa engine, that actually knows how to swim.

ferrari developded this engine for the maserati car

**komatsu** · 2012/04/21, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by Eugenee07

Here is a pic of Gking's 3.6 Penta at Dewildt. I'm not sure exactly the dept that we went through but the water mark was definitely just below the doors at one stage. He newer had a problem.

i was doing that hole the other way around and myne was givin me troubles whith water had to try two times to make it . but did get it threw

**komatsu** · 2012/04/21, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by GKing

Hi I also have a 3.6 penta (rubi 4door) and i have taken it on about 4 outings (all with water). the deepest water i took it in was about 700 mm deep and i did not have any issue. what i can comment on is the hill decent con. and yes i agree with Apo it is useless and it seems (i am not 100% sure, just a observation) that when in use with 1 gear low it causes torque con slip

But with water ....... no problems

Ps. i also noted that there was alot of steam (i think maybe a bit more than the 3.8 did)

i think this is the firs proper hill desent . you must keep the butom in untill solid green light on dash .

**komatsu** · 2012/04/21, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by Rickard Nell

Go get yourself a 2012 Ford Ranger with 800mm water wading capability

rather buy a tata then new ranger ,

**Dustbin** · 2012/04/21, 10:39 AM

Jeeps cannot cross rivers, cannot drive in grass.....

Leisure Wheels might have a point.... LOL

**Jeepers** · 2012/04/21, 01:10 PM

Same water topic different model. How sensitive is the Grand Cherokee (WK Model 2005 on) to deep water. Standard - no snorkel. Am about to go through moremi and Chobe and want to know if i must always take the long way around?

**Rafa4x4** · 2012/04/21, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by komatsu

well i had the same problem with my 3.6 ribucon

Can you give us more details on your experience?

I involved Jeep SA in my case. They asked me to bring my vehicle to Fourways for a checkup. They opened the whole air intake and they found water in it (?). They even took pictures. But I got surprised because it had been more than a month since I did my last deep water crossing. So how can any water still be there?

I had a discussion with fourways workshop mng, and if other wranglers are able to cross the same stream (meaning the 3.8s), then why was it only the 3.6s having the same reaction? We thought as well that it might not be water coming in from the top of the bonet (through the air intake), but could be water getting sucked in through the bottom of the intake, like through the right front wheel under the bonet.

After I collected my vehicle, Jeep SA did not send me a final report on their findings. But SURE I can start fussing about it again, and if there are other vehicles having the same conditions, I am willing to make a big fuss and elevate the case.