Deep water crossing problems

[opsafari]

The past few months I've read so many articles regarding people going through deep waters of Moremi and in the Caprivi without any problems. So many people write lengthy trip reports about it as well; the water were over the bonnet etc. I’ve been through deep water twice and not by choice – had to – and paid the penalty a few kilometers or less than 1000km later – seized bearings! Once the alternator and aircon tension pulley bearing went ± 250km after deep water and the other time the water pump packed up close to 1000km after the water crossing. My mechanic informed me that since I never had this problem on my old Series III, modern engines like my 300Tdi, the exposed bearings are only packed with a thin layer of grease and when you do submerse the layer of oil is washed away and problems are waiting. What experiences do people on this forum have after going through deep water?

[Landyluvver]

sometimes water crossings are shallow and no aftereffets whill came to the fore.
the bigger fear is deeper water.
radiators getting block by grass and leaves.
these block the radiator and will lead to overheating.
this can become a problem.
if you are going to be wading deep, make shure that you have a snorkel fitted and that all sensitive component are moved from under seats to a position against the firewall.

[RynoB]

If you place a tarp across the front of your vehicle prior to entering very deep water, you will minimize the water entering the engine bay by creating a bow wave, so long as you maintain a brisk forward momentum. The result: less water will be sprayed over the ignition system by the radiator fan and less chance of water entering the air intake.

[Brian]

A standard seed net is pretty much as effective as a tarpaulin. Yes, they are not water proof, but you get practically no flow through them crossing water. The seed net is useful for many other reasons too !