So now I have learned a lesson!
One can call this a what where you thinking moment.
Well we were on the way to Savuti and had to cross a river crossing on the river Kwai
The sign said "detour" and so we took this track only to be stopped short at the river
We walked the river and when it got to about bonnet high probably about 1.3 meters I shook my head and turned around looking for another track
The right hand track lead up to a different crossing and once again this looked very daunting
I was traveling by myself ie no other vehicles or in convoy
Yet again turned around and went back but in the back of my mind I had to get across this obstacle
So two game driving vehicles pass me and I stop and watch them cross at the second crossing
I must say the river crossing I watched then did look deep but then seeing other vehicles cross made me change my gut feel and decided if thats the road where they cross then lets do it
Well got to the middle of the first part of the river and drank water and just managed to get nose out of the drink
water poured into the car up to the seats
what a mess....
My partner now in full shock grabbed her handbag and library book and left the vehicle!
What was she thinking? what about the money and passports?
Well, no one wants this to happen
To cut a long story short I salvaged what I could and carried this to the small island and took my chair and sat pondering what to do next
The GLX was just two years old!
My partner and my 28 year old son went to find help and soon came back with a game driving vehicle whom towed me out backwards
We found a small village and tried to salvage more stuff and make plans
We were on our way to catch a lift to Maun and then possibly fly out or hire another vehicle and get the insurance company to recover our Pajero. The thing is it was Saterday and the lift was Sunday
To cut a long story short I found a local maintenance mechanic which offered to see if he could establish how badly the vehicle was affected
The vehicle a 3.2 D
After ten hours of continues hard labour during which all sorts of pipes and things were removed and also the turbo charger and glo plugs.... twice... and lots of stress, the pajero started!!!!!
What a celebration that was....
I have learnt quite a few things...
My pajero needs a snorkel and some serious lift
We left the following morning for Savuti and crossed the marches and lots of deep mud pools and high sand and often we were wondering what made us do the trip
All well that ends well.. Since then I have done about 2 500 kilos and am back in South Africa and will be changing all the oils and air cleaner first opportunity
oh by the way I had to still cross the river a second time...
this time with the air intake closed and being towed....
What have I learned
Never but never drive into water deep enough to reach the bonnet lid without a snorkel
In fact turn back and find another way or find a local who can advise
I am now fitting a snorkel but it is a bit like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted
We also spent some time in Moremi and all in all had a fantastic trip
I will from now on walk river crossings with a stick somewhat shorter than the bonnet height!!
The reason for this post is to share with forum members details of what went wrong and perhaps it would assist others doing similar trips
It is easy to over estimate the ability of your vehicle!
Hind sight is perfect sight..
But what a fantastic vehicle!
I know that feeling very well. Had a similer experience with a KZ hilux. Luckilly the engine was still fine but since then my wife is very nervous when we do water crossings (if I'm allowed to)
Chris
Not a nice story, that river also had me very worried crossing it a couple of years ago. Do you perhaps have a contact number for the mechanic you used? One never knows when it might come in handy.
Malcolm
Malcolm
I'm no expert, having only done a few river crossings, but I do believe you can exceed the recommended wading depth of 70cm if you maintain a good bow wave. This does mean that you need to apply a bit of right foot and clench the teeth. As with any water crossing it is a case of don’t slow down and never stop! Your 1.3 meters does seem a bit on the scary side 
If you can feel the grass between your toe's, your flying too low!
3.5 GLS F/LIF 1998 Lost to the x wife
3200 Tdi GSL 2001 Written off
3200 Di-D 5Dr A/T 2002 338 000 Sold
3500i A/T 5Dr 2001 Sold
3.2 Di-Dc GLS A/T 2008
3.5 GLS F/LIF 1998 Lost to the x wife
3200 Tdi GSL 2001 Written off
3200 Di-D 5Dr A/T 2002 338 000 Sold
3500i A/T 5Dr 2001 Sold
3.2 Di-Dc GLS A/T 2008
scarry stuff, but certainly seem to justify my decision in 2012 to opt for a 3.2 DiD SWB - wonderfull vehicle to say the least and the engine quite obviously, from the account above, robust enough to deal with the tough situations Africa can some times through at us!! Regards Louis
Great post and thanks for sharing.
A "car bra" is a cheap and very useful alternative to a snorkel. The added advantage is that it helps to keep the whole engine bay (including the fan) dry. Your biggest risk still remains, which is water contamination of the gearbox and diff oil.
And yes, those DiD motors are robust.
A "car bra" is a cheap and very useful alternative to a snorkel. The added advantage is that it helps to keep the whole engine bay (including the fan) dry. Your biggest risk still remains, which is water contamination of the gearbox and diff oil.
And yes, those DiD motors are robust.
Thanks Roelfie and all others who have read my post.So the Car Bra? Where can I find out more about it?
I better hurry in terms of changing oils? Can you tell me more about the water in the diff and gearbox issues?
Also the number of the guy that was fantastic is Patrick- +26773902116.
He can always help with a river crossing. This means being pulled behind his vehicle without engine running. Definitely an option
I am now in Mussina at the hot water spa for a month and will have to try and find a Pajero workshop either at Louis Trichard or Mussina. Anyone know where to go?
Als have my new fridge not working!
Thanks guys
The other problem I picked up with crossing deep water was that my main front crank seal started leaking in the week after I crossed a river that was slightly deeper than the previous time I crossed it. The first time I crossed it easy but the second I was lazy to check. When I realised the water was deeper I just went a bit faster to keep the bow wave going, at on stage the water reached bonnet height but I managed to pass successfully.
Lesson I learned: Dont buy an aftermarket crank seal, not even at a place like Seal centre, rather wait the week or 2 for Mitsubishi to order it for you it if they have no stock, it is a lot of labour (stripping lots of components)to replace the crank seal especially if you have to do it again in 2-3months.
Lesson I learned: Dont buy an aftermarket crank seal, not even at a place like Seal centre, rather wait the week or 2 for Mitsubishi to order it for you it if they have no stock, it is a lot of labour (stripping lots of components)to replace the crank seal especially if you have to do it again in 2-3months.
The other problem I picked up with crossing deep water was that my main front crank seal started leaking in the week after I crossed a river that was slightly deeper than the previous time I crossed it. The first time I crossed it easy but the second I was lazy to check. When I realised the water was deeper I just went a bit faster to keep the bow wave going, at on stage the water reached bonnet height but I managed to pass successfully.
Lesson I learned: Dont buy an aftermarket crank seal, not even at a place like Seal centre, rather wait the week or 2 for Mitsubishi to order it for you it if they have no stock, it is a lot of labour (stripping lots of components)to replace the crank seal especially if you have to do it again in 2-3months.
Lesson I learned: Dont buy an aftermarket crank seal, not even at a place like Seal centre, rather wait the week or 2 for Mitsubishi to order it for you it if they have no stock, it is a lot of labour (stripping lots of components)to replace the crank seal especially if you have to do it again in 2-3months.