Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

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)

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

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

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.

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

Thanks for the contact number.
Malcolm

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.

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.