OK, so I'm one of the few people who wheels during heavy rains. Normally I am cautious in deep water and mud. I was on a mountain trail and the standing water in front of me looked doable and I had been on the trail before. But, suddenly the bottom drops out and my hood is under water. My truck pulled through, but the engine was stumbling. I opened the air filter box. There was water on the bottom and the filter was heavy with water. I discarded the wet filter and put in a new one on the way home. No problems. Luck and grace were on my side that day.

Has anyone else had this happen? Does the filter usually stop the water from being ingested into the engine? I wonder if my filter had gotten wet in the past but I didn't realize it.

A few observations:
The stupid CEL goes on for just about everything. Funny thing is that it didn't go on when the engine was struggling for air. It never did code. Go figure.

I was impressed with how well the electrical system is sealed. No problems anywhere that I can see.

Maybe a snorkel isn't such a bad idea for the unexpected plunges into deep standing water.

Never assume anything. Test the depth of water. I would have been a disaster to have a hydro-locked engine.

I am learning a lot each time I go out, but each "learning experience" seems to carry a certain element of risk to my vehicle. But, I guess that's what makes it exciting. It's not Disney World out there. Things are unpredictable.

Pete

(P.S. Joe D's invincible Rodeo took quite a plunge into deep mud and water at Cala'Zu II - halfway up the door! But, after he let the water drain out he continued on his way. Unlike me, he always stays calm.)