Hey guys, it’s your boy back again with another DIY project. Today, we’re diving into something a bit more challenging – installing a snorkel on my Pajero Sport. Yeah, I’ve been itching to get this done for a while now, and I finally took the plunge. Let me tell you, it was quite the adventure!
So, first things first, I gotta say, this isn’t a walk in the park. You need some decent DIY skills and a good chunk of time. I set aside about three hours for this, and it was just about right. But hey, if you’re not feeling confident, no shame in hitting up a pro.
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. I started by gathering all my tools and the snorkel kit. Most kits come with everything you need – template, bolts, instructions, the whole shebang. But you’ll need your own tools, like a power drill, a hole saw (yeah, you heard that right, we’re cutting holes in the car!), a step drill, some masking tape, and a marker pen. It is very important to have the right tools.
- Power drill? Check.
- Hole saw? Check.
- Step drill? Check.
- Masking tape and marker? Double-check.
The first real step was using the template. It’s usually made for the guard of the vehicle. I carefully lined up the template that came with the kit. This is crucial, guys – measure twice, cut once! I taped it down securely with masking tape, making sure it was perfectly positioned. Then, with a deep breath, I marked out where I needed to drill using the marker pen.
Now, here comes the scary part. Drilling into your beloved Pajero. I started with the smaller holes for the bolts, using the step drill. Then came the big one – the hole for the snorkel itself. I used the hole saw for this, going slow and steady. It’s tough, and you gotta be patient. But man, the feeling when that hole is cut, it’s something else.
With the holes drilled, it was time to get that snorkel in place. I carefully aligned it with the holes and started bolting it down. This is where you really need to make sure everything is lined up perfectly.
Once the snorkel was secured, the next important thing is sealing. You don’t want any leaks, right? I used a neutral cure silicone sealant for all the joints and openings, making sure everything was watertight. There was a one-way drain valve on my model, and the instructions said not to seal that, so I left it as is.
After letting the sealant cure, I gave everything a good once-over. Checked all the bolts, the seals, making sure it was all solid and secure. It’s really important to get a good seal, or the snorkel won’t do its job properly.
And there you have it! Snorkel installed. It was a bit of a challenge, not gonna lie. But totally worth it. Now my Pajero Sport is ready for some serious off-road adventures. I can hit those water crossings without a worry. If you’re thinking about doing this yourself, just make sure you’re prepared, take your time, and double-check everything as you go. And if in doubt, there are plenty of guides and videos out there, or you can always call in a professional.
Until next time, keep those engines running and those wheels turning!
