umcp

i just bought an AEM CAI and bypass valve for my '01 cl-p.

i've been reading around the forums and now i'm worried about water damage to my engine.

i live in maryland and it doesn't rain that much but it rains it pours up here.

what are the real risks with water gettin sucked in?


and in the winter do you guys take out your CAI?

thanks.

phipark

You only have to worry when the filter is completely submerged in water. I leave it on year round.

BEETROOT

to suck water in the intake would have to be submerged with your pedal on the floor.

thats without a bypass.

just steer clear of foot deep puddles and you will be fine.

Shawn S

Not entirely true.
Even at idle, it could draw in enough water to kill the engine if the filter is fully submerged.
But that’s unlikely.
And I’ve driven through FOUR Pennsylvania winters without a problem.

I used to be a big Bypass Valve supported, but recently removed mine as they have their own set of drawbacks.

Shawn S

BEETROOT

^^ yeah I guess you are right. air has to come from somewhere. sorry for the misinformation.


my point remains though...use common sense (don't drive through rivers) and you should have nothing to worry about.

edgalang

There are more negatives than positives with the bypass valve. Just because it worked well with one setup, doesn't mean it performs well in all scenarios. Ask around...there's not a single member to have hydro-locked their TL/CL without a bypass.

CLSpeedfreak

Well I live an Houston (flood central) and I've had no problems. Just don't run through any water that can reach the intake. I've been through water at least 6 inches deep with no problems. I wouldn't recommend going beyond that. Also, been down the highway doing 80mph during a few turd floaters... Spend $45 on the bypass if you feel you need to.

BC2G

hey shawn...what are the drawbacks of the bypass? loss of power? change in the sound?

darrinb

it might come loose and get jammed in your throttle body.. its happened to members here before

trust me just dont be a jackass and u can drive w/o a bypass


it also reduces power/sound a bit too

fastcarz3

try havin a piece of that fukin cheap ass plastic bypass break off and get jammed in the throttle body. I took off fast from a light ....take my foot of the accelerator and the godam thing was still wot. Scared the shit outta me kicked it into neutral and it was going nutz hadda shut the motor off and coast the car over to the side of the road. Did alittle side of the road evaluation as to what could be the problem pulled the intake tube look in alil and there it is. nice size piece too good thing it didnt go all the way in. I was able to grab it wit some needle noze pliers. Anyway bought a new pipe and junked that pos bypass valve havent had a problem yet and that cars seen just about everything. Just stay outta rivers and lakes. Thats my story good luck.

umcp

thats good to know about the bypass and water.

i didnt want to cut into my CAI.

i guess i'll be selling my bypass.

thanks for all the info.

edgalang

fastcarz3 most likely experienced the worst case scenario possible. The OTHER draw back is the long term diminishing effects of improper filtration since most of the time, the valves are open. Honestly...you can't expect to get a non-oiled foam filter to work half as effective as the main filter do you?

GINge!

^^ good point... I'm in the same boat considering CAI's.