I installed the AEM CAI without bypass valve, but my city always keeps rainning
for monthes, is it not smart to do it? Coz my friend told me when he uninstalled
his CAI from his SUBARU, there's so much water inside the pipe...

And someone also told me sometimes the engine light on after replaced the CAI,
Has anyone experienced this in our TL yet?

 

I really dont think you're in danger if its just rain. But you want to avoid going through any deep puddles.

 

#1 Issue
I had a 2000 GS-R Integra with Headers, Cat-back exhaust and a CAI w/o bypass.
I lived in Florida at the time (Rained all the time) I slowly ran through a 6" - 8" puddle. It SPUTTERED out. Called AAA and they towed it to the dealership. I get a call next morning. They say, "Sir, the enitire bottom part of you motor needs replacing!. We will do a couple pressure test to see if your heads are bent also." I called my insurance company then. After all was said and done, it cost me $500 for the deductable and $900 for the betterment. So $1400 total out of my pocket. Total bill with the insurance $$$3800. I'm not sure how much additional money a CAI w/bypass is compared to one w/obypass, BUT it is far worth getting VS. the risks of not getting.

#2 Issue
I had a 1995 SCCA ITS GS-R that when we bolted on a CAI, headers and Cat-back the "check engine" light came on also. We coded it back to the oxygen sensor, which we had to change then.

miiipilot

 

NEVER had a problem whatsoever. I think driving through 6 - 8 inch puddles is about crazy with a CAI installed....but just my opinion. You will be fine for the most part if you just drive with some care and know that you have a CAI installed. I have even driven long times in severe driving rain with no problems?

 

hmm, I dunno if it will happened to TL... u got those problems on ur TL too?

 

so it is ok for some water get inside the tube?

 

so our CAI is not that low, and it won't cause any danger?

 

and NONE got their Check Engine Light on after replacing the CAI????

 

the tl has a plastic guard around the entire filter, you wont have a problem unless you submerge it. and no...the c.e.l has does not come on...

 

no I have not yet got a check engine light.

mio I went through the same thing, really worried about the water. I really cant say why your buddy had water in the tube, but Ive driven in heavy rains and did not experience any problems. You just have to be conscious of deep puddles, aviod them at all costs. Like mearwood said, if you see where the intake filter is located you'll realize that the risk of water ingestion is pretty low. But again if you drive though a deep puddle and submerger the front of your car then yes, you will be in a world of shit.

 

Thanks for sharing all ur opinions!

and to Trancemisson: yeh, I checked filter, and just noticed, the filter location is pretty high:

 

yeah if you look at this pic, this is the install on my car. this is with the wheel panel removed. the only opening is that vent in the bumper. It would take alot of water to get up in there, I would say you are a little safer than most installs.

 

I'd say if water is higher than the lower part of the lower front grill, don't do it. i'd say that's about 1' water or close to it. why'd u be driving thru a foot deep "lake" anyway?

 

Your engine will intake some water regardless if you have a bypass or not, the reason for the bypass is to eliminate a "straw" effect if your filter is completely submerged in water. Unless you plan on driving through deep water I'd leave it out. Plus, a bypass will create turbulence in the intake pipe. I've seen intake systems decrease HP due to an installed bypass.

 

I think if the water level can reach (submerged) that AEM filter, it also can get into ur exhaust, which can also hydrolock ur engine, can't it?

 

so, that is the plastic guard "MEARWOOD" talked about.

 

Boy, I guess I'm in trouble! I just cut out the plastic guard to relocate my fogs and let in more air to the filter. looks like I'll have to make a new guard for the filter.

 

It's a LONG way to go from the exhaust pipe for water to get up all the way into the engine.

Unless you pump and pressurize the water into the exhaust pipes, you can't hydrolock the engine that way.

Even then, the exhaust pressure would just push the water out, or the engine would just stall before the water even has a chance to get into the combustion chamber and hydrolock the engine.

In other words, hell no.




As for the CAI, you really won't suck up any water unless you drive into deep puddles. If you're that worried/paranoid, then it's not for you.

 

I just saw my friend's DINAN 330CI, a large CAI without BYPASS (right?), and his car never got any problem in this city, I think I should relax now.

 

Thats really nice! Like the carbon fiber!