Ask the Editors: Help Me Waterproof My Quad
Let’s start by hoping your Bayou didn’t “shut off” because the engine sucked water through the intake. If that’s the case, waterproofing the machine for future water crossings should only be a concern after you’ve completely the lengthy and not-always-successful process of removing the water: draining the carb, fuel tank, changing the oil, spark-plug, and turning the plug-less engine over to remove any water in the cylinder through the spark-plug hole. You would then need to change the differential oil (if applicable), check out your brake and radiator fluids and finally inspect all of the electrical connections for water contamination including corrosion. In short, taking in water is a very dangerous proposition.
To avoid the risk of a repeat performance, google up one of a multitude of mudder sites/ forums that should be chock full of good tips on taking an internal combustion powered machine through deep water & mud whether in the form of a truck, Jeep, ATV etc.
In short you want to target a few areas primarily when planning on deep water operation: the intake tract, the exhaust and any and all exposed electrical connections. Begin by sealing and coating electrical connections with a good die-electric grease. Sealing the stock airbox with quality silicone is a good place to start but if you intend on traversing water that would otherwise submerge the airbox, plan on installing a snorkel kit that will raise the level of the air being taken in.
Some aftermarket companies produce universal kits and there has even been lengthy do-it-yourself instructions on how to make your own posted in our forums on the subject.
Of course, these are the bare essentials, full waterproofing of an ATV would involve sealing & protecting wheel & axle bearings, greasing up the CV joints, rerouting breather hoses, and forcing Dri-Slide or similar lube into all the cable housings.
