Need proper info ASAP re-Houston.

Ron Clark

Ron Clark

Rank IV

Enthusiast III

907
Surprise Arizona
Just got a request to get me, my truck and my rescue gear to Houston. I have a total of 9" of lift and 35s. I can cross 4 feet of water without risking my intake. My concern is that I have not moved my breathers yet. How big of an issue will this be?

02 Ford Excursion 7.3.
 
Breathers are typically located much lower than the intake. Sustained submersion of the axles will suck in water eventually if the breathers are not relocated higher. Electronics are another thing to consider. The ecu and other sensitive electronics can be located in very low areas and water damage would be catastrophic. Also, beware of hidden washouts where roads used to be. Your best bet would be to find someone with a skiff or Jon boat and provide assistance that way (much safer than driving and needing rescued yourself). Just my opinion though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rod
Electronics are not an issue. They were already taken care of when my red and blues were installed. They don't want me for boat work. They want me for search and security patrol. My rig is built for SAR. Plus I have all the tech goodies like NODS and Thermal Imaging. Really concerned about being in two to three feet of water for days on end. Worried I am going to suck in water.
 
Ron Clark said:
Electronics are not an issue. They were already taken care of when my red and blues were installed. They don't want me for boat work. They want me for search and security patrol. My rig is built for SAR. Plus I have all the tech goodies like NODS and Thermal Imaging. Really concerned about being in two to three feet of water for days on end. Worried I am going to suck in water.
Click to expand...
You probably will get some water in there. Just change your axle fluid when you get home.

Sent from my VS985 4G using OB Talk mobile app
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rod and Zargon
Don't forget the transmission likely has a breather somewhere also.

Good luck and be careful
 
  • Like
Reactions: Zargon
From what I understand, while it won't be ideal, some water in the diffs, transfer case, and transmission won't be too much of an issue for slow speed, just as soon as you are on dry land flush all the diffs and what not. The only thing is that if you have a manual transmission, the clutch can get water on the faces when shifting which can destroy the clutch, so hopefully you have an auto

Sent from my Nexus 6P using OB Talk mobile app
 
It wouldn't become an issue I don't think until you get out of the water. Take tools and diff/transfer case fluid with you and maybe even transmission fluid. Plan a change of all asap upon getting out of the water. You'll be fine.

You could get your intake higher using a jury rig if absolutely needed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Zargon
Did not end up going. It was a really hard choice to make. Now, looking at what is happening to a lot of responders down there, I am glad I did not go.

Main reason was fuel. I currently get 9 miles a gallon. It would have been $1000 to get there and back. Then there is a shortage of fuel in the area. FOBs are only providing fuel for "official" rescue vehicles. I would have been out of gas and just sitting not able to get home.
 
We did a run, with supplies. Had to carry sufficient fuel to get in and out of the area. Most people are in good spirits. We are Texans after all.

FEMA was trying to get local law enforcement to order non governmental volunteers out of the impacted area. The reason they gave, was that they where not trained for this work. The local authorities told them to go to hell. We are Texans, and we take care of of our own. FEMA had to put up with all the non sanctioned rescuers, saving lives.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Matt Hixson, BeastModeABM, Winterpeg and 1 other person
I haven't gone yet but will in the coming weeks and months for the clean up.

If anyone heads down there, take mosquito netting. They are the size of small hummingbirds and think deet is a type of bbq sauce.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jeff Graham
Hey Ron, I am curious. Do you belong to a SAR organization or have you let some organizations know of your desire to help.


Sent from my iPad using OB Talk
 
MVO said:
Hey Ron, I am curious. Do you belong to a SAR organization or have you let some organizations know of your desire to help.


Sent from my iPad using OB Talk
Click to expand...
I spent six years as an LEO air support SAR pilot. Since my stroke I can no longer command a chopper but the folks I use to work for know what I am up to. So yes I just get calls. I am currently looking over a couple options in the area that are a little more active. I was SAR certified through the Sheriffs Office. The only creds that I do not have are swift water and cave. I can even do high angle work.
 
Sorry to hear about your stroke. Most pilots I know miss it when they have to stop flying. Congratulations and thanks for the service you did put in. I have a friend who did high angle work with the USCG. Good Luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom