Deck Plate Mod: tiny addendum

[seabun]

Not trying to reinvent the wheel. I know this topic has been extensively covered. But having just done this mod and not noticing mention of this anywhere I just wanted to bring it up for discussion.

In my oem airbox (99 limited) there are three small openings along the bottom. Not sure if every 3rd gen has the same box; you'd just have to look. Looking at the airbox from above, there is one opening/hole just below the spring clip that holds the air filter in place on either side, and the third opening is along the front edge, below where you install(ed) the deck plate.

These holes are very small and likely pose no serious risk of water leaking into the airbox, but if the entire point of applying silicone around the deck plate itself is to create a water tight seal when needed then I don't think it would hurt to plug up these holes while you're at it. I just applied a dab of silicone over each one and let it dry.

Tried my best to locate the holes in the pictures below. Just wanted to share!

 

[Diesel_Dog]

My 97 airbox is the same. I though there were put there on purpose to act as 'drains' if you ever were to get some water in the airbox. Perhaps someone else could shed some light on their purpose?

 

[seabun]

Diesel Dog I suppose that would make sense. Would be nice to know for sure if possible. Can always peel the silicone dabs out if the holes serve a purpose.

 

[shootmymime]

My 97 airbox is the same. I though there were put there on purpose to act as 'drains' if you ever were to get some water in the airbox. Perhaps someone else could shed some light on their purpose?

Yup your exactly right. They are drains to let and water out that might have gotten in.

 

[Gerdo]

Drains.

I believe that if installing a snorkel, the directions say to seal them.

If you are splashing thru water, I doubt that much is going to get into the box. If you are deep enough to submerge the drains, you have bigger problems, the intake will be in water too.

 

[jgue467]

Are those holes behind the air filter?

If so, wouldn't that always let in some 'dirty' air? I would think the design would be different. More like say a polaris where its air tank has a hose with a drain cock on the end, owner can periodically open it to drain out any water or debris but its not always open or it will suck up dirty air or worse water. Hmmm....

 

[seabun]

No they are just immediately in front of the air filter, not by much but enough that nothing will sneak past the filter into the tube.

Thanks for clearing that up guys. I figured they were too small to do much damage but thought I'd mention it just in case.

If I ever decide to do a snorkel at least the airbox will be ready to go!