Volcanic Ash & My 4Runner

J

jpalaska

New member
Well, the Mount Redoubt volcano finally spewed a huge cloud of ash that sprinkled down on Anchorage last night. So far my 4Runner has been protected in my garage, but sooner or later I'm going to have to drive through this ash, which is powdery silica and tiny rocks.
I intend to drive with the air system on 'recirc', go to the car wash frequently, and change both the cabin and engine air filters often. Is there a better engine air filter than the Toyota OEM?
Some folks here say to wrap panty hose around the air intakes. Is that a good idea or not? (please, no lame jokes about panty hose or ash-holes, I've heard them all).
Any other serious, well informed suggestions regarding protecting my 4Runner would be appreciated. It's looking like we're going to have to deal with this volcanic ash up here for some time to come.

Thanks,
JP
 
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Sorry to hear about the volcanic ash issue. Sounds like there are a few of you up north having to deal with it.

I'm not an expert on volcanic ash so hopefully some others can chime in. I remember from my days in the Coast Guard that flying through volcanic ash was a grounding discrepancy due to the sometimes corrosive properties of the ash and the fact that it gets just about everywhere.

It sounds like you are taking the appropriate steps to protect your 4R. I don't know if the pantyhose over the intake would work, but maybe it provides another layer of protection. The fact that you can garage your 4R is probably a good thing. Other than that, keep it clean and maybe replace the engine and cabin air filters.
 
I remember reading somewhere that the OEM air filter is the best filter available for the 4Runner, meaning that it is actually better than any of the aftermarket filters out there. Of course I'm sure many will debate that, but I know I read about it somewhere...I just don't remember where. It was some sort of filtration test that I found online.
 
EH007 said:
I remember reading somewhere that the OEM air filter is the best filter available for the 4Runner, meaning that it is actually better than any of the aftermarket filters out there. Of course I'm sure many will debate that, but I know I read about it somewhere...I just don't remember where. It was some sort of filtration test that I found online.
Click to expand...


:iagree:

That's why I haven't replaced my filter or my intake.
 
Thanks

That's the kind of information I was looking for.

I gotta tell you that this volcanic ash is really a mess. I've got all hard wood floors. And I've got two german shepherds, and I'm trying to keep them inside. But when they have to go out for a short whiz/poop they track that ash in, and I've got to vacuum and then mop all the floors thoroughly with a wet jet swiffer.
I'm hoping we get a big dump of new snow soon.

JP
 
i work for fedex in the oakland hub in cali, and so far we are taking over the anchorage hub in oakland to process, and this past 2 weeks i didnt have to load any heavy planes to go to anchorage like regular schedule, so do u know how long is the volcano is gona last? i heard that last time something like that happen the plane didnt even go there for a wole month and we have to do a direct flight to the destination.
 
Originally posted by riceandpho [so do u know how long is the volcano is gona last? [/B]
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No one knows. The volcano could stop today, or continue with multiple daily explosions for the next 6 months.
 
I can empathize with you....

In 2002 Colorado had one of the worst forest fire seasons in state history. The square millage that burnt in CO that summer was the equivalent to the state of Rhode Island. There were times here in Denver when it looked like it was snowing. My car was covered with ash, it was dusty everywhere you went, inside and out. The sun was blood red during sunsets. It looked like Armageddon at times. Pretty crazy, but at least the ash wasn't corrosive. Hopefully it will be over soon for you guys!
 
EH007 said:
I remember reading somewhere that the OEM air filter is the best filter available for the 4Runner, meaning that it is actually better than any of the aftermarket filters out there. Of course I'm sure many will debate that, but I know I read about it somewhere...I just don't remember where. It was some sort of filtration test that I found online.
Click to expand...

:iagree: If you have a V6 and drive in lots of dust regularly consider the partical separator in my sig. Click on pre-cleaner.

:cheers:
 
Go on amazon.com or Walmart and buy several Fram air filters (cheap). Then spray the filters lightly with endust and keep rotating them out probably once every 7-14 days. (check them to see how much dust they get). Then change your engine oil and filter every 1,500-2000 miles until the dust is gone with cheap Supertech 5w30 from Walmart and a ST filter. Some guys will stuff one of those swiffer dusters in the air intake to catch some initial dust.

Once the dust is completely gone...ditch the Fram filters for a OEM and run a can of Techron through your fuel system with a full tank of gas. Clean your throttle body with some spray cleaner. Then change your oil & filter back to what ever you were using previously. It is also a good idea to clean the airbox and intake plastic parts as well.
 
Im in fairbanks. I know some people that were in anchorage for the last time redoubt erupted.

Go to the stealership and an air filter now. Order a couple more over the internet.

If there is dust in the air, your filter will last a very short time.

My personal suggestion is OEM only for the denser filters, however some volcanic particles are measured in single digit microns.... it's unavoidable that some gets in.

if it gets bad, get a rental. Right now it's not too bad and I would just throw a new filter in and POSSIBLY consider a very light application of aerosol oil, assuming there aren't sensors in the manifold that could be affected.
 
Pre cleaner

Heya JP. Kendall has the pre cleaner that Flyer has a good write up on. Talked with parts dept who said it wont fit and service who said it will and ordered it. $161.00 no freight charge. Parts said it will take a week and service said they will put it on as they are interested in the application...........great idea.....!!

why I love this forum :biggrin2:
 
rjyhdc4 said:
How does using cheap oil help?
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UH...your engine oil will pick up lots of this ash. Using less expensive oil and changing more often lessens the abrading effects of the particles.

If you have ever seen a used oil analysis where someone has not changed their air filter often enough it is very noticable and causes increased engine wear.
 
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