You see it up ahead—that deep, glorious mud hole or the creek crossing that separates the easy trail from the epic one. A moment of hesitation creeps in. Is it too deep? Will you suck water into your engine and turn a day of fun into a four-figure repair bill? We’ve all been there.
That hesitation is what separates the riders from the legends. A properly installed can am outlander snorkel is your all-access pass to conquering those obstacles with total confidence. It’s the single best modification for any rider who refuses to turn back when the trail gets wet and wild.
But it’s about more than just deep water. It’s about protecting your investment, ensuring your engine breathes clean air in choking dust, and keeping your CVT belt system dry and engaged. You’re about to gain the ability to push your machine to its true potential.
Stick with us. This comprehensive can am outlander snorkel guide will walk you through everything from choosing the right kit to the final, watertight seal. Let’s get your Outlander ready for anything the trail throws at it.
What Exactly is a Can-Am Outlander Snorkel and Why Do You Need One?
At its core, a snorkel kit is a simple concept: it relocates your machine’s critical air breathing points from a low, vulnerable position to a high, safe one. Think of it as a breathing tube for your ATV’s most important components.
Most riders think it’s just for the engine, but a complete kit protects the three most vital systems on your Outlander.
More Than Just a Deep-Water Tool
A true snorkel kit isn’t just one pipe; it’s a system of risers that elevate the breathing points for your entire powertrain. These are the non-negotiables:
- Engine Air Intake: This is the big one. It provides clean, dry air to your engine for combustion. Sucking water or mud in here leads to catastrophic, wallet-crushing engine failure known as hydrolock.
- CVT Air Intake: Your Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) needs a steady flow of cool air to keep the belt from overheating. Water in the CVT causes belt slippage, leaving you stranded.
- CVT Air Exhaust: Just as important as the intake, the exhaust pushes hot air out of the belt housing. This also needs to be raised to prevent water from back-flowing into the system.
The Key Benefits of a Can-Am Outlander Snorkel
Installing a snorkel is one of the most practical performance mods you can make. The list of advantages goes far beyond just playing in the water.
- Prevents Catastrophic Engine Hydrolock: This is the number one reason. One gulp of water into your engine’s intake can bend rods and destroy your motor. A snorkel makes this nearly impossible.
- Access to Cooler, Cleaner Air: On a dusty trail, your stock air intake is sucking in a storm of fine particles kicked up by the machine in front of you. A snorkel pulls cleaner air from above your handlebars, which can lead to better performance and a longer-lasting air filter.
- Complete CVT System Protection: A wet CVT belt is a slipping CVT belt. By snorkeling both the intake and exhaust, you ensure your belt housing stays dry, providing consistent power delivery when you need it most.
- Massively Increased Wading Depth: This is the obvious, fun-filled benefit. You can confidently tackle water crossings that would send stock machines back to the trailer.
- Total Peace of Mind: Knowing your machine is protected allows you to focus on the ride and choose the most exciting lines, not just the driest ones.
Choosing the Right Snorkel Kit for Your Outlander
Not all snorkel kits are created equal. The market is full of options, from factory BRP kits to a dozen aftermarket brands. Making the right choice upfront will save you major headaches during installation and on the trail.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Kits: Making the Call
Your first decision is whether to go with a genuine BRP kit or an aftermarket one from a reputable company like Snorkel Your ATV (SYA) or High Lifter.
The BRP OEM kits are known for their flawless fit and finish. The instructions are typically excellent, and they integrate perfectly with the machine’s aesthetics. However, they often come with a premium price tag.
Aftermarket kits are often more robust, featuring larger diameter piping for potentially better airflow. They can be more affordable and sometimes offer a more aggressive, custom look. The trade-off can sometimes be slightly less-detailed instructions, requiring a bit more DIY savvy.
Materials Matter: What to Look For
Pay close attention to what the kit is made of. The risers themselves are typically heavy-duty ABS plastic, which is fantastic for impact and UV resistance. Avoid cheap, flimsy PVC kits, as they will crack and fail.
Equally important are the flexible rubber couplers and clamps. Look for kits that provide high-quality, pliable silicone boots and strong screw-style clamps. This is where your watertight seal comes from, so don’t skimp here.
How to Can-Am Outlander Snorkel: A Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. This is a very doable weekend project, but attention to detail is everything. Our best can am outlander snorkel tips boil down to one thing: take your time and seal everything.
Prep Work is Key: Tools and Workspace
Before you turn the first wrench, gather your supplies. Nothing kills momentum like a trip to the hardware store mid-install. You’ll generally need:
- A good socket and ratchet set (metric)
- Torx bit set
- Drill with various bits and a hole saw (size specified in your kit)
- Plastic trim removal tools (a must-have to avoid scratches)
- High-quality RTV Silicone Sealant (don’t use cheap stuff!)
- Utility knife and a deburring tool
- Patience and a can of your favorite beverage
Work in a clean, well-lit area where you can lay out your plastics without losing hardware.
The Teardown: Accessing Your Intake Points
This is where the fun begins. You’ll need to remove the front and/or rear racks and a significant amount of the plastic body panels to access the airbox and CVT housing. Keep your bolts organized in magnetic trays or labeled bags!
Follow your kit’s instructions carefully. This process varies slightly between Outlander G2, G3, and L models, but the principle is the same: expose the connection points so you can run the new plumbing.
Cutting and Fitting the Risers
This is the point of no return. Most kits require you to cut holes in your pod or side plastics for the risers to pass through. Measure ten times, cut once.
Use the templates provided with your kit. A sharp hole saw on your drill will give you the cleanest cut. Go slow and let the tool do the work to avoid cracking the plastic. Dry-fit all the components before applying any sealant.
Sealing the Deal: Making Every Connection Watertight
This is the most critical stage of the entire process. A snorkel with a single tiny leak is completely useless. Every single joint must be 100% airtight and watertight.
Apply a generous bead of RTV silicone to every connection point: where the plumbing meets the airbox, where it connects to the CVT ports, and at every joint in the riser pipes. Slide the pieces together, clamp them securely but don’t overtighten, and wipe away any excess silicone for a clean look.
Don’t forget to extend your differential, transmission, and coolant overflow vent lines. Most kits include extra tubing for this. Run them up along the snorkel risers and secure them with zip ties.
Common Problems with Can-Am Outlander Snorkel Installations (And How to Avoid Them)
Even with careful work, issues can pop up. Knowing the common pitfalls can help you avoid them from the start. Here are some of the most frequent common problems with can am outlander snorkel installs we see.
The Dreaded Leaks: Pinpointing the Problem
If you suspect a leak, you must find it before hitting the water. A great trick is to use a shop vac. Set it to blow, seal the nozzle over a snorkel riser, and spray soapy water on every joint. If you see bubbles, you’ve found your leak. The most common culprits are the airbox lid seal and the main connection to the CVT housing.
Cracked Risers and Poor Fitment
This is often a result of two things: buying a cheap, low-quality kit or over-tightening the clamps. The plastic risers and rubber boots need to be snug, not crushed. If a part doesn’t seem to fit right, don’t force it. Re-read the instructions and check the orientation.
Forgetting the Vent Lines
This is an easy one to miss. Your differentials and other gearbox components have small vent tubes to equalize pressure. If you submerge these stock lines, they will suck in water, contaminating your expensive fluids and leading to component failure down the road. Make sure they are extended just as high as your main snorkel risers.
The Can-Am Outlander Snorkel Care Guide: Best Practices for Longevity
Your snorkel is installed, but the job isn’t over. Proper maintenance is key to ensuring it’s ready to perform when you need it most. This is your essential can am outlander snorkel care guide.
Regular Inspections are Non-Negotiable
Before every ride, give your snorkel a quick once-over. Check for any cracks in the risers, especially around the mounting points. Ensure all clamps are still tight and that no debris, like leaves or mud dauber nests, has blocked the openings.
A Note on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Snorkel Use
Having a snorkel gives you incredible capability, and with that comes responsibility. This is where sustainable can am outlander snorkel practices come in. Just because you can plow through the middle of a fragile creek bed doesn’t mean you should.
Follow Tread Lightly! principles. Cross streams at designated, stable crossings whenever possible. The goal of an eco-friendly can am outlander snorkel is to enable passage with minimal impact, not to encourage environmental damage. Use your snorkel to get through an obstacle, not to create one.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Can-Am Outlander Snorkel
Does installing a snorkel void my warranty?
This is a gray area. Technically, it can give a dealer grounds to deny a warranty claim on any part that could be affected by the snorkel, like the engine or CVT. However, they cannot void your entire vehicle warranty. Talk to your dealer beforehand if this is a major concern.
Will a snorkel kit affect my ATV’s performance?
If you install a well-designed kit correctly, the performance impact should be minimal to none. In dusty conditions, it can even be a net positive. However, a poorly installed kit with kinks or leaks can restrict airflow and hurt performance.
Can I build my own DIY snorkel?
While it’s possible to build a snorkel from hardware store PVC, we strongly advise against it for most riders. Aftermarket kits are engineered and flow-tested for your specific machine. A DIY setup can easily restrict airflow, crack from vibration, and is much harder to seal reliably.
Do I need to re-tune my engine after installing a snorkel?
For most quality, bolt-on kits, a re-tune or fuel controller is not necessary. The change in intake length is accounted for in the design. If you have other significant engine mods (exhaust, big bore kit), you may need to adjust your fuel mapping.
Installing a can am outlander snorkel is more than a modification; it’s a declaration that you’re ready for the most challenging terrain. By taking your time, sealing every connection with care, and performing regular checks, you’re unlocking a new level of capability and confidence.
Now you have the knowledge. Grab your tools, follow the steps, and get ready to transform your Outlander into the ultimate all-terrain machine. Ride hard, ride smart, and we’ll see you on the trail—no matter how deep the water gets.
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