You’re staring at that creek crossing. It looks a little deeper than usual after last night’s rain. You know your Can-Am Outlander is a beast, but you also know that one gulp of water into the engine or CVT is a catastrophic, trail-ending, wallet-draining disaster. We’ve all been there, feeling that hesitation.
What if you could eliminate that fear? What if you could turn deep water and thick mud from an obstacle into just another part of the adventure? That’s the confidence a high-quality can am outlander snorkel kit delivers.
In this complete guide, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know. We’ll cover the essential benefits, walk you through a step-by-step installation, troubleshoot common issues, and give you the pro tips to keep your machine running strong, no matter how wet it gets.
What Exactly is a Can-Am Outlander Snorkel Kit (And Why You Need One)
Think of a snorkel on an ATV like the snorkel you’d use for swimming. It’s all about breathing. Your Outlander’s engine and drivetrain need a constant supply of clean, dry air to function correctly.
The factory air intakes are typically located low on the machine, making them vulnerable in deep water or mud. A snorkel kit is essentially a set of extended, watertight intake and exhaust tubes that relocate these critical breathing points to a much higher position, usually up around the handlebars or gauge pod.
The Critical Components It Protects
A comprehensive can am outlander snorkel kit doesn’t just protect one thing; it safeguards your ATV’s most vital systems.
- Engine Air Intake: This is the most obvious one. Ingesting water into your engine (hydrolocking) can bend rods, crack pistons, and cause complete engine failure. A snorkel moves this intake high above the water line.
- CVT Intake & Exhaust: Your Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) relies on air for cooling. The belt inside creates a lot of heat. Sucking water or mud into the CVT housing can destroy your belt, ruin clutches, and leave you stranded. Snorkels keep it breathing clean air.
- Vent Lines: Differentials, the gas tank, and other components have small vent lines to equalize pressure. A proper kit extends these lines as well, preventing water from being sucked into your gear oil or fuel.
The Real-World Benefits of a Can-Am Outlander Snorkel Kit
Installing a snorkel kit is more than just a cool-looking mod; it’s a functional upgrade that fundamentally changes what your Outlander is capable of. Understanding the full benefits of a can am outlander snorkel kit makes the decision to upgrade an easy one.
First and foremost is waterproofing. This is the primary reason riders install a snorkel. It gives you the confidence to tackle water crossings that would otherwise be impassable, opening up new trails and riding areas.
Another huge benefit is access to cleaner air. Even when you’re not in deep water, a snorkel pulls air from a higher, less dusty location. This means a cleaner air filter, which translates to better engine performance and longevity, especially when riding in a group or on dry, dusty trails.
Finally, it’s an investment in protection. The cost of a quality snorkel kit is a tiny fraction of the cost of rebuilding an engine or replacing a CVT system damaged by water. It’s cheap insurance for your expensive machine.
Choosing the Right Snorkel Kit for Your Outlander
Not all snorkel kits are created equal. When you’re shopping, you’ll see a variety of styles and materials, from rigid ABS plastic kits to more flexible rubber hose setups.
Key Factors to Consider
Material Quality: Look for kits made from thick, durable ABS plastic or heavy-duty rubber. Cheaper, thinner materials can crack from vibration or impacts with branches, defeating the entire purpose of the kit.
Riser Design: Some kits feature sleek, integrated risers that blend with the machine’s bodywork, while others have a more aggressive, separate-pipe look. This is largely a matter of personal preference, but ensure the risers are well-supported and won’t vibrate excessively.
Completeness: A good kit should include everything you need for the installation: all pipes, silicone couplers, vent line extensions, hardware, and detailed instructions. A great kit might also include a template for cutting the plastics. This is a huge part of a good can am outlander snorkel kit guide.
Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands in the off-road community like SYA (Snorkel Your ATV), High Lifter, or Triangle ATV. They have a proven track record of quality and customer support.
How to Install a Can-Am Outlander Snorkel Kit: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. This installation can seem intimidating, but with patience and the right tools, it’s a very manageable weekend project. This is how to can am outlander snorkel kit the right way.
Disclaimer: This is a general guide. Always refer to the specific instructions included with your kit, as steps can vary between models and brands. If you are not comfortable cutting into your ATV’s plastics or working with sealants, take it to a professional shop.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
- Socket and wrench set (metric)
- Plastic trim removal tools
- Drill and a hole saw set (size will depend on your kit)
- High-quality, 100% RTV silicone sealant
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- Zip ties
- Patience and a clean, well-lit workspace
The Installation Process
- Disassembly: The first step is to remove the necessary body plastics to gain access to the airbox, CVT housing, and vent lines. This usually includes the seat, front rack, and side panels. Use plastic trim tools to avoid scratching your ride.
- Locate and Disconnect: Identify the stock engine air intake tube, the CVT intake and exhaust ports, and all the small vent lines. Carefully disconnect them. This is a good time to clean any dirt or debris out of these areas.
- Drill the Holes: This is the point of no return! Using the template provided with your kit (or by carefully measuring), use a hole saw to drill the necessary holes in your plastics for the snorkel risers to pass through. Measure twice, cut once! A clean, precise cut is crucial for a good seal.
- Assemble and Seal the Plumbing: Begin assembling the snorkel tubes, connecting them to the airbox and CVT ports. At every single connection point, apply a generous bead of RTV silicone on the inside of the coupler before sliding it on and tightening the clamp. A watertight seal is non-negotiable.
- Extend Vent Lines: Use the provided tubing to extend all the small vent lines. Route them up along the main snorkel tubes and secure them with zip ties, ensuring they terminate at the highest point possible.
- Install the Risers: Feed the snorkel risers up through the holes you drilled in the plastics. Connect them to the lower plumbing, again using plenty of RTV silicone on every joint. Secure the risers using the supplied brackets.
- Reassembly and Curing: Carefully reinstall all the body plastics. Let the RTV silicone cure for at least 24 hours before starting the engine. This is one of the most important can am outlander snorkel kit best practices – don’t rush the curing process!
- The Water Test: Before you hit the deep mud hole, do a test. With the engine running, place your hand over the end of each snorkel riser for a second. You should feel strong suction (or blowing on the CVT exhaust) and hear the engine bog down. This indicates a good seal. If you don’t, you have a leak that needs to be found and fixed.
Common Problems with Can-Am Outlander Snorkel Kits and How to Fix Them
Even with a perfect installation, issues can arise. Knowing the common problems with can am outlander snorkel kit setups can help you diagnose and fix them quickly on the trail.
Problem: Water in the Airbox or CVT
Cause: This is almost always due to a leak at one of the connection points. Vibration can loosen clamps over time, or the initial RTV seal wasn’t perfect.
Fix: You’ll have to disassemble the kit and re-seal every joint. It’s tedious, but necessary. Use a high-quality sealant and ensure all surfaces are perfectly clean and dry before applying it.
Problem: Engine is Bogging or Running Poorly
Cause: Snorkel kits can sometimes change the air-to-fuel ratio by restricting airflow slightly. It can also be caused by a blockage in the riser, like packed mud or snow.
Fix: First, check the snorkel intake for any obstructions. If it’s clear, your machine may need an ECU tune or a fuel controller to compensate for the change in airflow. This is more common on heavily modified machines.
Problem: Cracked or Broken Riser
Cause: This usually happens from an impact with a tree branch or during a rollover.
Fix: You’ll need to replace the damaged section. This is why choosing a kit from a reputable brand is important; they often sell individual replacement parts. Avoid trying to patch a crack with glue, as it will likely fail under vibration.
Snorkel Kit Best Practices and Long-Term Care Guide
Your snorkel kit is installed, but the job isn’t done. A proper can am outlander snorkel kit care guide ensures it will protect your machine for years to come.
Regularly inspect all clamps to ensure they are tight. Vibration is the enemy of a good seal. Before every major ride, especially if you anticipate deep water, give the risers a quick wiggle to check for looseness.
After a muddy ride, clean the snorkel intakes. Caked-on mud can restrict airflow and rob your engine of power. A quick spray with a hose is all it takes.
Thinking about a sustainable can am outlander snorkel kit approach is about longevity and responsibility. A well-maintained kit prevents you from sinking your ATV and leaking fluids like oil and coolant into sensitive waterways. This is the most practical way to be an eco-friendly can am outlander snorkel kit owner. A durable kit that doesn’t need frequent replacement is inherently more sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Outlander Snorkel Kits
Does installing a snorkel kit void my warranty?
In most cases, yes, modifying the intake system can void your factory warranty, particularly for the engine and drivetrain. It’s best to check with your dealer, but plan on the modification affecting your warranty coverage.
Can I still use my radiator relocation kit with a snorkel?
Absolutely! Most major brands design their snorkel kits and radiator relocation kits to be compatible with each other. The snorkel risers and radiator often mount in the same general area, so look for kits that are confirmed to work together.
Do I need to re-tune my Can-Am after installing a snorkel?
For a stock machine, a tune is not usually required. The engine’s ECU can typically adjust for the minor change in airflow. However, if you have other performance mods like an exhaust or high-flow filter, a fuel controller or ECU tune is highly recommended to optimize performance and prevent running lean.
How deep can I go with a snorkel kit?
With a properly installed and sealed snorkel kit, you can theoretically go as deep as the top of your snorkel risers. However, remember that other components like your electronics and gauges are not fully waterproof. Use common sense and avoid submerging your machine completely if you can help it.
Equipping your Can-Am Outlander with a snorkel kit is one of the most empowering modifications you can make. It transforms your machine from a capable trail rider into a true all-terrain conqueror.
By taking your time with the installation, performing regular checks, and understanding the system, you’ll have the confidence to point your machine at that next mud hole and pin the throttle. Stay safe, ride smart, and don’t be afraid to get a little wet!
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