The "bird feeder" snorkel head - what's it's purpose?

[p1michaud]

I had originally posted this under my build up thread but did not get too many answers so I'll try it again here.

Can anyone tell me if there is a useful purpose to the snokel "mailbox" or "birdfeeder" type cover over the snokel head as seen here:

From another angle, where the birds can feed...:elkgrin:

Underneath the cover, is the standard OEM Toyota snorkel head as seen here:

Photo credit: Hltoppr (Hope you don't mind)

The reason I ask, is that after a minor issue recently involving new rear springs and a garage door being too short I've been investigating the possibility of removing the "birdfeeder" cover. The only reason I have not removed it, is that I trust the Toyota engineers way more than my own engineering judgment. I'm sure they had design calculations and test data to support installing one of these, I can't take it off without undertanding why it was put there in the firt place and what effect it will have if any. For the record, no garage door or snorkel was harmed during the incident just a few scuff marks on top of the snorkel...:sombrero:

 

[alan]

From what i understand the standard cyclone style precleaners only work at low speed, example earthmoving equipment etc, so may be they put the shield around them to improve filtering.

 

[mountainpete]

My understanding is that is that the cover is a sand pre-cleaner. Genunie Toyota part designed for vehicles who encounter desert sandstorm conditions.

 

[p1michaud]

My understanding is that is that the cover is a sand pre-cleaner. Genunie Toyota part designed for vehicles who encounter desert sandstorm conditions.

Mountainpete,
Thanks for the input, I was thinking that it would be something along those lines. The one thing that suprises me, is that brand new Toyota 70 series vehicles that come with a snorkel direct from Toyota don't have these "birdfeeder" covers. I see lots of these rigs on the dealer lots or going arround without the additional cover.

I'm going to have a look to see if I can remove the cover for normal use then re-install it for Outback travel or if I expect excessively dusty condidtions.

Cheers,
P

P.S. Nice pics on your website.

 

[Hltoppr]

Don't mind at all...I didn't know that the OEM cover was underneath....learn somethin' new everyday about land cruisers...

I'd assume it keeps sand out by limiting the intake....

-H-

 

[Willman]

P,

Love it!

Any problems with birds up there?

Wish i had your problem!

:lurk:

 

[davegonz]

I didn't know that the standard one was under there either...and I had one on the 62!

 

[CanuckMariner/Nomad]

P,

Love it!

Any problems with birds up there?

Wish i had your problem!

:lurk:

Isn't it down there?:elkgrin: Down under after all?:wings:

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Sorry to bump such an old thread, but have you tried removing the cover?

I'm debating whether to get the 7x hat or the 80 series birdfeeder for my 80.

For some odd reason, birdfeeder version is actually cheaper

If the cover can be removed and it really is a standard hat underneath, I don't see why I should pay more for less

 

[hks3sgte]

nestbau3 by Joachim Dieter, on Flickr

 

[p1michaud]

Very funny. I had not encountered actual birds but though it could be possible...

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

That's awesome lol

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Sorry to rehash this thread again, but I'm still confused as to how the bird feeder actually works

Here are a few pix of my current 7x series mushroom snorkel head (FleaBay knockoff)

And a few pix of an OEM style bird feeder (also a FleaBay knockoff)

Both heads appear to only ingest air from the bottom through the ring of fins.

The top of the 7x series mushroom is practically sealed, so I don't really see the purpose of the bird feeder housing for anything other than being a bird feeder

What am I missing here?

Another thing that boggles me is the pricing.

The OEM 7x series mushroom sells for $20 bucks more than the OEM 80 series bird feeder through dealerships

 

[doug720]

Snake,

What finish is that on sheet metal? Looks good!

Hi jack over.

I have the old fashion snorkel top and it works well for me. Did Toyota use the bird feeder on the diesels also? It looks restrictive if it only draws from the bottom, but Mr. T and friends seem to know what their doing.

Doug

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Snake,

What finish is that on sheet metal? Looks good!

Thanks

It's bedliner (Raptor Black/Al's Tan)

http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-t...like-giant-oreo-cookie-bedliner-lots-pix.html

http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/553930-ok-im-ready-weekend-more-bedliner.html

Hi jack over.

I have the old fashion snorkel top and it works well for me. Did Toyota use the bird feeder on the diesels also? It looks restrictive if it only draws from the bottom, but Mr. T and friends seem to know what their doing.

Doug

I didn't notice any difference in power after installing the dorkel, even with the 7x series mushroom.

I never tried using the supplied Safari style standard scoop.