How to Install an ATV Snorkel

Plunging your all-terrain vehicle (ATV) into deep water can cause the air intake to suck in water and can stall or damage your vehicle. Prevent damage by installing an ATV snorkel. A snorkel is a watertight tube that enables air to flow to an intake without mud and water getting in. Four-by-four aftermarket retailers sell ATV snorkel kits that contain snorkels for the air box inlet, the intake and the exhaust. Installation takes approximately one and a half to two hours. Once installed, you will be able to ride your ATV through muddy water without stalling out.

Things You'll Need

  • Torx screwdriver set
  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Phillips-head screwdriver
  • Socket set
  • Pliers
  • Cutters
  • Rag
  • ATV snorkel kit that fits your model
  • Allen wrench
  • Degreasing cleaner
  • Lubricating oil
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Detach and remove the seat. Use the Torx screwdriver to remove the two screws on the storage box fairing. Remove the storage box and set aside.

    • 2

      Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the four metal clips on the air box lid.

    • 3

      Remove the Phillips-head screw with the Phillips-head screwdriver on the right-side fairing. Use the Torx screwdriver to remove the Torx-head screw on the right-side fairing. Pull the fairing gently away from the ATV to get to the Phillips-head screw underneath the fairing. Remove this screw. Unclip the tabs in the front of the fairing to remove the right-side fairing from the vehicle.

    • 4

      Repeat Step 3 for the left-side fairing.

    • 5

      Remove the screws that connect the air box to the carburetor casing with a socket wrench. In most models, there will be eight screws to remove.

    • 6

      Lift the rear of the air box gently. You will see the crankcase vent tube. Grasp the ears of the hose clamp with a pair of pliers. Move the clamp down the vent tube.

    • 7

      Pull the hose off of the air box. Remove the air box from the vehicle, leaving the air box shroud on the vehicle.

    • 8

      Snip the cable tie that secures the belt case snorkel to the frame with your cutters. Ease the hose clamp that connects the belt case snorkel boot to the belt case.

    • 9

      Gently tug on the snorkel to remove the belt case snorkel. Work the rubber boot from the belt case.

    • 10

      Insert a rag underneath the carburetor to catch any gasoline that may leak.

    • 11

      Use the Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the four screws from each fuel bowl.

    • 12

      Move the fuel bowl cover out of the way.

    • 13

      Replace the main jet and replace the bowl cover. Replace the head cap screws with the Allen screws provided in the kit and tighten with the Allen wrench.

    • 14

      Repeat Steps 12 and 13 for the second carburetor.

    • 15

      Replace the belt case snorkel. Secure it by tightening the hose clamp on the belt case boot onto the belt case.

    • 16

      Use a cable tie from the kit to secure the belt case snorkel to the frame rail. Snip the excess cable from the tie after it is secure.

    • 17

      Unscrew the Torx screw from the rear ignition coil on the vacuum slide covers on the side of the vehicle. Move the coil to the side.

    • 18

      Take out the four Phillips-head screws on each cover. Take out the two covers, needle springs and carriers. Insert your finger into the carb throat to remove the needles.

    • 19

      Insert the needle shims from the snorkel kit. Place the needles into the vacuum slides. Place the springs from the kit on the nipple on the bottom of the vacuum slide. Reattach the vacuum slide covers.

    • 20

      Loosen the hose clamp to remove the air box's original snorkel. Clean the air box inlet pipe with a rag and a degreasing cleaner.

    • 21

      Place a piece of the securing tape provided in the kit around the air box inlet. Use a drop of lubricating oil on the snorkel inlet and force it onto the tape around the air box inlet.

    • 22

      Place the air box back in the vehicle, securing it with the clips. Move the snorkel inlet a bit to clear the steering block.

    • 23

      Connect the crankcase vent tube to the air box. Place the fairings back on the ATV and secure the screws.