Bypass Valves Explained

[texasvtak]

Ive noticed a lack of knowledge about how exactly a bypass valve works. Everyone knows its for preventing water from getting sucked into the engine, but from what Ive seen, people think you install it then magic happens. Its not magic. Its physics. So I made a dumbed down diagram to help explain.





Any further questions, ask.

[timmy0tool]

nice diagram here bud!

now my query is that this only happens when the cone portion gets completely submerged in water (equaling a clog) correct? what happens when the cone filter is just sprayed with water? water vapor or droplets can still be ingested into the engine. this is just my observation. i never really studied this stuff.

[texasvtak]

Yeah, the valve will only open if theres enough of a pressure drop inside the tube. The air filter doesnt have to be completely submerged, but enough to make a difference. But a good filter wouldnt let water vapor in

[cp[mike]]

tiny drops/spritzes that make it past the filter wont make a big deal... if it gets wet enough to the point where it would actually hurt the engine, the bypass has already popped open...