H3 - Water in Fuel Tank

[algy]

Curious to know if anyone has forded water in their H3 deeper than 24” and had issues with water getting into the gas tank. My H3 is stock with the adventure package, only thing aftermarket is the brush guard. The problem occurred after I got the tail end of my H3 submerged in a little over 3 foot of a fresh water stream. I was stuck and unable to get out and ended up having to shut down the vehicle and wait for a buddy to help pull me out.

The water line was well over the trunk area and particularly the left rear passenger seat. So the gas tank was completely submerged at this point for up to 45 minutes to an hour. When my buddy was able to get me moving, I was able to start up and assist in the extraction. Once out of the water let set there and let it idle, but only minutes after the extraction, I stalled out and never could restart.

We resorted to a tow chain extraction to the nearest roadside access so I could get it on a flat bed for servicing. In short the Hummer service diagnosed that I had water inside my fuel tank and had practically destroyed components and the pump leading to a replacement of parts and a complete flush of the engine with a high test fuel injector. They tried to pin the leak on a aftermarket locking fuel cap that I had installed, but after testing, discovered it to be secure.

It turns out; there is a small exit vapor lock on the top of the tank that is used to alleviate any pressure in the tank. I would think the lock would operate one way, allowing pressure to escape from the tank while keeping outside elements and air from entering. However, I am mistaken; the Hummer service is directing this component of the tank to be the source of water entry and voided my warranty for the repair because it sits higher than the 2 foot fording capacity of the vehicle.

Has anyone heard of this rubbish before? I guess the H3 will never get a snorkel package if all the components leak like a sieve and sensors burn out when submerged.


thnx
-Algy