drain problems
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35
From: seattle
drain problems
i was wondering if anyone would know how to fix this problem:
whenever it rains the drain by the windshield wipers leaks into the passenger side of the car. does anyone know how i could access these drains? or how difficult a repair im looking at. i think the drains might just be under the fender but i havent been able to remove it to find out
i try to keep it covered but some days the floor turns into a swamp and as a result both fron floor pans need to be replaced
whenever it rains the drain by the windshield wipers leaks into the passenger side of the car. does anyone know how i could access these drains? or how difficult a repair im looking at. i think the drains might just be under the fender but i havent been able to remove it to find out
i try to keep it covered but some days the floor turns into a swamp and as a result both fron floor pans need to be replaced
Oldsdruid
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 10,617
From: Southside Vajenya
Helps to know what car, but I'm thinking two things (that might not be as bad as a rusted windshield channel)
The cowl vents direct air into the kick panel vents as well as the heater ductwork. The kick panels are sealed to the body duct with a ribbon of medium sealer. If the sealer has dried out or cracked, or been disturbed, water getting in thru the cowl vents can end up on the floor.
From mid-60s on, the cowl vents also directed air down thru the cowl to the rocker panel area. This was to force airflow thru the rockers and dry them out, reducing rocker panel rust.
The ducting may be plugged with leaves or debris at the bottom and not allowing water to drain out the rocker panels. It then backs up to the kick panel vents and drips in thru those esp if the seal is bad.
The heater box also uses a ribbon of that medium sealer and it too is subject to dry out, crack and not seal.
Remove the windshield outline moldings, and on pre-68 the wipers and the cowl grille. If the windshield channel is rusted out you'll be able to see it.
The cowl vents direct air into the kick panel vents as well as the heater ductwork. The kick panels are sealed to the body duct with a ribbon of medium sealer. If the sealer has dried out or cracked, or been disturbed, water getting in thru the cowl vents can end up on the floor.
From mid-60s on, the cowl vents also directed air down thru the cowl to the rocker panel area. This was to force airflow thru the rockers and dry them out, reducing rocker panel rust.
The ducting may be plugged with leaves or debris at the bottom and not allowing water to drain out the rocker panels. It then backs up to the kick panel vents and drips in thru those esp if the seal is bad.
The heater box also uses a ribbon of that medium sealer and it too is subject to dry out, crack and not seal.
Remove the windshield outline moldings, and on pre-68 the wipers and the cowl grille. If the windshield channel is rusted out you'll be able to see it.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35
From: seattle
Helps to know what car, but I'm thinking two things (that might not be as bad as a rusted windshield channel)
The cowl vents direct air into the kick panel vents as well as the heater ductwork. The kick panels are sealed to the body duct with a ribbon of medium sealer. If the sealer has dried out or cracked, or been disturbed, water getting in thru the cowl vents can end up on the floor.
From mid-60s on, the cowl vents also directed air down thru the cowl to the rocker panel area. This was to force airflow thru the rockers and dry them out, reducing rocker panel rust.
The ducting may be plugged with leaves or debris at the bottom and not allowing water to drain out the rocker panels. It then backs up to the kick panel vents and drips in thru those esp if the seal is bad.
The heater box also uses a ribbon of that medium sealer and it too is subject to dry out, crack and not seal.
Remove the windshield outline moldings, and on pre-68 the wipers and the cowl grille. If the windshield channel is rusted out you'll be able to see it.
The cowl vents direct air into the kick panel vents as well as the heater ductwork. The kick panels are sealed to the body duct with a ribbon of medium sealer. If the sealer has dried out or cracked, or been disturbed, water getting in thru the cowl vents can end up on the floor.
From mid-60s on, the cowl vents also directed air down thru the cowl to the rocker panel area. This was to force airflow thru the rockers and dry them out, reducing rocker panel rust.
The ducting may be plugged with leaves or debris at the bottom and not allowing water to drain out the rocker panels. It then backs up to the kick panel vents and drips in thru those esp if the seal is bad.
The heater box also uses a ribbon of that medium sealer and it too is subject to dry out, crack and not seal.
Remove the windshield outline moldings, and on pre-68 the wipers and the cowl grille. If the windshield channel is rusted out you'll be able to see it.
its a 61 dynamic 88
some more info if it will help give an idea of the cause
i have actually poured water into the cowl area to see where the water comes out. it comes from somewhere behind the kick panels and if a lot of water is flowing sometimes it will come out from behind the dash. it does still allow water to drain but not enough it seems so the drains being plugged is a definite possibility
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,798
From: Plano, TX
When you filled up the cowl with water, it should have started to pour out the bottom of the car. Did you see any signs of drippage?
Some cars relied on the drains at the rear of the rocker to drain the cowl. My 72 CS seemed to. If this is the case, check those out (if you have them).
Mine had the rear drains plugged completely and also had 4" of mud up int he quarters.
When I got the car home from South Carolina and driving through a lot of rain, the rockers filled and I heard distictive sloshing sounds during stops...
I got home and unplugged the drains on both sides, letting out about 3 gallons of water!
Some cars relied on the drains at the rear of the rocker to drain the cowl. My 72 CS seemed to. If this is the case, check those out (if you have them).
Mine had the rear drains plugged completely and also had 4" of mud up int he quarters.
When I got the car home from South Carolina and driving through a lot of rain, the rockers filled and I heard distictive sloshing sounds during stops...
I got home and unplugged the drains on both sides, letting out about 3 gallons of water!
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