Soaking wet carpet - leak found - what's the cause

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Old Skooler
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Location: Fife - You got a problem with that ?

Post Sat Dec 08, 2012 5:22 pm

Whilst working on my left hooker IX today, I noticed the carpet behind the drivers seat was wet. Other side is ok.

Got the carpet up as much as I needed and although the car is solid, I expected the worst. Here's the source of the problem - the rubber seal on the bulkhead which is below the fusebox. You can see the two streaks of water coming from the bottom of it.

Image


I've loosened the fuse box and I can't see any rot in the area. all looks very fresh.

The question is, what's the cause ?

I found a blocked elephant trunk, which has now been removed, cleaned and may be put back on (when I work out how best to do it !).
1990 325i Cab auto in Alpine White II
1988 Alpina C2.5 moredoor in Black, 71k
1990 325ix, moredoor auto in Laser Blue. 51k
1984 Hartge H35 in Black
2004 996 C4S in Silver 43k manual
2006 Audi S6 V10 in Black 58k
shedrool83
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Location: Dundee Scotland

Post Sat Dec 08, 2012 6:16 pm

As above rubber looks like it has just been cut to pass the wires through.
Image
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Old Skooler
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Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Fife - You got a problem with that ?

Post Sat Dec 08, 2012 6:20 pm

thanks guys.

If I were to choose to replace the entire rubber 'unit' is this easy to do ? I may patch it with some silicone in the interim unless there are better suggestions ?
1990 325i Cab auto in Alpine White II
1988 Alpina C2.5 moredoor in Black, 71k
1990 325ix, moredoor auto in Laser Blue. 51k
1984 Hartge H35 in Black
2004 996 C4S in Silver 43k manual
2006 Audi S6 V10 in Black 58k
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Old Skooler
Old Skooler
Posts: 7095
Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Fife - You got a problem with that ?

Post Sat Dec 08, 2012 7:57 pm

I've got a cruise setup in the loft, I'll go see what it has to offer. If not I'll bodge summat together.

Thanks for the advice. :D
1990 325i Cab auto in Alpine White II
1988 Alpina C2.5 moredoor in Black, 71k
1990 325ix, moredoor auto in Laser Blue. 51k
1984 Hartge H35 in Black
2004 996 C4S in Silver 43k manual
2006 Audi S6 V10 in Black 58k
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Old Skooler
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Posts: 7095
Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Fife - You got a problem with that ?

Post Mon Dec 10, 2012 5:48 pm

Update

The carpet is soaked on both sides. Car is now indoors with all windows etc opened to try and remove the water from the carpet (which I don't want to fully remove as it's a left hooker and I don't have a spare).

I'm planning to deploy the services of a dehumidifier on Wednesday until it's dried up - any concerns with this approach ?
1990 325i Cab auto in Alpine White II
1988 Alpina C2.5 moredoor in Black, 71k
1990 325ix, moredoor auto in Laser Blue. 51k
1984 Hartge H35 in Black
2004 996 C4S in Silver 43k manual
2006 Audi S6 V10 in Black 58k
Simon13
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Location: Camberley, Surrey don't u know

Post Mon Dec 10, 2012 6:37 pm

there could be a rust hole above the grommet, below the wiper motor area. That grommet isn't wet so i can't see how those extra wires are letting it in

Pain in the arse area to sort out!
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Old Skooler
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Posts: 7095
Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Fife - You got a problem with that ?

Post Mon Dec 10, 2012 7:02 pm

I've had a good poke around and haven't found anything else. I think the carpet has been getting wet for years, I've only had the car 6 months.

I'm not shy with a screwdriver though, it's the best way - find it and tackle it before it spreads.
1990 325i Cab auto in Alpine White II
1988 Alpina C2.5 moredoor in Black, 71k
1990 325ix, moredoor auto in Laser Blue. 51k
1984 Hartge H35 in Black
2004 996 C4S in Silver 43k manual
2006 Audi S6 V10 in Black 58k
Topblag
Old Skooler
Old Skooler
Posts: 7095
Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:00 pm
Location: Fife - You got a problem with that ?

Post Sun Dec 16, 2012 4:47 pm

Update, found the connection from the heater matrix was also loose, hence the issue with the passenger side.

Hole on drivers side pictured above now sealed with silicone and connection put back on the heater matrix.

The elephant trunk was also blocked, looking forward to trying to get that back on.

Borrowed a humidifier to ensure the car is totally dry inside.

Decided the carpet needed to be removed and so the car is now back together without the carpet so I can check that the leaks are fixed and that there are no other sources. Floor and all seams are rock solid.

Carpet got a scrub with TFR, got jetwashed and is now drip drying. When time permits, the floor is getting a coat of red oxide and the carpet will be going back in.
1990 325i Cab auto in Alpine White II
1988 Alpina C2.5 moredoor in Black, 71k
1990 325ix, moredoor auto in Laser Blue. 51k
1984 Hartge H35 in Black
2004 996 C4S in Silver 43k manual
2006 Audi S6 V10 in Black 58k