Condensation in boot

[Bela]

Hi Guys,

Just looking for a bit of advice in what you think the reason is for condensation in the boot?

I can't find any leaks and their is no water collecting anywhere in the boot. However when I leave say a newspaper in the boot for a week or so it will be almost soaking wet.

Any advice in tackling this will be great.

Thanks

[mikemike]

hi from mike , we get condensation in ours as well , only thing we could do was use moisture traps , they look like mini bean bags so when they get wet you can dry them and use them again , it doesn't cure the problem but it does help , also on a dry day we leave the boot open to let some dry air through .

[BenHar]

What car?

Ben

[Bela]

E30 2 door 1987

[Bela]

I'm in london

[BenHar]

E30 2 door 1987

In that case you have posted in the wrong section.

This section is for non E30 technical help.

Even in the right section it is worth saying what car you have because E30s come in more than one model.

If there is condensation in there then water must be getting in somewhere. Take all the boot carpets out and spread talcum powder round. This should show where the water is getting in.

Ben

[Brianmoooore]

The E30 has a very effective through ventilation system which fully ventilates the boot. Air from the scuttle area enters the cabin under pressure from the heater fan, or by the forward movement of the car, passes through the slots in the back edge of the rear parcel shelf into the boot, and then exits via the flaps concealed by the side extensions of the rear bumper.
This should be more than enough to keep the boot bone dry, so if there's condensation, water is leaking in.
Does your aerial have its drain tube connected?

[mikemike]

hi from mike , there is a drain hole just behind the rear wheel arches underneath the rear wings , use a small screwdriver just to make sure these are clear

[Brianmoooore]

There is a drain hole, but is for drainage of paint at the factory only. It should have been sealed over when the underbody sealant was applied.

[brutus]

dont laugh ! but back light gaskets shrink & boot seal rips, this could be a contributor ?

[paultv]

I discovered the seals in the side flaps had rotted out, allowing water ingress on each side behind the bumpers, not much but damp all the time, also the rear light gaskets, this showed up easily when I doused the rear end with a hose pipe, after removing all the inner trim and a liberal talc rubdown.

Paul

[FEP]

Even replacing my rear light gaskets still didn't stop the water ingress.

I used large quantities of clear silicon sealant all around the interior welds on the back panel and now have a permanently dry boot.