Rain leak on driver’s side

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cornwallis
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Rain leak on driver’s side

Post by cornwallis »

We’ve had lots of rain lately. Car was outside during rainstorms for 3-4 days, didn’t move. Found a lot of rain water came in at drivers side - the carpet under pedals was soaked. I’ve never had this issue before.

I recently steam cleaned / detailed the engine bay, maybe must’ve damaged or removed some of the sealant near the firewall at the wiring harness, not sure. Attaching some pictures of the engine bay under the hood grills.

I saw in other posts people mention a rain water deflector, I’ve never had one. Couldn’t find it online either.

Looking for advice.
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Re: Rain leak on driver’s side

Post by jps635 »

I would reseal that main loom bulkhead grommet for starters. If that doesn't stop the water entry suspect the lower corners of the windscreen, especially if it has started to delaminate in these areas (going white). Either will likely result in water entering the ECU which you want to avoid.
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cornwallis
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Re: Rain leak on driver’s side

Post by cornwallis »

Thanks for the advice!

I found a few products online: silicone sealant, 3M strip caulk, etc. anyone have a particularly good experience with any product? The silicon sealant (squeezing a tube) seems very messy. Thanks again for any input.
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Re: Rain leak on driver’s side

Post by rhanley 635csi89 »

Use a windshield sealant, you'll have to smooth the material (let it set up somewhat) around the wires, etc. Yeh, it can be messy, go slow.
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Re: Rain leak on driver’s side

Post by GRNSHRK »

Agreed on working that grommet area, doesn't look good in the pix [-X

And what's that blue cable/tube :-k

If that was something added, it's possible that it was never sealed properly either [-X

I've been working on mine as well, first using "Shoe Goo", no shit, but wasn't satisfied with the results :-({|=

Next I am going to try a different product, 3M Black Super Weatherstrip Adhesive [-o<

This was recommended by a professional, Klaus =D>

I'll be reporting back on that once I get to it :roll:
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cornwallis
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Re: Rain leak on driver’s side

Post by cornwallis »

Thanks for the feedback, very useful info!

FYI the blue line I put in recently, it’s part of vacuum hose kit. I think I need to seal that right.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=32288

Regarding the rain deflector part that attaches to the grill, does anyone have that? I found one for $75, kinda pricey but may be worth it.

I’ll look for the windshield sealant.
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Re: Rain leak on driver’s side

Post by GRNSHRK »

Autozone carries the 3M stuff =D>

https://www.autozone.com/sealants-glues ... 249380_0_0

And try a search for a thread on that rain deflector, I'm sure I've ween it discussed here [-o<
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Re: Rain leak on driver’s side

Post by bpoliakoff »

As far as I know, the rain deflector goes on the passenger side to guard the loom going through the firewall to the ECU
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cornwallis
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Re: Rain leak on driver’s side

Post by cornwallis »

I saw a thread showing it on the drivers side, but not a lot of E24s have this deflector...

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Re: Rain leak on driver’s side

Post by 86_6series »

If the sunroof drains are clogged a little heavy rain can cause leaking along
the drain tube inside the A pillar and collect water near the bottom of the speaker
grills.
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