Water leaking out of dash after heavy rain.

[987687]

My 89GL has contracted this weird issue. After a decent rain it leaks water out of the passenger side dash. I'm not exactly sure where it's coming from, but the floor is always wet. It's coming from the HVAC system probably. And when I go up a steep hill (my driveway is a very steep hill) water pours out in a huge deluge on my passenger's feet.

 

I have 2 conclusions... 1. water is getting in and it isn't supposed to. And 2. That drain hose that comes out of the heater core box and goes out the bottom of the car is supposed to drain water, but is blocked or something.

 

So what's the deal here? How can I stop this leakage?

It's pouring rain today so I'll try and see where it's coming from to help the diagnostic.

 

Thanks for help.

[biffanyus]

Let me know what you find out cause my Infiniti G20 does pretty much the same thing.

[ivantruckman]

check for leaves or other junk in the drain holes. near the corner of the fenders.. had the same problem, it could also be windshield gaskets

[presslab]

If the plastic pieces below the windshield are not sealed the water will run right into the fresh air vent, especially when parking with the nose slighly uphill.

[Scoobywagon]

There are a couple of things this could be. First is the fresh air intake at the bottom of the windshield. Make sure that its drains aren't plugged. It is supposed to drain itself so that water doesn't get into the cabin through the blower cage. Also check the drain from the heater box.

 

The other thing it can be is the windshield leaking. The 89 GL does not have a windshield gasket. Instead, the w/s is urethane set. If THAT is leaking, then one of two things must be the case. You either have adhesive failure and water is getting past the bead or you have paint failure and the water is getting between the urethane and the steel. Either is bad because they both lead to UGLY rust in the pinchweld REALLY fast.

 

My first instinct is the fresh air intake. Start there and work your way back. Let us know what you find.

[Mr. Brat]

If you find that the drains are ok you can, mix up and soapy water solution and put it in a spray bottle. Start your car and turn the vent on high with all the doors and windows closed. Let the cabin charge with air, spray all the way around your windshield. If it is leaking it will make soap bubbles around the air leak.

[987687]

If you find that the drains are ok you can, mix up and soapy water solution and put it in a spray bottle. Start your car and turn the vent on high with all the doors and windows closed. Let the cabin charge with air, spray all the way around your windshield. If it is leaking it will make soap bubbles around the air leak.

 

That sounds really awesome... Not that I want a leak in my car.... but soap bubbles coming out of my vents??

 

Thanks for all the advice guys!! Tomorrow afternoon when I get off work I'll have at it and see what I find!!

[Yo'J]

At the windshield shops they use sprayaway cleaner and compressed air. They spray the foamy cleaner around the gasket on the outside and try to find the hole blasting air on the inside.