Water leakage problem

[76Datsun280z]

Well we took the cowl off today and we did find some small cracks on the floor of the cowl area and by the "snorkel". We bought some silicone so were going to try and fill the small cracks with that. We also bought some Rustolium and we put it on the floor board on the passenger side since there was some rust there from the water leakage.

[76Datsun280z]

Well we bought some silicone and filled in some small cracks under the cowl area. Well it still leaks. I'm wondering if it's that hose EScanlon was talking and might be cracked or corroted. I assume you need to take the fender off to get to this rubber hose?

[EScanlon]

You can see the hose directly from the floor of the interior.

You'll have to lie on your back with your head right up by the firewall, then shine a flashlight up into the CORNER of the firewall, kickpanel and bottom of cowl bucket. You'll see the metal tube and the rubber hose attached to it. This is the same on both sides of the cowl bucket. You'll find it ABOVE the fresh air vent elbow. All you will see will be the 90° bend in the drain tube, that then exits out the kick panel.

Have a friend pour some water into the cowl and observe where your leaks are coming from.

E

[76Datsun280z]

You can see the hose directly from the floor of the interior.

You'll have to lie on your back with your head right up by the firewall, then shine a flashlight up into the CORNER of the firewall, kickpanel and bottom of cowl bucket. You'll see the metal tube and the rubber hose attached to it. This is the same on both sides of the cowl bucket. You'll find it ABOVE the fresh air vent elbow. All you will see will be the 90° bend in the drain tube, that then exits out the kick panel.

Have a friend pour some water into the cowl and observe where your leaks are coming from.

E

Ok, I found the hose that you were talking about and it seems to not be the source of the leak. I turned the hose on and let it rest on top of the cowl on the passenger side and lied under neath the dash for a few minutes. Just about nothing happened (maybe one little dribble at most) so I got up and put the hose torwards the center of the cowl and then it seemed more dribbles of water started flowing in. They seem to be comming from the center to the left side on the passenger side under the dash. It's really hard to tell because all the dribbles are comming down from under the kick panel which I can't tell from there where they are comming in frome many places under the dash. Is there a center drain tube under the cowl that would be causing this because it doesn't seem the rubber drain hose is the problem. Thanks so much for the help guys, it is greatly appreciated.

[EScanlon]

Not aware of a center drain tube.

But when you say kick panel, are you referring to the black cardboard feel item that is backed with fiberglass insulation that is then attached to the FIREWALL? If so, that is actually the firewall insulator.

Kick panels are those on the side that hide the hinge bolts.

Now, water coming out from behind the firewall insulator says that you have either rust, cracks, on the bottom of the cowl bucket metal. Or the cowl bucket has separated from the firewall metal.

It might be easier to inspect the cowl bucket from outside after you remove the cowl sheet metal. Then using flashlights and inspection mirrors check the forward (towards the engine) edge of the cowl bucket all along the center.

Barring doing that, you would have to remove the dash, and other items in order to get all the way to the firewall and the cowl bucket.

FWIW

Enrique

[76Datsun280z]

But when you say kick panel, are you referring to the black cardboard feel item that is backed with fiberglass insulation that is then attached to the FIREWALL? If so, that is actually the firewall insulator.

That's what I'm referring too.

[DatsunZsRule]

Now, water coming out from behind the firewall insulator says that you have either rust, cracks, on the bottom of the cowl bucket metal. Or the cowl bucket has separated from the firewall metal

I too mentioned the possibility of rust in the Cowl area as well in my reply #2. Hopefully thats not the case but from where you claim it's leaking sure sounds like that could be a possibility Unfortunately, that is a known rust problem area on these cars along with the floor pans, Frame Rails, Batt. tray, spare tire well ect. It also helps if you have one of those little mirrors that extend out like a radio antenna to get a good look around inside the cowl.

Best of luck to you,

[Mpower280z]

There is a piece of weather strip on the passenger and driver side doors. Starting from the top window frame of the structure, follow it down toward the front of the car. You will find it near the area where the INNER door meets the INNER fender on the upper section. I think that the window frame is mounted there, its held in that location by two screws. It is a peice about about five to eight inches long and is held to the door by three rubber rivets.

Thats usually the case with water leakage into the floor of thses cars.

[EScanlon]

Terry:

Good thought, except that in this thread that's not the case.

E

[76Datsun280z]

Well guys, we've determined that it's most likely comming in through holes in the firewall. The firewall is pretty much roughted out and so is under the battery. We've decided that this summer were going to pay to have it all fixed. It will be pricy, but it needs to get done. Thanks for all your help in helping my dad and I out on determining what this problem is, -Austen.

[DatsunZsRule]

Kinda figured thats what it had to be Sorry to hear about that. Not to freak you out but I've seen a few poor Z's that were so severely rotted in the Cowl area to the point where they were pretty much categorized as "Beyond Repair" Hopefully thats not the case with yours.

Best of luck and keep us posted

[76Datsun280z]

Thanks, I'll definitely keep you guys updated on this. I don't think anything is going to happen until this summer, but I'll let you guys know when we take it in and find somebody to work on it. Atleaste at the end of all this, it will pretty much be a rust free car.