Quote:
Originally Posted by Surfvan
Thanks JWA, I definitely agree on sealing from the exterior rather the interior. However, I have no clue how to access the intrusion point. It's underneath these panels (i don't know what all of that is called). I have tried to illustrate where the intrusion is in the photo. I uploaded them as PDFs to try and avoid the sideways picture problem. Is there any other way to avoid sideways pictures?
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Photos on most forum sites are displayed relative to their sizes, typically anything 800 x 600 will be displayed correctly, as in
not sideways or rotated 90 degrees. When posting images check that their width doesn't exceed that ratio. PDF's are good in this case----they're displayed in a helpful way.
Definitely use a bright light under the dash board to see which seam or panel is leaking---if possible post those too. You're probably already ahead of me here but doing this at night or other low-light situation might give you a very good idea what and where the water is seeping in.
You might need to remove the driver's side fender which will give slightly more access inside the wiper motor area although not a lot, just more than you have now. Removing the hood and hinges might also be helpful too. It might also come down to removing the wiper motor and its linkage. Mind you I've never poked around in that area except to replace a wiper motor so that might not be necessary. You'll have to assess this as you proceed.
That area is indeed tight---I've recently installed oil accumulator brackets using the bottom plate but as those were more towards the vehicle center it wasn't too difficult. I "think" spreading a sealer by hand using brushes would be possible BUT I'm wondering if a sealer applied with an undercoating gun like 3M's 08997 wouldn't be a much better way to seal that area?
Search YouTube for applications using that gun---if workable contact 3M directly inquiring if they have a permanent seam sealer that could be applied using it. You could also talk with any local body shop supply centers, those dedicated to serving the professional body shops.
If going that route you wouldn't have to remove the fender or hood, perhaps just the wiper motor and linkage so they don't get "coated" with the seam sealer.
HTH
Small update of my own.
3M's 08374 is readily available, the cost somewhat negligible considering it is a permanent solution. The applicator gun in typical 3M style (# 08400) is a bit pricey at around $350---might be a bit much for a single use. There might be alternatives to this tool in another brand doing the same job for a bit less money.
IF its determined a sprayable sealer would work perhaps contacting a local autobody collision shop might find someone willing to apply this for you? Removing the wiper motor etc in advance might save some money and hassles for everyone.
Just an idea.............