Possible leak from windscreen

[Delta66]

Is this the likely source of dampness in the footwell?





If so, suggestions for a fix please. Do I need to get a new rubber fitted, or would a dod of silicone do. The passenger side of the screen is just as bad, but there is no dampness there.

[lnparry]

Hi Delta66,

It might be the cause of the leak and if so then a new rubber might be the best fix although always worth trying silicone first.

But there are 2 other possible causes of leaks into the drivers footwell that are worth checking as well. One is a leak from the heater valve up against the bulkhead and the other from the rear wash wipe feed. The latter enters the passenger compartment above the drivers footwell and then disappears up the inside of the A post to the back of the car. Check if the dampness is rainwater or has antifreeze / screenwasher fluid in it.

I have had both of the above faults over the years but the screens are normally pretty good.

Cheers,

LeeP

[Delta66]

I had a slight leak from the heater valve before, now sorted.

I had looked up former posts about leaks and saw the advice about the rear washer. There is no discolouration in the dampness. I use the screen wash that smells of berries I get form Halfords! It only got wet recently, having been parked up for a couple of weeks as I was off work with a bad back. That was during snow and ice.

When the heater leaked, I cut a hole in the carpet to help dry out the soundproofing and every so often, I lift the mat and cut piece of carpet to check it. I leave some kitchen towel to see if dampness is returning. This time it was wet.

[jpliddy]

hi this corner insert is missing from lots of 940s now but not the cause of a wet footwell on my car . first it was the large plastic cover which is on the bottom of the drivers pillar footwell beside your right foot i tried one silicone . it didn't last that long had to get a very good automotive mastic that sticks really good to plastic and metal . my carpet was that wet when i discovered it had to take it out along with the sound proofing and underlay which i had to renew . the second leak was the dreaded heater control valve you could get them from main dealers but not anymore if your car has no air con like mine you can get them for cars with air con i think . not a bad job to do just bit hard to get at get a power full led lamp and check heater control valve first just above your left foot on the bulkhead . keep us informed

[Delta66]

I will get that panel off, I did it before to change a door hinge.

I contacted National Windscreens to see if they could change the rubber seal, but they insist the windscreen is bonded to the car. Is it?

[lnparry]

Yes, from memory I believe the screens are bonded which is why they hardly ever leak. The missing bit of rubber is, I think, just for appearance. It is the lower part of the hard rubber edging that unclips from the side of the screen surround. I bought a pair of the side strips from FRS a few years ago - not cheap but look great.

I have that berry stuff to and I am sure you would notice if leak from that.

When the heater valve went on my old 740 I had to take everything out to dry it as antifreeze solution takes ages to evaporate but if it was dry and then wet probably not that unless it has gone again.

If you need to seal the footwell plastic cover you might want to try something called Tiger Seal from Amazon. I have used it to seal various things on my XJS but be careful not to get on trim or paintwork as it sticks like s**t to a blanket.

Good luck,

LeeP

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by Delta66

Is this the likely source of dampness in the footwell?





If so, suggestions for a fix please. Do I need to get a new rubber fitted, or would a dod of silicone do. The passenger side of the screen is just as bad, but there is no dampness there.

I'd check your footwells under the carpet if i were you :





It's a known rust point and makes the carpet soggy. Might be a very small hole at the moment that will turn to a big one quickly if left unrepaired.

[Rversteeg]

The screen is bonded for sure, that is why it has the black pattern around the edges. This keeps the UV light away from the bonding material. You will also see that eg around bonded retrovision mirrors.
If the dampness smells and tastes sweet, it is very likely coolant, so the heater valve or matrix is the culprit.
If it smells like screen wash fluid it could very well be the wash wipe feed line as already suggested.
If it is just water, then it could be the a blocked AC drain or rain water coming in somewhere. I think a leaking screen is very unlikely, but still possible. The leak will be in the bonding material, the rubber in the pictures is irrelevant. Also check the rubber transit just below the bonnet lock, that is where I found the cause of my damp carpet.

[Delta66]

Originally Posted by lnparry

Yes, from memory I believe the screens are bonded which is why they hardly ever leak. The missing bit of rubber is, I think, just for appearance. It is the lower part of the hard rubber edging that unclips from the side of the screen surround. I bought a pair of the side strips from FRS a few years ago - not cheap but look great.

I have that berry stuff to and I am sure you would notice if leak from that.

When the heater valve went on my old 740 I had to take everything out to dry it as antifreeze solution takes ages to evaporate but if it was dry and then wet probably not that unless it has gone again.

If you need to seal the footwell plastic cover you might want to try something called Tiger Seal from Amazon. I have used it to seal various things on my XJS but be careful not to get on trim or paintwork as it sticks like s**t to a blanket.

Good luck,

LeeP

Where am I sealing? Where does the water run to after sealing?

[Delta66]

Originally Posted by Laird Scooby

I'd check your footwells under the carpet if i were you :

might be a very small hole at the moment that will turn to a big one quickly if left unrepaired.

I did that way back when I was posting about loosing coolant. When I found the footwell damp with pink fluid, I cut out a square from the already worn carpet, dried it would and left a bit of kitchen towel as a tell tail. I would check it every so often and that is how I found this issue.

At the moment the mat is out and the lining lifted to help it dry out.