Drain Hole / Wetness on Left Side in Trunk

[mmizesko]

Folks,

I have a question about the small drain hole in the trunk floor on the driver's side (LHD).  I've been driving my Pagoda for the last week rain or shine, as my daily driver is having major engine work.  I've noticed that my trunk is wet under the mat on the Left Hand Side, and am wondering if road spray could come up through the drain hole.  I find it curious that the only wet place is on that side, where historically, the surface rust forms in our beloved benzes.

Can anyone explain why that left hand side is vulnerable to water?  There is no drain hole on the Right hand side. Is there a typical leak point from above?  I know many Pagoda's stay inside when it rains, but I was just curious.  My OEM trunk seal is brand new from my renovation a year ago.

Has anyone plugged the floor hole to see what would happen?

Mike Mizesko
Columbus, OH

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Hello Mike,

On my return trip from Williamsburg in September 2013 I encountered heavey rain and was wondering about leaks. When I checked under my rubber mat I found very light moisture that I then dryer up,

I just took some photos for you, it seams that there are two holes and both have some sort of loose plug in it I cannot take closer photos with my iPad camera I hope you can see it when you enlarge the close up photo.

I assume since you been driving in the rain while your DD is out for repair you may have similar wetness in the drain hole area. If you don't have those little plugs in the drain holes I would expect you would have more wetness from road back spray then what would be considered normal.

Hope this helps.

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Added two more photos had slightly better results with my iPhone

On the last photo I lifted the plug for the shot to show it to you. As I said if you don't have this loose plug in the drain hole then I would expect more moisture to get into your trunk.

[mbzse]

The items i I think you refer to in your photos and discussion are the attachment points for the housing around the Electric fuel feed pump.
The two openings in the trunk floor metal are square, and in them goes a special type M6 screw and a rubber seal.
See parts book or online EPC
/Hans in Sweden

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Hello Hans,

Have a look at the last photo above, as you can see the hole is square and it does look and feel like a plastic screw in that square hole, no sign of a rubber seal.

I took a photo from the underside of the car (at the same point as my last photo in the previous post). As you can se there is no attachment on the underside the plastic screw is located loose in the square hole.

Perhaps the one further back in the elevated area of the trunk holds something from the fuel pump, the screw or whatever type of fastener it is does not move. I cannot see that position from the underside of the car unless it would be on a lift.

[tel76]

RD,
Is the fuel pump cover missing from your car?

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

RD,
Is the fuel pump cover missing from your car?

Eric, how did you figure this out? I just checked and you are right the black outer cover is not installed (pot type cover that is meant to protect the fuel pump is missing). I found that out by comparing other 280s photos with my car.

Looks like it was missed to be re-installed at some point in time. Hope I can find a replacement cover.

However, the cover goes right over the pump and I see no relation to the square hole I took photos of, what am I missing here?

Thanks Eric for pointing the cover  missing out to me!

[badali]

I was washing mine the other day and noticed water coming in through the 230 SL emblem studs.  I think there should be a small clear plastic o ring on the studs...

[mmizesko]

R-D,

Thanks for the pics.  I will look for the plugs later today (when it finally stops raining!!!@!!!).  I did not notice any open drain holes in the floor groove in your pictures (about 2mm) that I have in mine.  I was told that it was a drain.  This is still a puzzlement.  Perhaps one of our pro's from Dover (Joe, Dan, Jon, Pete, etc) may have some observations.  There must be a great explanation somewhere.  I was speaking with Alfred yesterday, and he is puzzled as well.

Mike

[tel76]

RD,
You should have two square holes into which is fitted two special bolts these plus one other bolt hold the fuel pump cover in place.
When I wanted to purchase these bolts at my local dealer he told me they were NLA,( but he has been wrong on many occasions).
Mike,
There should be no specific drain holes in the floor pan (some previous owner drilled them to let out the water) is it possible to post a picture?

[badali]

I don't see how water can get in from the floor plugs shown in all the pictures.  It may be running in from  the soft top compartment lid.  I just took a picture from below on my car and there is no direct access to the trunk floor from below.  My pump cover is not installed since the new pump fuel hoses were slightly different...

[Jonny B]

Another potential source is from the fitment of the tail light lenses. Or from the gasket not being in good shape. My mechanic has seen this in a number of cars.

[tel76]

The square holes that take the special round headed bolts should have a rubber sealing washer between the floor and the pump cover, if this is omitted ( as it regularly is) then there is a small chance of water entering the floor.
Mike.
When I had a problem with water entering the fuselage of my aircraft affecting the autopilot and avionics (Seneca 1V) I purchased a white powder (NO not Columbian marching powder) from an aircraft parts supplier, the product is also used to detect oil or fuel leaks, I sprinkled it in the fuselage, flew the aircraft through some weather, on landing the source of the ingress of water was easily seen, I cannot remember the manufacturers name but feel sure you will find it on Google.

[perry113]

There could be several issues including the rear tail lamps and the trunk body seal as well. Someone may have to take pleasure by riding in trunk with a flashlight in hand while your driving in the rain.

Water under the mat is pretty common on these cars as can seen by so many that have seen corrosion on the center and outer trunk floor extensions.