Water in the Boot

[pembash]

What are the sources of water/moisture in the boot? How can this be identified and it's remedy! The rubber weather-strip is juicy and seems to be okay.
Best
Bob

[Ben]

I dunno but I have the same problems........only mine are probably worse !

I know I have some minor leaks but when I lift the trunk lid water poor from the framework into the trunk. Culd it be leaking in at the badges on the trunk lid and filling up the framework ?

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[pembash]

Ben,
You have spelt the problem most faithfully. This is exactly the problem with my brother's 1967 250SL.
Can anyone shed light on how to get rid of this damaging menace.!!
Best
Bob

[bpossel]

I have noticed that after I wash my car that I get some water in the trunk, close to the tail light (drivers side).  Don't see the water unless I lift up the rubber trunk mat.  I suspect that the rubber seal around the light is not working, probably dry and needs to be replaced....

For now, I simply wipe the trunk dry after each wash...
Just another place to check besides the large trunk seal.
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[Douglas]

I think there are a number of weak points around the trunk that have already been mentioned in this thread (weak or even incorrectly installed trunk seal or weak or non-existant tail light gaskets). I also make sure not to wash the car too aggressively back there with a hose.

If this is a recurring problem for you, another bit of sensible advice someone suggested (was it Joe Alexander?) is not to use the trunk mat at all since it tends to hide the moisture.

Make sure your trunk is also dry under the spare tire -- there's another smaller mat on that side that can also trap moisture.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220