wet carpet

[gnj588d]

Hi everyone.Went to a classic car show at the weekend,******* down both days got home and checked under the carpets the drivers side was soaked underneath are there any common places to look,they were dry before the show.  Thanks Mike 230

[Cees Klumper]

To the best of my knowledge (others chime in if I am somewhere incorrect): Look underneath the dash; there is a tube that runs from the cowl through the firewall to route rain water from the air intake to the engine (rather than the passenger) compartment; the tube is part metal (coming in and going out) and in the middle a rubber hose. The rubber hose can dry out (obviously) and leak; also the whole thing can clog up causing rust and leaks. Running a search on the forums will probably also produce lots of good info on this.
I replaced my hoses a few years ago so they should still be good. Nevertheless I also had a wet carpet after driving in lots of rain the other day, so I have to double check my own situation as well.

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[jameshoward]

This link contains the photographs of the tubes Cees is talking about.
http://index.php?topic=6291&whichpage=2

The post with the photos is about half way down.

JH

[jeffc280sl]

Check the weatherstripping along the inner fender behind the front wheels.  There is a removable panel that has a rubber seal between it and the underside of the fender.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[gnj588d]

Hi thanks for the info got new weather strips,but it looks like there should be a rubber bung or seal at the top of the removable panel as there is a gap at the top of the panel?. Cheers Mike Rutledge

[jeffc280sl]

Mike,

The rubber seal runs from the rocker panel along the inside of the fender and across the top of the fender to form a pretty tight seal.  There should be no gaps.  See the attched pic.

Download Attachment: splasha.jpg
26.95 KB

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[gnj588d]

thanks everyone. the part i mean is at the top end where the rubber strip ends its shown on the parts catalogue part no 113 884 00 91 it seems to fit over the trunion and continuing from the end of the rubber strip  Regards Mike

[jeffc280sl]

Mike,

Having a hard time understanding where you mean.  Part # 1138840091 is listed as a seal that is no longer avaiable so that doesn't help either.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[gnj588d]

Hi Jef.Sorry I wasnt that clear,its hard to explane.The gap is where you wrote,the seal starts here on the sketch you sent me,if you run your hand on top of the trunion under the fender to where the seal starts here on the sketch there is a gap where the seal ends,I was told to get in touch with the old timer centre in stuttgart i will let you know how i get on. Cheers Mike 66 230

[jeffc280sl]

Hey Mike,

I should have just looked under my car to see what you were talking about.  I certainly don't remember the gap you are referencing, but it is there.  I have no idea what if anything goes in that space. I have not taken the wheel off to examine the area closely but any water which goes into this space may find its way under the front cowl and wipers and be drained from that area through the small tubes under the dask and out through the fire wall.  Just a thought.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed