Leaky Windshield?

[SNAKEYE]

Recently I took the driver's side floor mat out for a vacuuming and noticed a bit of water on the vinyl inlaid heel rest of the carpet. The carpet itself was also damp.
I inspected the windshield seal and touched up the top and bottom corners with a bit of black silicon sealant where it looked like the seal might not be doing its job. But it still looks like water is getting to the floor. I looked up under the dash but can not see any evidence of water. Also, the floor mat itself is not wet on the top, as if water had dripped on it, which leads me to the possibility that the water is following the body until it gets beneath the carpet.
SNAKEYE is a convertible, but I can find no evidence that any of the top-related gaskets are leaking. We here in south-eastern PA have had several recent episodes of EXTREME rain! A couple of freak storms with from 3" - 8" of rain in a short time, not to mention hurricane Isabel. These amounts of water raise the possibility that the drain of the fresh air intake between the hood and the windshield may be partially clogged, not allowing for proper drainage, resulting in an overflow into the passenger compartment.
So, if anyone has had any similar experience I'd like to hear from you as to how you diagnosed and solved the problem before I go tearing off the air intake grill and/or the interior trim, or just put a brick through the windshield (it's pretty chipped up anyway!) and have it replaced ala my insurance company.

[tntcbra]

A couple of things. First, if the drain system has not changed much from the fox body cars, you could very well have a clogged cowl drain. The 93 and older cars drained on either side under the front fender. On my '88 that was parked more than driven, I had a mouse build a nest in the drain opening. Whenever it would rain heavy, the car would get wet! Also, leaves and other debris can add to the problem.
Second, there is a TSB out on the 96-98 Cobra convertibles regarding leaks. It has more to do with the side windows and involves a repair to the roof rail weather strip. I'll have to look up the exact TSB number, but I had Bruce print it out for me so I'll dig it up.
Third, leaks are hard to diagnose. Check simple things like fender liners and splash guards to make sure they are where they should be.

Good luck!

Tim

[SNAKEYE]

Originally posted by tntcbra
A couple of things. First, if the drain system has not changed much from the fox body cars, you could very well have a clogged cowl drain. The 93 and older cars drained on either side under the front fender. On my '88 that was parked more than driven, I had a mouse build a nest in the drain opening. Whenever it would rain heavy, the car would get wet! Also, leaves and other debris can add to the problem.
Second, there is a TSB out on the 96-98 Cobra convertibles regarding leaks. It has more to do with the side windows and involves a repair to the roof rail weather strip. I'll have to look up the exact TSB number, but I had Bruce print it out for me so I'll dig it up.
Third, leaks are hard to diagnose. Check simple things like fender liners and splash guards to make sure they are where they should be.

Good luck!

Tim

Geez Tim, if we had a tech or problem session at our meetings we could discuss stuff like this, personally!

I know leaks are a bummer. It can go in 180-degrees from where it comes out! My wife had a Cavelier that leaked somewhere around the windshield. I put talcum powder on the seal on the outside and cranked up the A/C with the windows closed. The air pressure leaked out where the water leaked in and blew the powder away. Problem solved. I may have to revert to that method, but the convertible is a WHOLE LOT LESS AIR TIGHT than the sedan!

I can not image much of anything getting in to clog the drain(s). The mesh of the grill screen is quite small. I'll just have to pop it out and take a look see. There is, however, the chance that the clog is a buildup of mold in the drain(s) and they need to be reamed out or chemically flushed out. On my '88 the grill mounting was quite evident. I had to remove it to repaitr the wiper arms. It's probably similar on the '97, just smaller and plastic instead of big and made of metal.