Author Topic: Leaking inside the firewall (into the cab) when it rains?  (Read 7301 times)

Offline TimberwolfFXDL

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Leaking inside the firewall (into the cab) when it rains?
« on: April 29, 2012, 01:17:54 pm »
What could be causing this?  I have an 84 C10.  The interior is stripped out completely right now.  I keep getting puddles on the floor when it rains though.  I noticed the factor insulation on the firewall is damp under the heater box plenum.

Is rain able to make it in there through the gutter area between the wipers?

Any other ideas?

Offline Jason S

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Re: Leaking inside the firewall (into the cab) when it rains?
« Reply #1 on: April 29, 2012, 01:34:38 pm »
Just a few thoughts: Rust holes in the cowl area, leaking windshield gasket, plenums at the kick panel not sealed, missing hood seal and underhood heater box not sealed to cab. 

1973 GMC K2500, Super Custom, Camper Special, 350, TH350, NP203, 4.10's
1974 Chevrolet K10, Custom Deluxe, 350, SM465, NP203, 3.73's

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Offline TimberwolfFXDL

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Re: Leaking inside the firewall (into the cab) when it rains?
« Reply #2 on: April 29, 2012, 01:37:06 pm »
I don't think the cowl is rusted, and there's no water anywhere near the kick panels.  Heater box is well sealed to the firewall. Windshield seal is tight too.  The weather strip between the hood and cowl vent is missing though.  Seems like that would just allow water into the engine compartment though.

Guess I'll have to do some more detective work

Offline Jason S

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Re: Leaking inside the firewall (into the cab) when it rains?
« Reply #3 on: April 29, 2012, 02:13:27 pm »
Others should chime in on the matter.  Without the hood seal, if water were to trickle down the firewall it might find it's way inside through the firewall at the heater core connection. 

You might have someone spray water over the front and then look from the inside of the cab to see where your leak is coming from.
1973 GMC K2500, Super Custom, Camper Special, 350, TH350, NP203, 4.10's
1974 Chevrolet K10, Custom Deluxe, 350, SM465, NP203, 3.73's

"1) Peace through strength; 2) Trust but verify; 3) Beware of evil in the modern world"

Offline Blazin

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Re: Leaking inside the firewall (into the cab) when it rains?
« Reply #4 on: April 29, 2012, 03:46:42 pm »
Does it have cab lights? if so they can leak inside the roof and run down to the floor. It doesn't take much of a rust hole for water to get in from the cowl.
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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Leaking inside the firewall (into the cab) when it rains?
« Reply #5 on: April 29, 2012, 04:03:53 pm »
Get a new cowl seal and install it. Reference this as well

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,22630.0.html
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Offline TimberwolfFXDL

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Re: Leaking inside the firewall (into the cab) when it rains?
« Reply #6 on: April 30, 2012, 06:52:52 am »
Thanks, I will check that out.  Might be easier to track the water flow now... I stripped the floor pans yesterday and it's raining today.  Might give me a tell tale surface rust pattern to follow.