Leak Under Dash - Windshield?

[jsaucedo]

Hey everyone,

I have a bit of a dilemma with my 1981 911SC. I had a leak that showed up underneath the passenger side dash shortly after I purchased my car. Long story short, the bottom corners of the frame around the windshield had rusted out and required some body work. Windshield went back on no problem (or cracks).

Leak went away for a little while... then it came back. The shop has tested it with a hose on that corner without an apparent leak, but with nearly every torrential downpour, the leak is back. Lighter showers don't seem to be an issue anymore.

So, does this mean the windshield is still leaking, or is there another leak somewhere? Is this just a plight of having an older 911?

I appreciate all of your advice!

[ossiblue]

No, it's not the plight of older 911s unless something is amiss. When you had the windshield frame repaired and the windshield replaced, did you use a new seal, was the seal genuine Porsche (not aftermarket or OEM), and how long ago was the work done, and was it done by someone familiar with 911 windshields? Your answers to these questions will likely give us a hint as to which direction to head to find a solution.

[Trackrash]

Originally Posted by ossiblue

No, it's not the plight of older 911s unless something is amiss. When you had the windshield frame repaired and the windshield replaced, did you use a new seal, was the seal genuine Porsche (not aftermarket or OEM), and how long ago was the work done, and was it done by someone familiar with 911 windshields? Your answers to these questions will likely give us a hint as to which direction to head to find a solution.

New seals will usually not leak.
The big question is, was the dash removed when the repairs were done?

[tobluforu]

Mine leaks at the fresh air vent.

[jsaucedo]

Thanks for responses.

They used a new seal. I don't know if it's Porsche genuine or not or whether the dash was removed. The work was done in the fall. The shop is pretty well known and respected for handling Porsches, new and old. I've taken it back and the most recent theory was a new leak from the door seals...

Not sure what to do next. I hate bringing up the same issue over and over.

[theclaw]

Leaks in the corner of the dash are not that unusual. I have one myself. Gt some water near the left side corner where the small vent is. Probably should replace the seal, maybe the whole windshield as I'm getting the telltale signs of som delamination in the corner. But the car doesn't get wet that often so its being over prioritized for TBs, shocks, brakes, etc.



Jeff

[Discseven]

Water making it around the glass in the seal... driver's side. Drips down from behind dash. Seal is 5 - 6 years old.

[wolds]

You might want to check to make sure that the drain for the fresh air intake is hooked up and also that it is not plugged up. Warren

Originally Posted by jsaucedo

Hey everyone,

I have a bit of a dilemma with my 1981 911SC. I had a leak that showed up underneath the passenger side dash shortly after I purchased my car. Long story short, the bottom corners of the frame around the windshield had rusted out and required some body work. Windshield went back on no problem (or cracks).

Leak went away for a little while... then it came back. The shop has tested it with a hose on that corner without an apparent leak, but with nearly every torrential downpour, the leak is back. Lighter showers don't seem to be an issue anymore.

So, does this mean the windshield is still leaking, or is there another leak somewhere? Is this just a plight of having an older 911?

I appreciate all of your advice!

[jsaucedo]

Originally Posted by wolds

You might want to check to make sure that the drain for the fresh air intake is hooked up and also that it is not plugged up. Warren

I never even thought about that! Where is the drain for the fresh air intake? Do you have a picture by chance?

Really appreciate all of your help!

[RSBob]

Ask the shop if they used any type of adhesive when they installed the seal. If they did, because genuine Porsche seals do not require adhesive, it could be a source of the problem.

Just bought an 82 a month ago with to minor waterfalls on either side under the dash when it rained. They used adhesive and apparently not very well. I spent 4 hours today digging the stuff out for a new windshield and seal. Yuck

[jsaucedo]

Originally Posted by RSBob

Ask the shop if they used any type of adhesive when they installed the seal. If they did, because genuine Porsche seals do not require adhesive, it could be a source of the problem.

Just bought an 82 a month ago with to minor waterfalls on either side under the dash when it rained. They used adhesive and apparently not very well. I spent 4 hours today digging the stuff out for a new windshield and seal. Yuck

They did use an adhesive ("tar"). And they also said they used a genuine Porsche seal. My concern is the risk of cracking the windshield if they take it out again (I would the eat the cost on that one).

Is it worth taking out the seal to clean the gunk?

[wolds]

Open the frunk, remove your carpet. You will see a black cover that runs along the back of your frunk area underneath your fresh air opening. Remove the top 2 screws and loosen the 2 bottom. Remove the cover. You'll see the fresh air plenum with the fan motor hanging off it. Look on the bottom for the tube. It could be blocked, cracked or have fallen off. Warren

Originally Posted by jsaucedo

I never even thought about that! Where is the drain for the fresh air intake? Do you have a picture by chance?

Really appreciate all of your help!

[jsaucedo]

Thanks wolds. I looked but didn't find anything. I also sprayed water towards the air intake. Nothing.

I'm at a loss and could use some advice. The windshield frame was recently rebuilt and new seal placed. It leaks in heavy rain but not during car washes or normal rain bouts. Is it worth the risk of taking the windshield out to find a small leak?

Thanks.

[jsaucedo]

Nevermind. Decided to take it in. Don't want the rust to come back.