Lots of condensation inside during winter - change seals?

[Pauwl]

I get so much condensation on the inside of the car during winter that, after I've left the 928 at the train station for a week, I come back in winter and have to scrape ice off the INSIDE of the windows as well as the outside.

Next winter I want it to be different....

So I'm considering starting with replacing the door-seals. I don't have any problems with getting rain on the inside, so not sure if this is a smart-move considering the price of the seals.

Should I:

1) Replace the door seals - that will most likely get rid of most of the problem
2) Do (1), but don't forget the rear hatch seal
3) Live with it - old cars will always be more prone to condensation on the inside
4) .... ?

[Anthony10370]

I would probably find out where the water is coming from first, my '79 was leaking but it turned out to be the rear hatch lock cylinder seal and part of the A/C intake under the dash/below the windshield.

Maybe sit in the car next time it rains and look around with a flashlight at suspect areas for water. (doors, hatch, under dash...)

Update: or have someone spray the car with a hose around the doors and hatch:

hope this helps
-Anthony

[Danglerb]

Door seals are available from the OEM instead of Porsche, so price is fairly reasonable, like $120 a door I think? If your seals are very bad replacing them is a good idea.

I kind of doubt the doors are the source of much moisture. Make sure the cowl drain is clear, as well as the seals around the rear hatch and its drains, sunroof too if you have one.

Leaky heater core is another possible source.

Buy a couple cans of cheap desiccant like is used in closets, and open them inside the car before leaving. The Silica gel they use is fairly cheap once you find a source of it in bulk (5 lbs or so). It can also be reused by heating, but I forget the details other than needing an electric oven.

[Pauwl]

No water gets in if it rains...
So I'm not looking at replacing the seals because they're leaking.

When the car is standing still in winter and it heats up/cools down, condensation 'happens'. After a week of heating up/cooling down, freezing condensation each time, I have a solid sheet of ice on the inside of the windscreen.

So I'm looking at trying to stop additional moisture getting in. When the icen on all the windows eventually melts on the drive home, it runs down onto the leather, including the rear quarters, so you can imagine what's going on there... not good.

Anyone had any 'non-rain' related moisture issues like this?

[caspermj]

Yes, I have. In an old Benz I've got I found alot of condensation. Looked like it rained inside the windows My carpets were wet in the rear. Turned out to be a leaking rear window seal. My suggestion would be to check for dampness in the carpets or padding. When this stuff gets wet it can stay wet for a long time. A very long time. The water is getting in somewhere, but I hope this info may help you. Just a thought anyway! Cheers!

[Mrmerlin]

actually water is getting when it rains or snows you just cant see it .

The unusual culprit is having snow sit on the car if this happens then the snow seems to be able to leak in around the base of the windshield.

SO I would remove the carpets under the seats and in the hatch then wash the car then look and see what floor is wet,
if the rears are wet then its probably the hatch seal leaking the most common one.

If the fronts are wet,
then you have a leak under the cowl either the blower box needs to be resealed,
or there is an open hole in the cowl under the tops of either fender get a light and look for the hole ..


If the aft end of the hatch is wet then the key rubber seal or the hatch spoiler through bolts or hatch seal itself is leaking

[nuts4porsche]

mine did the same thing! make sure u have vapor barrier-plastic behind your door panels,and check the top of the doors,there is a small "V" cut out of the top of the door jambs that is covered with flex seal so water or cond. doesnt happen,u have to take the trim off to find the "V". a little phillips screw close to the mirror and one is under the back hatch and the trim pulls off toward you,slides off.you are getting air flow inside the car causing this cond.

[aluminum]

Huum used to be my Job >> Finding water Leaks at a Chev Dealer .. I set up some Stands and water sprayers coming at different angles and with different Intensity IE : Hard big Drops / fine spray and let the water run and run and run > Moving the racks around and getting in and out of the car looking for leaks .
this is not a easy Job but it must be done > Once the rugs and under Matting gets Wet forget it you need new ones AFTER YOU FIND THE LEAKS
Don't forget the Firewall . Sunroofs are a problem
Drains / Drains / Drains
YOU NEED COMPRESSED AIR ON HAND TO FIND LEAKS > when all wet Blow with AIR Toward the inside of the Car . Sometimes you must have a helper one inside and one outside .
Rear Quarters Windows are known for leaking and Rusting out

[Pauwl]

Excellent ideas all. I will get in the car and let the kids to wild with hosepipes.
Will report back soon.