water in rear trunk

[Joe Ricard]

So I removed, cleaned, siliconed and replaced the factory rubber seal. Still getting water in trunk. I see the trail of water sitting on the little triangle pieces every time. I sealed the tail light housings already too.
What else to do?

[unclerichy]

I used to get water in the rear trunk of my '74 - looks like this is pretty common. In fact, its now the first place I look when I'm thinking about buy a 914.

I would also check the rubber grommet for the wires that go to the licence plate light and also I would seal the holes where the your emblems poke thru.

Rich
'73 1.7
'74 2.0

[Joe Ricard]

Guess I should have been more acurate in what else I have done. Sealed the license plate light wire gromets. sealed the backs of the emblems too. I guess what I was trying to get at is there anyway to snug down the lid.

[Barber Dave]

Joe, I had somewhat the same problem,it turned out to be the top trunk latch. Got new one installed it , and played with the adjustment.Screw it down a little, pore water along the enges of the trunk till none get's in and it's lined up with the rear fenders... Dave

[campbellcj]

In my experience, the main culprit is the taillight seals. Unfortunately the seal is NLA (I think) so about all you can do is try some silicone sealant. It took me about 3 tries to get my trunk almost 100% dry. The rusted section was all cut out and welded in with fresh metal earlier this year, so I didn't want to take any chances. Last few rains there has been no rain at all in the trunk.

[pbanders]

Originally posted by campbellcj
In my experience, the main culprit is the taillight seals. Unfortunately the seal is NLA (I think) so about all you can do is try some silicone sealant. It took me about 3 tries to get my trunk almost 100% dry. The rusted section was all cut out and welded in with fresh metal earlier this year, so I didn't want to take any chances. Last few rains there has been no rain at all in the trunk.

Almost all 914 trunks leak for the reasons that have been stated in this thread. The seal that cambellcj mentions is sold by AA, but it's not OEM, costs a bunch, and is nothing more than a dense foam rubber "rope" that has been cut to the correct length. You can go to Lowes or Home Depot and find a suitable replacement for this seal for a couple of bucks.

Once the lens seal has been replaced, the housing-to-body seal is the next biggest culprit. The best procedure for sealing it is to remove the housing, and run a bead of black silicone rubber sealant around the edge. Put the housing back on and let the silicone squirt out from the edge and harden. Then take a new razor blade and VERY CAREFULLY trim away the excess.

Brad Anders

[ack_tm]

I have noticed on my 914 that I get water condensation on the bottom side of my trunk lid. I'm presuming that with the engine under/near the trunk, it gets pretty hot in the trunk, and when it cools down the heat condenses and creates water the droplets that I find on the bottom side of the lid.

Anyone else experience similarly?

Andrew

[bowlsby]

I have been reluctant to using silicone sealant at the taillight housing to body joints as is so often mentioned...while the silicone is tenacious and does the job, forget about ever removing the housings if you ever need to repaint...you will likely break them.

I used rope caulk from a body shop material supplier. Its sticky but never sets up, and while messy to remove it at least it is removable.

No mo leaks.

[sweater914]

try a 1/2 horsepower sump pump, that should solve the problem

i'm back in ND and it's just as cold when i left

[Paint Legend]

Regarding Silicone Sealants-

I am into boats and have found that marine sealants are the best! There are lots of brands, colors, paintable, etc... so skip the silicone.

Regards,
Tom

[kena]

ack_tm, my 76 also gets condensation buildup (heavy) on the underside of the rear trunk lid. My trunk doesn't leak either.
For those who may have installed pneumatic shocks on the rear trunk: make sure you are using a rubber gasket or equivalent in the bolt holes drilled into the rain channels which mounts the shocks. I found this to be a real leaker before sealing the bolts.
Since I had to cut a couple inches of the rear trunk seal out to clear the pneumatic shocks I assume I am getting condensation from the engine area.

[oc92]

about using silicone to seal- clear is the one that is a real pain to remove... use the black rtv and application/removal is a breeze.

[HMeeder]

Like Bowlsby I use a rope caulk (I have some that I've had forever called 'Fingertip Caulk') Comes like a roll and you tear strips of the caulk. It's about the consistancy of Play-do, remains pliable and is very easy to remove.

No Mo Leaks

[john walker's workshop]

drill a couple of holes in the rear corners. the water will at least drain out until you find the problem.