Footwell leak - Where's it coming from?

[SharkyTVR]

Had the Chim 5 Months now, and driven in all weathers.

However, Had to do 100-odd miles yesterday in the pi@@ing rain, and when I got home, I noticed the drivers footwell carpet is damp. Not swimming in it, but certainly moist. It was completely dry before yesterday, as I had vacuumed the carpets, and removed the mats to do so.

I have no idea where it got in. Passenger footwell, and carpets behind both seats, the sills, and the area below the targa top hinge are all bone-dry.

The brake fluid reseuvoir seal is fine, and all the grommets under the bonnet were all resealed a couple of months back, and are still in very good condition.

Finally, mine does not have the footwell airvent.

Anyone got any likely suggestions from where it could be coming in? Is the point where the steering column goes through the bulkhead likely?

Appreciate any advice. Cheers.

[puffsorted2]

Only thing I can suggest is park the car in the garage and put a lead light under the bonnet, then see if you can see any light from inside the car - obviously you will need to get you head right down into the footwell to see.

[ian187]

The inspection cover on the inner wing (where the clutch master cylinder is), seems to be a common place for leeks that come into the driver side footwell!

[SharkyTVR]

ian187 said:

The inspection cover on the inner wing (where the clutch master cylinder is), seems to be a common place for leeks that come into the driver side footwell!

Good suggestion - Double checked it this morning. Appears to be very well sealed too.

Thanks for taking the time, though.

[charlie sprout]

may help.....

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=8&t=171034

[SharkyTVR]

charlie sprout said:

may help..... www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=8&t=171034

Cheers once again - actually I had found this very thread when I searched last night, but dismissed it as I think the brake fluid reseuvoir is well sealed. But I think I'll try the test of pouring water on it and seeing if it comes though...

[kebabos]

Might be worth a look at how good the fitting of the door seal is to the body at the front bottom corner and 'a' post corner at bottom of windscreen.I currently have same problem and have checked as you have.Today I put a hose on top and watched as water trickled in, on fiddling it looks like the seal was not seated fully and may be too tight to bottom out in the corners

[_dan_]

Also check the rear top of the door, mine trickles in through there sometimes.

[parrot of doom]

Spray from the tarmac, getting in through a hole in the bodywork?

[JonRB]

I haven't checked the other thread linked to earlier, but has anyone mentioned the steering column yet?