C280 - Water leak coming in passenger footwell

John_Henrys_Hammer

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Hi there

Not sure anyone can offer advice on this issue, but thought I'd try anyway.

I have a 1997 C280 Elegance.

It's in pretty good condition, just a few small rust spots. It drives well (though is awful greedy on fuel, but that's what a 2.8. engine will do).

My problem is this:

A short time ago, water started leaking onto the floor of the front passener footwell. The water pours through the grill which covers where the heater motor is. You won't be surprised to know that heater motor no longer works.

Anyway, I have opened the bonnet and the door and for the life of me I cannot see where the leak is. After a particularly heavy down pour (Scotland rains a lot) water will leak out all over the floor of the passenger footwell, soaking the floor.

I am not a mechanic but I am a reasonably technical person but cannot see where all this rain water is getting in.

The only thing I noticed is behind the front door top hinge where the wing is bolted on, there is a gap of around 5 mil running down between the wing and body. I compared this to the drivers door and the wing is bolted tight.

Could this be the cause of the leak?

If anyone could offer any advice I would appreciate it.

Best regards

JHH
 

bigasotonuk

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C43/55 AMG 1999 / C230K 1997
Hi,
This is undoubtedly the heater box drain(s) blocked.
You need to remove the plastic grills at the bottom of the windscreen to access the heater box.
I had my drains cleared when i had the windscreen replaced, as all the relevant trim has to be removed to fit the new screen.
 

television

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I can give you some info on this and clearing the drains
 
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J

John_Henrys_Hammer

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bigasotonuk & television

Thanks very much to both of you for replying! I very much appreciate it.

Can you by any chance send me a link to a guide on how to clean the heater box drains?

I don't know how to do it, not being much of a car expert.

Best regards

John
 

television

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I need an Email address please
 

television

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I have sent some info, the main drain comes out the bulkhead just to one side of the gearbox item 545
m.mycat
 
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John_Henrys_Hammer

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Got the guides - thank you very very much Malcolm, that is a great help!!

Warmest regards

John
 

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