Leaky C Class Estate

[kevinororke]

Hi, My 2000 (X) W202 had a serious leak issuing from the extreme left front corner under the dash over the passenger footwell. Coolant level was fine and the leaking fluid did not have any smell or colour. It had been raining heavily, and it is autumn, so I checked under the bonnet and, Hey Presto,the enclosed void surrounding the bonnet strut between the wheel arch and the bulkhead was full of leaves and gunge. The void has been cleaned and is now draining OK. To save me time can anyone advise me where the backed up water was getting through the bulkhead ? Is it likely to be around a wire or pipe passing through the bulkhead ?

Regards, Kevin

 

[kevinororke]

Hi, Update on my leaky C Class. I've taken a few panels off and it transpires that the heater blower motor unit is full of water !! The bottom panel of this unit makes a pretty good seal so I suspect water may have been building up in the unit. Would still appreciate any advice on where water is getting in. I assume through the outside air intake. But where is this ?

Thanks, Kevin

 

[Blobcat]

It is normally through the heater vents that the water comes into the cabin. The drain holes under the bonnet get blocked with leaves the rain water then runs into the heater and into the car.

 

[television]

You will need to remove the filter just infront of the screen, take off the grill and lift the filter, the drain holes are under the filter in the air box, I think that you will work out how to get to it, if not ask.

Malcolm

 

[kevinororke]

Thanks guys. Removed the plastic mesh panel which was attached to a plastic supporting structure running the whole breadth of the engine bay. Lifted the plastic structure under which was a plastic sump with a drain hole. Drain hole completely blocked ! Looks like this sump filled completely and then overflowed. Problem now sorted. Still not sure how the water got into the heater blower. I assume the intake is under or near this sump. Blower soaked inside but still working OK after a blast of WD40.

Kevin

 

[coopz]

all the above is correct ! but don't be surprised if your heater motor tempory fails,and the side air bag sensor fails as well,if you get too much water in

 

[coopz]

sorry a bit vague ! what may happen is the water trap overflows if blocked, then floods the passenger front back and floors, where unfortunately the side air bag sensor lives,and if it get soaked it may fail .on the way the water can affect the blower.

 

[starresq]

If you had your passenger compartment flood with water, please email me at starresq@hotmail.com. Thank you.