R129 condensation problem (1)

[Joe Cassidy]

I have 2 problems and not sure if they are related so problem 1 first!

Having had a minor leak from the driver side roof seal I took off the hard top front seal and metal strip and used a non setting silicone sealant with good effect. The only internals that got were was the drivers seat (of course!). Having dried this out the car continuously misted up after runs. during use, after wiping the windows it stays clear, but overnight (and sometimes during the day) when the outside temp dropped the windows mist up. My solution is to hit the re-circulate button which seems to cure the misting. We have had some very wet, windy and cold weather over the last few days and doing this seems to stop the condensation. Is this a common effect / problem /solution??
Also see problem 2!

 

[LostKiwi]

The condensation is a result of water in the foam of the seat and in the carpet. Put a decent dehumidifier in the car for 24 hours to clear it and as long as there are no more water leaks it will sort it.

 

[Joe Cassidy]

Thanks! ... maybe I did not dry it out enough, but it thought about 12 hours with a heater and a fan pointing under the seat from the rear was long enough!
I will try without the recirculating button pressed tomorrow night.

 

[LostKiwi]

If you can get your hands on a compressor style dehumidifier you'll be amazed how much water it will extract no matter how dry you think it is.
Also check for blocked scuttle drains.
Leave the AC turned on and not set to recirculation as you want to get rid of the warm damp air.
Warm air can hold far more moisture than cold air so to dry it out you need to heat the air inside then draw cold air in. The outgoing warm air will carry the moisture out and the incoming cold air can't hold as much. As it warms it will extract moisture which you can then eject.
I'm guessing you have the hard top fitted?

 

[Joe Cassidy]

Yes - hard top fitted some 3-4 weeks ago - after our nice warm summer.. so only just noticing some associated problems.
will try for the type of dehumidifier as you suggest. many thanks.

 

[LostKiwi]

I use an Ebac 18l one (not cheap at over £200 but you can also use them to help dry paint and plaster if decorating or reducing damp Inthe house). Put a small fan heater in as well (warm air helps lift the water out) and will dry in no time. We use ours in our holiday home in winter to help control damp (the house is 200 years old so has no damp course).
If it keeps recurring there's a leak somewhere. Don't forget to check the boot for leaks too as the moist air can come in via the boot if it's damp.