P38A Drying things out

Hi all. As part of the other threads I have re heated seats and EAS, I've discovered that under the carpet on the drivers side is soaking wet. I've removed the BECM to somewhere warm to 'dry out' in case it's a bit moist inside. I've also made sure the sunroof drains are clear using some wire and a 'blob' of gaffer tape. O-rings are fine (and, would't be the culprit because I haven't been driving it for quite a long time).

Can anyone suggest what I can use to dry things out inside the car? It wont fit in my garage so has to stay on the drive but do have power available. I've bought some absorbent pads to go under the carpet and it's currently propped up to let air circulate.

bonus question; is there anywhere else I should be checking/looking to see why it's so wet under there? AC doesn't work so, perhaps, somethiing to do with the plenum?

Cheers.

I took the plastics from around the seat do i could lift the carpet, shoved some towelling under then squeezed.
That got quite a bit out, then put a dehumidifier in and ran that for a few hours

Water comes in from the pollen filter cover and the screws keeping the plastics in place

kermit_rr said:

I took the plastics from around the seat do i could lift the carpet, shoved some towelling under then squeezed.
That got quite a bit out, then put a dehumidifier in and ran that for a few hours

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What kind of dehumidifer did you use? There are so many different kinds. I mean, I have a large portable AC unit but I dont think that'll fit in the car

i got one from screwfix, round the £100 mark (ish).. good for getting clothes dry indoors when its tipping down

kermit_rr said:

i got one from screwfix, round the £100 mark (ish).. good for getting clothes dry indoors when its tipping down

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Hmm, they all look awfy big at Screwfix!

Should probably add the boot is full of old timber that was meant to be going to the dump!

use lots of towels then
I've read some people have tried kitty litter but that sounds awful messy to me

The underlay foam takes ages to dry. I took the rear seats, carpets & underlay out when I first got the car 7 years ago. Had the undelay hanging up in the garage for about 2-3 weeks before it was finally dry. Car was somewhat noisier during, but was able to sort minor surface corrosion on the inside panels.

Front carpets & underlay are more work to remove, but worthwhile if they are soaked. With centre console & seats removed, there should be small gap under the heater so you can pull them out.

Cut the foam out as far as possible let it dry out.

It is credibly dense stuff..

Just had the wet vac on it and it was pulling out quite a bit.

pwood999 said:

The underlay foam takes ages to dry. I took the rear seats, carpets & underlay out when I first got the car 7 years ago. Had the undelay hanging up in the garage for about 2-3 weeks before it was finally dry. Car was somewhat noisier during, but was able to sort minor surface corrosion on the inside panels.

Front carpets & underlay are more work to remove, but worthwhile if they are soaked. With centre console & seats removed, there should be small gap under the heater so you can pull them out.

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From what I can see, with both front seats removed (as they are) the carpet still goes way up the bulkhead a bit. Biggest problem I have is a lack of space - don't think I have anywhere I could put such a huge lump of very heavy... 'textile' to dry

domino said:

Hmm, they all look awfy big at Screwfix!

Should probably add the boot is full of old timber that was meant to be going to the dump!

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Drop the wood off at the tip whilst en route to buy the dehumidifier.
Or
Set fire to the wood.
Either should solve the problem.

Hair drier for a few hours

pete12345 said:

Hair drier for a few hours

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+1 that's what I did. Lifted and wedged up the carpet, bought a £7 air dryer and sat there with a good book to keep an eye on it and keep altering its position. Couple of days nice and dry

Was thinking of getting a wee fan heater to do just that...but with the white weather, it's jot so easy

remove the centre console, this will liberate it..

The carpet is held mid way up the firewall with a few plastic lugs IIRC remove them and the carpet comes out

domino said:

Was thinking of getting a wee fan heater to do just that...but with the white weather, it's jot so easy

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Eurocarparts had electric space heaters reduced from £120 to £27 the other week. Only sod is they draw as much as electric kettle! Imagine that running all days instead of for a few minutes!

Grrrrrr said:

Eurocarparts had electric space heaters reduced from £120 to £27 the other week. Only sod is they draw as much as electric kettle! Imagine that running all days instead of for a few minutes!

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Aye, not exactly cheap!

domino said:

Aye, not exactly cheap!

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not 'cheap' but not many ££ for the job either, you can create a lot of hot air for £5 (for example)

domino said:

Was thinking of getting a wee fan heater to do just that...but with the white weather, it's jot so easy

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Caravan firm I do bodywork for use them to dry out wet caravans - water ingress soaks the internal panels. Usually a couple on a cool setting & left for hours.
BUT it's inside the workshop & the van windows are removed or left open which may be a problem outside in the weather.

Just seen a mini dehumidifier in Aldi for less than £4