P38Seb

Well-Known Member

• Nov 10, 2023

• #1

Hopefully you wonderful people can help me out here.

I’ve started to get a drip from the centre light. From the reading I’ve done it’s either the sunroof seals letting water in, or the drains blocked. Or both.

I’ve going to give clearing the drains out a go this evening, but in the event it’s not them has anyone got a place they can source a replacement seal from? Every parts shop I’ve found is out of stock with no ETA. I’ve tried both part numbers STC171 and EQ100400.

The odd used one pops up on eBay but I’m not sure whether it’ll be better over what I’ve currently got on the glass. Bit of a risk to take there.

 

kermit_rr

Very

Full Member

• Nov 10, 2023

• #2

the seal doesnt keep 100% of water out, its not designed to, my money is on the drains. pour some water down and see what happens

 

P38Seb

Well-Known Member

• Nov 10, 2023

• #3

Well that’s promising for my wallet. Reason I did suspect the seal is it is starting to peel very slightly at the front and back of the glass, not a huge amount but some.

I’ll get the jug of water out throw some water other the car.

Am I right in assuming the drains should come out of the cavity in front of the front doors?

 

kermit_rr

Very

Full Member

• Nov 10, 2023

• #4

Think the drain follows the A pillars and comes out between the A pillars and wing on the respective side. To the rear, comes out around the rear wheel arches

 

Rubberknees

Well-Known Member

Full Member

• Nov 10, 2023

• #5

I use a length of curtain wire (the type used for net curtains) to keep my drains clear. Cost about £3 to buy

 

P38Seb

Well-Known Member

• Nov 10, 2023

• #6

Thanks all.

I’ve got a bit of bicycle gear outer that will be plenty long enough. Flexi enough but stiff enough to push any crud. Joys of working a cycle shop!

 

Last edited: Nov 10, 2023

Flossie

Well-Known Member

• Nov 10, 2023

• #7

It was the foam water shedder on mine. Headliner and sunroof cassette out to replace. You can check it partially by poking your head through the open sunroof from inside, using a biro or similar look at the front left and right corners, use a torch possibly, and you'll see the foam shedder, it fits in a lip on the cassette and a lip on the metal roof skin. If it's all floppy and thin and doesn't appear to be firmly fixed then water will bypass the channel(which has the drains built in) in the cassette and will run onto the liner instead. The original foam is circa 8mm thick 20mm high to judge how worn yours is.
Searching my posts will bring up pics iirc.

 

marjon

Well-Known Member

Full Member

• Nov 10, 2023

• #8

@DanClarke dealt with a rear drain issue, cant remember if it was a separate fred but plenty of pics. But his was a leaking drain into the rear.
@Henry_b put a new seal on his glass sunroof. again cant remember where he showed it.

Old age sorry got to go with the flow .

I wouldnt pour the water over the car, I would open the roof and gentle pour some into the gutter to check if it goes out the drains and which 1s.
It can also depend where you park the car as to which way it leans.

J

 

doriz

Well-Known Member

• Nov 10, 2023

• #9

Mines knackered but sealed dry. Its on the list, just a long way darn

 

Henry_b

Think outside, no box required.

• Nov 10, 2023

• #10

Main issue i've encountered with the sunroof is the glass separating from the metal frame due to rust, and allowing water to find its way on to the inside of the glass causing water through the centre light or at both front corners of the headliner

I did run a bead of sealant around the frame as a temp measure, but in the end I had to find an entire new glass.

The drains are also common which can cause a similar issue, as said some wire will clear them..

 

P38Seb

Well-Known Member

• Nov 10, 2023

• #11

Well I’ve poked some gear cable outer down the holes. Didn’t see any crap come out but when I used a sports bottle to put water in the trough it all ended up on the floor which is a promising start.

See what happens when the rains come again I guess.

 

norseman

Well-Known Member

• Nov 11, 2023

• #12

kermit_rr said:

Think the drain follows the A pillars and comes out between the A pillars and wing on the respective side. To the rear, comes out around the rear wheel arches

Click to expand...

That is certainly the case with a Classic, no knowledge of a P38 .. sorry.

 

P38Seb

Well-Known Member

• Nov 13, 2023

• #13

Thought I’d update this thread quickly.

Storm Debbie brought some rain and winds to hopefully drive the water into areas it shouldn’t. Well no leaks coming through the light into the cabin so I will presume it was some clogged drains!

Thanks all again for the help!