Trunk damp...figured out the culprit

[Bogie]

First, I was not aware the trunk water dump is right over the license plate, open. Go ahead, reach under at the point above your license plate...it's open! I also make note this is a critter entry point. I doubt any vermin can get up to that point, but spiders and bugs can definitely find there way into your trunk from that point. But I digress...what about the water?

Well, the water that seeps into the sides of the trunk run down the side channels and dump into a receiving point at the back of the trunk. From that point, the water is supposed to run out the back drain over the license plate...and off the car. However, the receiving point can hold a certain amount of water before it is high enough to fall out the back. This would normally not be a problem, except there is a wiring channel that runs through the receiving point. Although there is a grommet that looks to be waterproof coming through the relieving point, I notice it is NOT waterproof. The grommet LEAKS. Hence, when water is sitting in the receiving point waiting to dump out the back, some of it leaks around the grommet and drips on the carpet below.

I need to figure out how to waterproof the grommet, and it should solve the damp problem...assuming that is the main culprit.

[xmicro_Redline]

Nothing like a small drop of Black Silicon!

[Va_Sky]

Thank You Bogie!!! You the man... I'll have to check into this seeing as I have been having this problem....

[Ahnuld]

I've had probs with exhaust backing up into my car when warming up... and I think via that same opening.

Cold windy january day.... warming car up... and I can see the exhaust smoke curling up the back of the car... then I get in car and can barely breathe!!! drive first few miles with windows down to air it all out!

[Bogie]

Originally Posted by xmicro_Redline

Nothing like a small drop of Black Silicon!

Anyone else have any suggestions on the best "stuff" to seal this leak? I'll need to seal the entire grommet. Looks like the best way is from the top. I think it's plastic to metal, and there might be a little bit of play between the two (and maybe a little bit of twist), so I'll need info on best application and curing time. Obviously, it will need to hold across temp extreme (won't melt in summer...won't crack in winter).

[Va_Sky]

Originally Posted by Bogie

Anyone else have any suggestions on the best "stuff" to seal this leak? I'll need to seal the entire grommet. Looks like the best way is from the top. I think it's plastic to metal, and there might be a little bit of play between the two (and maybe a little bit of twist), so I'll need info on best application and curing time. Obviously, it will need to hold across temp extreme (won't melt in summer...won't crack in winter).

Try clear RTV. I don't know if auto supply stores list it by the part number that I'm familiar with but the type we use on aircraft is RTV 3145. It works really well to seal grommets for items going from swamp areas of the aircraft to inside...

[buckeyenuts]

just use " the Right Stuff" cheese wiz in a can, it will seal it right up!!!

[thejewcanoe]

i had the same problem with water getting into the trunk except it was around the area below left buttress. my light jacket i had in the trunk just was slightly damp. so i tested out the water channels to make sure they weren't clogged up (it's a brand new car so i knew it wasn't the problem and they drained fine)

.....well it turns out that when you park the car with the front end facing down hill, water will pool right behind the rear glass (a significant amount.) i figured this was the culprit from now on i make sure i park with the rear end on the downhill side. haven't had leak yet. of course she is garage kept and rarely sees the rain.

[jayman]

I've found this product to be very effective, especially on heavy rain days