Water in the boot -where's it getting in?!

[Kathryn]

It's true - do a search on LEC and you'll find your problem, although in this case not a solution!
Not really a problem or a cry for help just wondering really! Also glad to know it's not just my Elan!
A few weeks ago I noticed water dripping from by the back wheel, and found the tool kit recess full of water, it's clearly happened before as the toolkit was a bit damp and rusty! So I thought next time it rains I'll see if I can see where it's getting in. Went to look after lots of heavy rain, and it's dry as a bone!
This evening I had the carpet up, removed the jack, and I find a small pond underneath it! From the state of the jack bracket I suspect it's been swimming for some time!
All I want to know is: -where's it getting in? - will it cause any damage to the car? - can I stop it?!
The washer bottle isn't leaking and I'm baffled by the dry carpet. Surely it can't be coming in through the drain hole as I have read as a possible reason? Its far too much water for that, and the car has been parked up mostly during heavy rain.
She is parked on a downward slope and water accumulates by the rear number plate, I noticed when brushing it off some trickled under the bumper and out the other side - could it be getting in here?

[Specky]

Double check the washer bottle just in case...

The rubber seal on the electrical motor is prone to fail, also the washer pipe can leak, from memory there is an NRV OR union about 12" away from the bottle, that is a weak spot. Operating the was wipe system normally highlights the leak.

The other areas which leak but don't cause any real issues are :-

The Ariel mount,
The seals on the rear lights,
The bum boy trandsome panel (or what ever it's called ) may have a piece of missing sealant/adhesive ( I doubt this very much).

There may be 2 (or 4) one inch ventilation hole close to the number plate, these may cause the issue but normally causes a minor wet carpet issue.

I believe the holes in the boot were an optional extra added by some owners because the couldn't track down the cause of the leak, none of my Elans have drain holes in the boot floor.

Hope that helps.

TTFN

[Kathryn]

Thanks Specky! Looks like further investigation is required! I've dried it all out so let's wait and see. I did wonder if the hole in the bottom had been added by a previous owner!

[Rusty Wishbone]

Double check the washer bottle just in case...

I agree with this as a possibility. Washer fluid can also splash past the filler cap of the washer bottle - at least it does on my car. As a result, the boot smells quite strongly of the washer fluid.

[cliff]

I had something similar when I bought my car, the LH light lens was leaking and the seal behind was in poor condition.

There is also a grommet behind the carpet which allows access to the upper wishbone. If this is missing or not fitted correctly, it will also let water in in.

[Kathryn]

The previous owner warned me about the washer bottle when I bought the car, it's not too full, so I don't think it's that. Plus the carpet is dry. This could possibly be what the water under the jack was if it's been there a while, but I couldn't smell it. As for the water in the toolkit recess that was plain - I tasted it!!

[Kathryn]

Thanks Cliff, I'll check next time it rains!

[epipete]

As for the water in the toolkit recess that was plain - I tasted it!!

[Rusty Wishbone]

As for the water in the toolkit recess that was plain - I tasted it!!

Are you sure that the washer fluid doesn't taste plain too? Maybe you need to do a taste comparison.






























Just kidding. Please don't do that!

[Kathryn]

Ugh! I didn't dip up a cup in it or anything! I dipped my finger in the fluid on the ground, and after sniffing it was 90% sure it was water before licking it!! I can assure you I didn't do the same when my old car was dripping oil!

[Fourdoorcat]

You may have an excellent tool for diagnosing this problem. Place your smartphone in the boot, aimed at the potential source of an external leak. Then close the boot and run water from a hose over the suspected area.

Ken