Help! What is this thing?

[Pablo]

Hello, after finding a ton of water under my passenger seat of my 2002 Boxster, I was able to extract this plastic, bullet shaped cork looking part that was plugging my rear passenger drain and causing water to seap under the passenger seat and collect a pool of water. Now that I removed the blockage, and the water flows directly through the drain, I thought the problem would be fixed. Not the case, after a long rainfall, a large amount of water is still collecting under my passenger seat?!? My only idea is that this thing in the photo attached is some sort of plug that has a purpose and since it's removed now, the leak problem still occurs. Any one know what this part is and where it belongs? Or any other ideas as to why there is still water seaping under my passenger seat eventhough the drain is clear and water flows directly through? This is driving me crazy, please HELP!

Pablo

[1schoir]

Hello, after finding a ton of water under my passenger seat of my 2002 Boxster, I was able to extract this plastic, bullet shaped cork looking part that was plugging my rear passenger drain and causing water to seap under the passenger seat and collect a pool of water. Now that I removed the blockage, and the water flows directly through the drain, I thought the problem would be fixed. Not the case, after a long rainfall, a large amount of water is still collecting under my passenger seat?!? My only idea is that this thing in the photo attached is some sort of plug that has a purpose and since it's removed now, the leak problem still occurs. Any one know what this part is and where it belongs? Or any other ideas as to why there is still water seaping under my passenger seat eventhough the drain is clear and water flows directly through? This is driving me crazy, please HELP!

Pablo

Pablo:

Sorry to hear you didn't get the problem completely fixed yet.

The part shown in the photo is a rubber bumper that is screwed in (by its rubber threads) to the underside of the rear edge of the clamshell. There is supposed to be one on the left side and one on the right, about 10 inches from the outer edges of the clamshell sides. The rubber bumper is supposed to fall into a plastic bodied (car color) receptacle that looks like a very large nut (32 mm) and can be adjusted up and down to get a tight, rattle-free fit of the clamshell when it is closed down.

I bet if you look on your passenger side, you will find that one missing from the underside of the clamshell. It makes perfect sense that it fell into your drain because it would only have to roll around the foam liner for a while before finding its way down the drain, and then clogging it.

There is another way for water to get into the cabin, even if your drains are clear and the foam liner is not cut, sliced or cracked. So, check the foam liner first for any signs of cuts, etc...

If that's all good, there is a possibility that water could find its way down the inside of the door shell, then down onto your carpeting near the door sill, and finally migrate to under the seat. That would happen if anyone has previously removed your door panel and not carefully re-installed the foam/rubber barrier that is glued onto the inside of the door skin shell, under the door panel.

It's common for an owner to go in there to replace the window regulator, or to install upgraded speakers, etc...

Regards, Maurice.

Edited January 31, 2008 by 1schoir

[Pablo]

Well Maurice, that was a great guess but unfortunately the bullet shaped plastic piece was not the piece on the underside of the clamshell. This piece I found is slightly smaller and both the pieces you guessed are intact?!? I brought the piece by the porsche dealership to get their opinion and 4 service guys said, I have no idea what that is after realizing it wasn't the underside of the clamshell piece. Before I spend $150 an hour at the porsche dealership I thought I would send you 2 more pics and some info on the problem to see if you have any other guesses. The photos attached are of the 2 areas behind the passenger seat that water is seaping through. The bottom of the backing behind the pasenger seat where it meets the ground and the lower seatbelt area. When I pour water directly down the rear drain, there is no leakage, it just drops down to the bottom of the drain and onto the pavement. However, when I close the top, and spray a hose over the convertible top for awhile, it starts to seap through the passenger area?!? There is no leakage through the convertible top or door. However, when I pull back the foam liner to access the drain, I noticed that the area to the inner left of the rear passenger drain, where there is an opening where one of the convertible top levels folds down into, surrounded by foam, the foam is wet? I can send you a pic if you don't know where I'm talking about. But other than that, I have run out of ideas but I am obessed with figuring out the Boxster leakage mystery before paying hundreds of dollars to the Porsche dealership. Thanks again for your time and help Maurice, without your help I would have never gotten the block out of the drain:)

Any other ideas?

Pablo

[1schoir]

Well Maurice, that was a great guess but unfortunately the bullet shaped plastic piece was not the piece on the underside of the clamshell. This piece I found is slightly smaller and both the pieces you guessed are intact?!? I brought the piece by the porsche dealership to get their opinion and 4 service guys said, I have no idea what that is after realizing it wasn't the underside of the clamshell piece. Before I spend $150 an hour at the porsche dealership I thought I would send you 2 more pics and some info on the problem to see if you have any other guesses. The photos attached are of the 2 areas behind the passenger seat that water is seaping through. The bottom of the backing behind the pasenger seat where it meets the ground and the lower seatbelt area. When I pour water directly down the rear drain, there is no leakage, it just drops down to the bottom of the drain and onto the pavement. However, when I close the top, and spray a hose over the convertible top for awhile, it starts to seap through the passenger area?!? There is no leakage through the convertible top or door. However, when I pull back the foam liner to access the drain, I noticed that the area to the inner left of the rear passenger drain, where there is an opening where one of the convertible top levels folds down into, surrounded by foam, the foam is wet? I can send you a pic if you don't know where I'm talking about. But other than that, I have run out of ideas but I am obessed with figuring out the Boxster leakage mystery before paying hundreds of dollars to the Porsche dealership. Thanks again for your time and help Maurice, without your help I would have never gotten the block out of the drain:)

Any other ideas?

Pablo

Pablo:

Only one photo got attached to your post. Do you have any more?

Also, when you put the top up, do you have the black/gray vinyl apron attached by means of its trailing plastic bar onto the two plastic brackets that are mounted on the rear wall of the convertible top compartment?

Also, where that vinyl apron goes toward the front, it's supposed to have a fabric/vinyl loop on each side where the tension cable (that is attached to the underside of the rear main bow) goes through and is pressed onto a steel metal ball on each side of the engine compartment. The tension cable, by going through the loop causes the vinyl apron to stay in the proper position.

That vinyl apron is supposed to direct water that goes past the clamshell towards the drains. If it's not fastened it could cause water to fall onto someplace outside of the foam liners.

Anyway post a couple of more pictures and maybe I can see if something is not quite right.

Regards, Maurice.

[Pablo]

Everything is attached correctly, the vinyl apron, the metal ball and cable, and the plastic brackets are holding the apron intact so that it drains correctly. Working on this stupid problem, I've become a master at open the clamshell, disassembling the apron, liners, ect. So here is a picture of the area that is wet next to the rear passenger drain under the foam liner and probably causing the leaks since there is no leaks when I pour water down the foam liner area where it flows directly into the drain. So take a look and tell me what you think. Just to added injury to insult, when I put everything back together, closed the convertible top, my passenger window won't close completely?!? Any idea on that one? Sorry brother, this is driving me crazy...

Well Maurice, that was a great guess but unfortunately the bullet shaped plastic piece was not the piece on the underside of the clamshell. This piece I found is slightly smaller and both the pieces you guessed are intact?!? I brought the piece by the porsche dealership to get their opinion and 4 service guys said, I have no idea what that is after realizing it wasn't the underside of the clamshell piece. Before I spend $150 an hour at the porsche dealership I thought I would send you 2 more pics and some info on the problem to see if you have any other guesses. The photos attached are of the 2 areas behind the passenger seat that water is seaping through. The bottom of the backing behind the pasenger seat where it meets the ground and the lower seatbelt area. When I pour water directly down the rear drain, there is no leakage, it just drops down to the bottom of the drain and onto the pavement. However, when I close the top, and spray a hose over the convertible top for awhile, it starts to seap through the passenger area?!? There is no leakage through the convertible top or door. However, when I pull back the foam liner to access the drain, I noticed that the area to the inner left of the rear passenger drain, where there is an opening where one of the convertible top levels folds down into, surrounded by foam, the foam is wet? I can send you a pic if you don't know where I'm talking about. But other than that, I have run out of ideas but I am obessed with figuring out the Boxster leakage mystery before paying hundreds of dollars to the Porsche dealership. Thanks again for your time and help Maurice, without your help I would have never gotten the block out of the drain:)

Any other ideas?

Pablo

Pablo:

Only one photo got attached to your post. Do you have any more?

Also, when you put the top up, do you have the black/gray vinyl apron attached by means of its trailing plastic bar onto the two plastic brackets that are mounted on the rear wall of the convertible top compartment?

Also, where that vinyl apron goes toward the front, it's supposed to have a fabric/vinyl loop on each side where the tension cable (that is attached to the underside of the rear main bow) goes through and is pressed onto a steel metal ball on each side of the engine compartment. The tension cable, by going through the loop causes the vinyl apron to stay in the proper position.

That vinyl apron is supposed to direct water that goes past the clamshell towards the drains. If it's not fastened it could cause water to fall onto someplace outside of the foam liners.

Anyway post a couple of more pictures and maybe I can see if something is not quite right.

Regards, Maurice.

[1schoir]

Everything is attached correctly, the vinyl apron, the metal ball and cable, and the plastic brackets are holding the apron intact so that it drains correctly. Working on this stupid problem, I've become a master at open the clamshell, disassembling the apron, liners, ect. So here is a picture of the area that is wet next to the rear passenger drain under the foam liner and probably causing the leaks since there is no leaks when I pour water down the foam liner area where it flows directly into the drain. So take a look and tell me what you think. Just to added injury to insult, when I put everything back together, closed the convertible top, my passenger window won't close completely?!? Any idea on that one? Sorry brother, this is driving me crazy

Pablo:

I see the area that you are talking about now. I will have to look at that area on my Boxster tomorrow to see how the foam liner is supposed to be tucked in around that area.

Are you sure there are no slits or cuts in the foam liner?

As far as the passenger window not closing completely, try to "retrain it". Press the power window button in the down direction until it goes to its lowest position AND THEN KEEP THE BUTTON PRESSED DOWN for another 5-10 seconds. Then do the same in the opposite direction, so that when it reaches its highest position you just keep the button depressed in the up position for another 5-10 seconds. Than might fix it (as long as there is nothing wrong with the window regulator).

Hang in there. The more you learn about the various areas of the car, the less areas will remain to drive you to drink!

Regards, Maurice.

[1schoir]

Everything is attached correctly, the vinyl apron, the metal ball and cable, and the plastic brackets are holding the apron intact so that it drains correctly. Working on this stupid problem, I've become a master at open the clamshell, disassembling the apron, liners, ect. So here is a picture of the area that is wet next to the rear passenger drain under the foam liner and probably causing the leaks since there is no leaks when I pour water down the foam liner area where it flows directly into the drain. So take a look and tell me what you think. Just to added injury to insult, when I put everything back together, closed the convertible top, my passenger window won't close completely?!? Any idea on that one? Sorry brother, this is driving me crazy...

Well Maurice, that was a great guess but unfortunately the bullet shaped plastic piece was not the piece on the underside of the clamshell. This piece I found is slightly smaller and both the pieces you guessed are intact?!? I brought the piece by the porsche dealership to get their opinion and 4 service guys said, I have no idea what that is after realizing it wasn't the underside of the clamshell piece. Before I spend $150 an hour at the porsche dealership I thought I would send you 2 more pics and some info on the problem to see if you have any other guesses. The photos attached are of the 2 areas behind the passenger seat that water is seaping through. The bottom of the backing behind the pasenger seat where it meets the ground and the lower seatbelt area. When I pour water directly down the rear drain, there is no leakage, it just drops down to the bottom of the drain and onto the pavement. However, when I close the top, and spray a hose over the convertible top for awhile, it starts to seap through the passenger area?!? There is no leakage through the convertible top or door. However, when I pull back the foam liner to access the drain, I noticed that the area to the inner left of the rear passenger drain, where there is an opening where one of the convertible top levels folds down into, surrounded by foam, the foam is wet? I can send you a pic if you don't know where I'm talking about. But other than that, I have run out of ideas but I am obessed with figuring out the Boxster leakage mystery before paying hundreds of dollars to the Porsche dealership. Thanks again for your time and help Maurice, without your help I would have never gotten the block out of the drain:)

Any other ideas?

Pablo

Pablo:

Only one photo got attached to your post. Do you have any more?

Also, when you put the top up, do you have the black/gray vinyl apron attached by means of its trailing plastic bar onto the two plastic brackets that are mounted on the rear wall of the convertible top compartment?

Also, where that vinyl apron goes toward the front, it's supposed to have a fabric/vinyl loop on each side where the tension cable (that is attached to the underside of the rear main bow) goes through and is pressed onto a steel metal ball on each side of the engine compartment. The tension cable, by going through the loop causes the vinyl apron to stay in the proper position.

That vinyl apron is supposed to direct water that goes past the clamshell towards the drains. If it's not fastened it could cause water to fall onto someplace outside of the foam liners.

Anyway post a couple of more pictures and maybe I can see if something is not quite right.

Regards, Maurice.

Pablo:

I took a look at my water drain area and it appears that your foam liner is where it is supposed to be.

Here is a photo of what the liner should look like in that area:

If you have checked to make sure there is no tear or slit at the area near the metal ball that accepts the cable, then you should check the vinyl apron with the top up.

Pull the passenger seat forward and then the seat back forward and stick your head between the roll bar hoops to have a look at the area in your photo.

With the top up, the vinyl apron should be draped so that it ends up over and to the outboard side of the lip of the foam liner. Then have someone rain some water on the convertible top so that you can see whether the water that gets under the clamshell with the top up is actually draining over the surface of the vinyl apron, and not going through it. If the vinyl apron is on the wrong side of the lip of the foam liner, it will direct water exactly where you are indicating in your photo. Also make sure that there is not cut or slice in the vinyl apron in that area, as that would allow the water to pass over to the wrong side. After you have rained water on the convertible top, feel the INSIDE of the vinyl apron to see if it has allowed water so seep through it as that side should be completely dry.

BTW, any luck with re-training the window?

Regards, Maurice.

[Pablo]

Thanks Maurice, here's the latest...I took it to the Porsche dealership to have them take a look at it for an hour. Before I went, I tried to retrain the window and no luck...there is actually an nasty "crunching" sound when it tried to go up. The dealership says window regulator is broken and it will cost about $475 to replace...is that reseaonable or is it something I can do myself? The leak was coming from underneath the inside fabric behind the door frame. (see photo) When they poured water over the top of the canvas you clould look in there (see photo) and see water flowing down inside the care intot eh seatbelt area but you can't tell where exactly it's coming from because it's hard to access the area. I would like to take a closer look when I have some time because they are saying they have to take the whole convertible top off, possible take out the seat belt mechanism, ect and it it 4 hours of labor at $150 an hour. they mentioned it could be the drip tray being punctured but I don't know what that is or how to access it. So that's the latest...on another note, it's been pouring rain here in Northern California (by the way, where are you located?) and whenever there is a lot of rain, the rear plastic window is fogged up to the point where you can't see anything out of it. Do you have the same problem? Is there anything to do about it? I put in a rear backup camera that attaches to the rear license plate but wasn't happy with the image so I took it back. Take care brother and let me know if you have any new idea based on this new info. Thanks :)

Everything is attached correctly, the vinyl apron, the metal ball and cable, and the plastic brackets are holding the apron intact so that it drains correctly. Working on this stupid problem, I've become a master at open the clamshell, disassembling the apron, liners, ect. So here is a picture of the area that is wet next to the rear passenger drain under the foam liner and probably causing the leaks since there is no leaks when I pour water down the foam liner area where it flows directly into the drain. So take a look and tell me what you think. Just to added injury to insult, when I put everything back together, closed the convertible top, my passenger window won't close completely?!? Any idea on that one? Sorry brother, this is driving me crazy...

Well Maurice, that was a great guess but unfortunately the bullet shaped plastic piece was not the piece on the underside of the clamshell. This piece I found is slightly smaller and both the pieces you guessed are intact?!? I brought the piece by the porsche dealership to get their opinion and 4 service guys said, I have no idea what that is after realizing it wasn't the underside of the clamshell piece. Before I spend $150 an hour at the porsche dealership I thought I would send you 2 more pics and some info on the problem to see if you have any other guesses. The photos attached are of the 2 areas behind the passenger seat that water is seaping through. The bottom of the backing behind the pasenger seat where it meets the ground and the lower seatbelt area. When I pour water directly down the rear drain, there is no leakage, it just drops down to the bottom of the drain and onto the pavement. However, when I close the top, and spray a hose over the convertible top for awhile, it starts to seap through the passenger area?!? There is no leakage through the convertible top or door. However, when I pull back the foam liner to access the drain, I noticed that the area to the inner left of the rear passenger drain, where there is an opening where one of the convertible top levels folds down into, surrounded by foam, the foam is wet? I can send you a pic if you don't know where I'm talking about. But other than that, I have run out of ideas but I am obessed with figuring out the Boxster leakage mystery before paying hundreds of dollars to the Porsche dealership. Thanks again for your time and help Maurice, without your help I would have never gotten the block out of the drain:)

Any other ideas?

Pablo

Pablo:

Only one photo got attached to your post. Do you have any more?

Also, when you put the top up, do you have the black/gray vinyl apron attached by means of its trailing plastic bar onto the two plastic brackets that are mounted on the rear wall of the convertible top compartment?

Also, where that vinyl apron goes toward the front, it's supposed to have a fabric/vinyl loop on each side where the tension cable (that is attached to the underside of the rear main bow) goes through and is pressed onto a steel metal ball on each side of the engine compartment. The tension cable, by going through the loop causes the vinyl apron to stay in the proper position.

That vinyl apron is supposed to direct water that goes past the clamshell towards the drains. If it's not fastened it could cause water to fall onto someplace outside of the foam liners.

Anyway post a couple of more pictures and maybe I can see if something is not quite right.

Regards, Maurice.

Pablo:

I took a look at my water drain area and it appears that your foam liner is where it is supposed to be.

Here is a photo of what the liner should look like in that area:

If you have checked to make sure there is no tear or slit at the area near the metal ball that accepts the cable, then you should check the vinyl apron with the top up.

Pull the passenger seat forward and then the seat back forward and stick your head between the roll bar hoops to have a look at the area in your photo.

With the top up, the vinyl apron should be draped so that it ends up over and to the outboard side of the lip of the foam liner. Then have someone rain some water on the convertible top so that you can see whether the water that gets under the clamshell with the top up is actually draining over the surface of the vinyl apron, and not going through it. If the vinyl apron is on the wrong side of the lip of the foam liner, it will direct water exactly where you are indicating in your photo. Also make sure that there is not cut or slice in the vinyl apron in that area, as that would allow the water to pass over to the wrong side. After you have rained water on the convertible top, feel the INSIDE of the vinyl apron to see if it has allowed water so seep through it as that side should be completely dry.

BTW, any luck with re-training the window?

Regards, Maurice.

[1schoir]

Thanks Maurice, here's the latest...I took it to the Porsche dealership to have them take a look at it for an hour. Before I went, I tried to retrain the window and no luck...there is actually an nasty "crunching" sound when it tried to go up. The dealership says window regulator is broken and it will cost about $475 to replace...is that reseaonable or is it something I can do myself? The leak was coming from underneath the inside fabric behind the door frame. (see photo) When they poured water over the top of the canvas you clould look in there (see photo) and see water flowing down inside the care intot eh seatbelt area but you can't tell where exactly it's coming from because it's hard to access the area. I would like to take a closer look when I have some time because they are saying they have to take the whole convertible top off, possible take out the seat belt mechanism, ect and it it 4 hours of labor at $150 an hour. they mentioned it could be the drip tray being punctured but I don't know what that is or how to access it. So that's the latest...on another note, it's been pouring rain here in Northern California (by the way, where are you located?) and whenever there is a lot of rain, the rear plastic window is fogged up to the point where you can't see anything out of it. Do you have the same problem? Is there anything to do about it? I put in a rear backup camera that attaches to the rear license plate but wasn't happy with the image so I took it back. Take care brother and let me know if you have any new idea based on this new info. Thanks

Pablo:

I can guarantee you that the reason your rear window fogs up is because of the accumulated water or moisture that has been seeping into your car, first through the clogged drain on the passenger side, and now through that as yet undetermined path near your foam liner/seat belt reel area.

Once you get rid of the leak and dry out your carpet (especially the VERY THICK foam rubber backing, you will no longer have a foggy rear window.

As to the replacing of the window regulator, depending on your mechanical ability, that's a very straightforward procedure which should take between 1 and 2 1/2 hours. You can buy a replacement window regulator from Sunset Imports (a board sponsor) or from Autohausaz.com (Part # 996.542.076.04). I bought one this past summer from Sunset for less than $175.00

The most difficult part of that procedure is the removal of the door panel. I will look for and send you a couple of links that will explain exactly what you have to do, with photos, if you are interested in tackling it yourself.

As to the leak and the removal of the convertible top, it takes less than 1/2 hour to remove the complete top with the frame mechanism and that will make if very easy for you to investigate the cause of the remaining leak. If you want to attempt that, let me know and I will look for a write up that I did recently on that procedure.

Regards, Maurice.

[Pablo]

Thanks Maurice, your the best. I think I will have the dealership replace the window regulator and I will try and fix the leak myself. I found a good write up about removing the top so don't worry about looking for that write for me but thanks. I truly believe that the strange plactic piece I found is a plug from the leak area that popped out and got lodged in my drain. because the plug is out, now water is seaping through that unplugged area. I just need to find where that piece goes?!? I sent a new post with the photo of the plastci piece and my theory to see if anyone had an idea of where it came from. I will keep you posted. Thanks again,

Pablo

Thanks Maurice, here's the latest...I took it to the Porsche dealership to have them take a look at it for an hour. Before I went, I tried to retrain the window and no luck...there is actually an nasty "crunching" sound when it tried to go up. The dealership says window regulator is broken and it will cost about $475 to replace...is that reseaonable or is it something I can do myself? The leak was coming from underneath the inside fabric behind the door frame. (see photo) When they poured water over the top of the canvas you clould look in there (see photo) and see water flowing down inside the care intot eh seatbelt area but you can't tell where exactly it's coming from because it's hard to access the area. I would like to take a closer look when I have some time because they are saying they have to take the whole convertible top off, possible take out the seat belt mechanism, ect and it it 4 hours of labor at $150 an hour. they mentioned it could be the drip tray being punctured but I don't know what that is or how to access it. So that's the latest...on another note, it's been pouring rain here in Northern California (by the way, where are you located?) and whenever there is a lot of rain, the rear plastic window is fogged up to the point where you can't see anything out of it. Do you have the same problem? Is there anything to do about it? I put in a rear backup camera that attaches to the rear license plate but wasn't happy with the image so I took it back. Take care brother and let me know if you have any new idea based on this new info. Thanks

Pablo:

I can guarantee you that the reason your rear window fogs up is because of the accumulated water or moisture that has been seeping into your car, first through the clogged drain on the passenger side, and now through that as yet undetermined path near your foam liner/seat belt reel area.

Once you get rid of the leak and dry out your carpet (especially the VERY THICK foam rubber backing, you will no longer have a foggy rear window.

As to the replacing of the window regulator, depending on your mechanical ability, that's a very straightforward procedure which should take between 1 and 2 1/2 hours. You can buy a replacement window regulator from Sunset Imports (a board sponsor) or from Autohausaz.com (Part # 996.542.076.04). I bought one this past summer from Sunset for less than $175.00

The most difficult part of that procedure is the removal of the door panel. I will look for and send you a couple of links that will explain exactly what you have to do, with photos, if you are interested in tackling it yourself.

As to the leak and the removal of the convertible top, it takes less than 1/2 hour to remove the complete top with the frame mechanism and that will make if very easy for you to investigate the cause of the remaining leak. If you want to attempt that, let me know and I will look for a write up that I did recently on that procedure.

Regards, Maurice.

[1schoir]

Thanks Maurice, your the best. I think I will have the dealership replace the window regulator and I will try and fix the leak myself. I found a good write up about removing the top so don't worry about looking for that write for me but thanks. I truly believe that the strange plactic piece I found is a plug from the leak area that popped out and got lodged in my drain. because the plug is out, now water is seaping through that unplugged area. I just need to find where that piece goes?!? I sent a new post with the photo of the plastci piece and my theory to see if anyone had an idea of where it came from. I will keep you posted. Thanks again,

Pablo:

I don't think your theory is correct, although it is quite a mystery where that part could come from.

The reason that I have some doubts about your theory is because of the "threads" that are molded into the base of the rubber piece. Those threads would indicate that the piece was screwed into some other part, rather than suggesting that it was some kind of plug or stopper that would be pushed into a hole or orifice.

Just a thought, but I am curious to know if you get to the bottom of that mystery.

If you do take the convertible top off, you will get a much better idea of what the leak problem might be because you will then be able to peel back the foam liner completely and see if there is anythin obviously missing under there.

Regards, Maurice.

[Pablo]

Perhaps my theory is not correct. I did some more tests by pouring more water on both the driver's side that has no leakage and the passenger side. The driversside water flow runs down the top and down into the water tray area and then down the drain, no leaks. If I pour water on the top of the leaky side it flows the same but instead of catching in the water tray it goes down (where I can't see) into the area where the water tray should devert the water to the drain but doesn't, instead it goes down into the seatbelt area and onto the floor. In the attached photo I highlighted the area where it's coming down. Once I get my window regulator fixed I will open the top again and take a closer look at the water tray. That seems to be the general area of where water is getting through. Any thoughts?

Pablo

Thanks Maurice, your the best. I think I will have the dealership replace the window regulator and I will try and fix the leak myself. I found a good write up about removing the top so don't worry about looking for that write for me but thanks. I truly believe that the strange plactic piece I found is a plug from the leak area that popped out and got lodged in my drain. because the plug is out, now water is seaping through that unplugged area. I just need to find where that piece goes?!? I sent a new post with the photo of the plastci piece and my theory to see if anyone had an idea of where it came from. I will keep you posted. Thanks again,

Pablo:

I don't think your theory is correct, although it is quite a mystery where that part could come from.

The reason that I have some doubts about your theory is because of the "threads" that are molded into the base of the rubber piece. Those threads would indicate that the piece was screwed into some other part, rather than suggesting that it was some kind of plug or stopper that would be pushed into a hole or orifice.

Just a thought, but I am curious to know if you get to the bottom of that mystery.

If you do take the convertible top off, you will get a much better idea of what the leak problem might be because you will then be able to peel back the foam liner completely and see if there is anythin obviously missing under there.

Regards, Maurice.

[1schoir]

Perhaps my theory is not correct. I did some more tests by pouring more water on both the driver's side that has no leakage and the passenger side. The driversside water flow runs down the top and down into the water tray area and then down the drain, no leaks. If I pour water on the top of the leaky side it flows the same but instead of catching in the water tray it goes down (where I can't see) into the area where the water tray should devert the water to the drain but doesn't, instead it goes down into the seatbelt area and onto the floor. In the attached photo I highlighted the area where it's coming down. Once I get my window regulator fixed I will open the top again and take a closer look at the water tray. That seems to be the general area of where water is getting through. Any thoughts?

Pablo

Pablo:

Your photo gives a hint as to the possible cause of the leak. It may be that your foam liner somehow got torn under the frame support for the convertible top frame. Take a look at this photo of my passenger's side foam liner again, where this time I have highlighted an area. The foam liner has a depressed groove where it goes towards the front of the car (circled in red) and the front of that groove could be just behind the area that your photo has highlighted. If there is a tear or hole under there (which you cannot see unless you remove the convertible top and frame mechanism), you would get a leak where indicated by your arrow in your photo.

Try this to narrow it down: Pour water slowly down the actual drain hole, without pouring too much volume, so that the water just goes directly down the drain hole and does not "pool" around the hole. See if that gets your carpet wet, as I don't think it will.

Then, pour water slowly down the depressed groove of the foam liner, directly where the red arrow is pointing (and don't let any water back up so that it would pool and go down the drain). Now see if that gives you the same kind of leak as you described when you poured water over the passenger's side of the convertible top. (You may have to slightly raise the rear of the car so that the water just goes down the groove and doesn't flow back towards the drain hole. Driving the rear tire over a 2X4 would probably be enough on a flat surface).

If it doesn't get wet when you pour it down the drain hole, and it gets wet when you pour it into the depressed groove, you may be able to temporarily stop the leak. You can get some Permatex Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant (Permatex Part # 16BR) at any auto parts store and lay a thick bead perpendicular to the depressed groove, along the back edge of where the convertible top frame meets the foam liner. That might stop the leak until you can take the whole top off and fix it correctly, either by sealing it or, preferably by replacing that side of the foam liner.

Keep us posted.

Regards, Maurice.

[Pablo]

OK Maurice, I think i figured it out, but it's not what you'd think. After doing a ton of tests I realized that the water tray had no leak. I corked the drain hole afterwards and no leakage anywhere. So eventhough earlier I mentioned that the drain is flowing smoothly when I pour water down it, upon closer investigation whenever I let water only go down the drain (a hose aimed into the drain not the foam liner tray) then I got leakage. So I pulled back the foam liner, shined a flashlight into the funnel-like flask that leads to the drain (see photo) and noticed that there was a hole in the plastic funnel where it meets the drain!?! It must have happened when I was trying to snake the cork like thing that was jammed in the drain before. So now that I think that I have identified where and how the water is getting through, what should I use to seal the plastic funnel where I gauged the small hole? Should I use the Permatex Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant (Permatex Part # 16BR)? I'm pretty excited, I think this may be the end of the mystery. We'll see once I get it sealed. Thanks Maurice

Pablo

Perhaps my theory is not correct. I did some more tests by pouring more water on both the driver's side that has no leakage and the passenger side. The driversside water flow runs down the top and down into the water tray area and then down the drain, no leaks. If I pour water on the top of the leaky side it flows the same but instead of catching in the water tray it goes down (where I can't see) into the area where the water tray should devert the water to the drain but doesn't, instead it goes down into the seatbelt area and onto the floor. In the attached photo I highlighted the area where it's coming down. Once I get my window regulator fixed I will open the top again and take a closer look at the water tray. That seems to be the general area of where water is getting through. Any thoughts?

Pablo

Pablo:

Your photo gives a hint as to the possible cause of the leak. It may be that your foam liner somehow got torn under the frame support for the convertible top frame. Take a look at this photo of my passenger's side foam liner again, where this time I have highlighted an area. The foam liner has a depressed groove where it goes towards the front of the car (circled in red) and the front of that groove could be just behind the area that your photo has highlighted. If there is a tear or hole under there (which you cannot see unless you remove the convertible top and frame mechanism), you would get a leak where indicated by your arrow in your photo.

Try this to narrow it down: Pour water slowly down the actual drain hole, without pouring too much volume, so that the water just goes directly down the drain hole and does not "pool" around the hole. See if that gets your carpet wet, as I don't think it will.

Then, pour water slowly down the depressed groove of the foam liner, directly where the red arrow is pointing (and don't let any water back up so that it would pool and go down the drain). Now see if that gives you the same kind of leak as you described when you poured water over the passenger's side of the convertible top. (You may have to slightly raise the rear of the car so that the water just goes down the groove and doesn't flow back towards the drain hole. Driving the rear tire over a 2X4 would probably be enough on a flat surface).

If it doesn't get wet when you pour it down the drain hole, and it gets wet when you pour it into the depressed groove, you may be able to temporarily stop the leak. You can get some Permatex Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant (Permatex Part # 16BR) at any auto parts store and lay a thick bead perpendicular to the depressed groove, along the back edge of where the convertible top frame meets the foam liner. That might stop the leak until you can take the whole top off and fix it correctly, either by sealing it or, preferably by replacing that side of the foam liner.

Keep us posted.

Regards, Maurice.

[1schoir]

OK Maurice, I think i figured it out, but it's not what you'd think. After doing a ton of tests I realized that the water tray had no leak. I corked the drain hole afterwards and no leakage anywhere. So eventhough earlier I mentioned that the drain is flowing smoothly when I pour water down it, upon closer investigation whenever I let water only go down the drain (a hose aimed into the drain not the foam liner tray) then I got leakage. So I pulled back the foam liner, shined a flashlight into the funnel-like flask that leads to the drain (see photo) and noticed that there was a hole in the plastic funnel where it meets the drain!?! It must have happened when I was trying to snake the cork like thing that was jammed in the drain before. So now that I think that I have identified where and how the water is getting through, what should I use to seal the plastic funnel where I gauged the small hole? Should I use the Permatex Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant (Permatex Part # 16BR)? I'm pretty excited, I think this may be the end of the mystery. We'll see once I get it sealed. Thanks Maurice

Pablo:

Glad you are still on it, that's the only way to get to the root of the problem.

I had cautioned you in your other thread to "...snake down a heavy gauge (12 gauge should be sufficient) stranded wire with no sharp edges at its leading end down into the drain from above..." but at the time, I guess I didn't realize just how hard that plug was stuck in there and you wouldn't have been able to dislodge the plug with a stranded wire, so it was unavoidable. Now that you have found that hole, it's very likely you have found the solution.

You can definitely use that Permatex sealant (next to the "16BR", the tube also says Item #81158) and it comes in a black tube on a blue card). Make sure before you apply it that you clean and dry the area around the hole with denatured alcohol or Formular 409 (doesn't leave a residue) so that you get really good adhesion. That sealant is really good for these types of jobs because it makes an excellent seal, it's waterproof and it stays flexible (so it won't crack).

Let it cure for 24 hours before you test it with a hose and let us know if you finally have a dry car. Let us know also if the fogging up of the rear window has disappeared. It may take you some time to dry out the thick rubber foam under the carpet, but that will be the "fun" part once you are done.

Regards, Maurice.

Edited February 23, 2008 by 1schoir

[Pablo]

Problem solved, the leak is fixed and after 5 days straight of rain, it passed the test. I just sealed the hole that I gauged in the drain and no more leakage :) Thanks for walking me through this and saving me a lot of money at the dealership. You da' man!

Pablo

OK Maurice, I think i figured it out, but it's not what you'd think. After doing a ton of tests I realized that the water tray had no leak. I corked the drain hole afterwards and no leakage anywhere. So eventhough earlier I mentioned that the drain is flowing smoothly when I pour water down it, upon closer investigation whenever I let water only go down the drain (a hose aimed into the drain not the foam liner tray) then I got leakage. So I pulled back the foam liner, shined a flashlight into the funnel-like flask that leads to the drain (see photo) and noticed that there was a hole in the plastic funnel where it meets the drain!?! It must have happened when I was trying to snake the cork like thing that was jammed in the drain before. So now that I think that I have identified where and how the water is getting through, what should I use to seal the plastic funnel where I gauged the small hole? Should I use the Permatex Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant (Permatex Part # 16BR)? I'm pretty excited, I think this may be the end of the mystery. We'll see once I get it sealed. Thanks Maurice

Pablo:

Glad you are still on it, that's the only way to get to the root of the problem.

I had cautioned you in your other thread to "...snake down a heavy gauge (12 gauge should be sufficient) stranded wire with no sharp edges at its leading end down into the drain from above..." but at the time, I guess I didn't realize just how hard that plug was stuck in there and you wouldn't have been able to dislodge the plug with a stranded wire, so it was unavoidable. Now that you have found that hole, it's very likely you have found the solution.

You can definitely use that Permatex sealant (next to the "16BR", the tube also says Item #81158) and it comes in a black tube on a blue card. Make sure before you apply it that you clean and dry the area around the hole with denatured alcohol or Formular 409 (doesn't leave a residue) so that you get really good adhesion. That sealant is really good for these types of jobs because it makes an excellent seal, it's waterproof and it stays flexible (so it won't crack).

Let it cure for 24 hours before you test it with a hose and let us know if you finally have a dry car. Let us know also if the fogging up of the rear window has disappeared. It may take you some time to dry out the thick rubber foam under the carpet, but that will be the "fun" part once you are done.

Regards, Maurice.

[1schoir]

Problem solved, the leak is fixed and after 5 days straight of rain, it passed the test. I just sealed the hole that I gauged in the drain and no more leakage :) Thanks for walking me through this and saving me a lot of money at the dealership. You da' man!

Pablo:

Thanks for the update and, I must say, great work!

You are now an expert on Boxster drains, and never again have to worry about frying that central alarm locking unit under the driver's seat, foggy rear window, or, worse, getting fleeced at the dealer for this type of repair. Instead, you can use that money for some goodies for your Boxster.

I admire your perseverance.

Regards, Maurice.