How to unclog water drain hole near battery

[99cab]

Water drain plug located just left of the battery, size of a quarter, rubbery around the edges, can I just pull it out by hand to clean it?

I tried pulling gently, but no go, so okay to pull harder?

I read about compressed air, but frankly I don't see how compressed air will work when a thin metal poker (thinner than paperclip) won't even go in there.

I can't see down in there (even w/flashlight), but it feels like a diaphragm of sorts.

[artcollinsjr]

If you poke in there a little then blow compressed air, you should hear air under the fender, showing a clear passage of some size

[JFP in PA]

Water drain plug located just left of the battery, size of a quarter, rubbery around the edges, can I just pull it out by hand to clean it?

I tried pulling gently, but no go, so okay to pull harder?

I read about compressed air, but frankly I don't see how compressed air will work when a thin metal poker (thinner than paperclip) won't even go in there.

I can't see down in there (even w/flashlight), but it feels like a diaphragm of sorts.

On a 996, there are three front water drains in the battery area; left, right, and center. All can be cleaned out by using a vacuum to collect an debris on top, and then blowing compressed air thru them. Because all of them turn to one side or the other, I would not be pushing a "thin metal poker" into them as you could end up piercing the line at the bend. Use air.

[99cab]

Thanks guys, I think I found my answers, and you're right - compressed air is best, don't really want to poke in there, and definitely don't want to remove the grommet, because it's attached to a hose and difficult to reinstall.

Part number 996.504.645.00 "Water Drain Grommet".

Good photo by Loren:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/23033-front-water-drain-on-2000-cabrio/#entry119796

Another good walk-thru post here:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/29596-water-drain-grommet/