Wiper Cowl/mystery leak

[blatta1999]

I believe I have found my mystery leak. I took time pouring water and as I poured it over the cowl area the water started coming in at the bottom of the floorboard, under the dash. It appears both of my mounting screws are there but cracked off the cowl. And also, the rubber seal on the cowl that rides on the windshield is missing. I'm assuming these issues would cause my water intrusions on both driver and passenger side? I am in the process of removing the cowl. The wipers are on pretty good. Any tricks to getting them off the spline without messing it up? I have tried prying at it but having no luck. Any assistance would be great. Thanks.

 

[Kenny D]

I'm not sure on the 2000+ models, but the 1999 had locking tabs that you need to either push in or pull out to get them to unlock from the groove.

 

[blatta1999]

I was finally able to get the cowl off. The pics from underneath are attached. It looks like the seal is gone from fresh air intake. Could that cause water on both side front floorboards?

 

[blatta1999]

Any ideas?

 

[Kenny D]

I would get some automotive sealant and seal up any holes that you see and then run a thick bead where your seal is missing. If there is any leaves or trash that has found it's way in there, get all that out beforehand. They could be blocking a drain, or worse, hiding rust holes or the beginning of rust.

 

[blatta1999]

So you think running a bead of sealant along the windshield where that seal is missing would be sufficient? Would you run a seal around the whole cowl before you put it back in place? A new cowl is 150+ so I'm hoping to be able to repair this one. But as I was removing it it was pretty loose so I'm thinking that could be my problem. And yea the leaves have been removed.

 

[Kenny D]

I would just run a bead along the windshield and then coat the threads of your screws too, if there isn't any other holes other than the screw holes, then you should be good. If you think water will get in somewhere, it probably is.

 

[blatta1999]

Ok thanks man. I will try that and see

 

[blatta1999]

What would think about flex seal to try and use on the windshield cowl? Or just a silicone sealant that dries clear for like house uses?

 

[Kenny D]

If you masked off the areas not to be sprayed, it may do the trick. I used the rustoleum brand flex seal spray to fix a crack in a fiberglass tub once. Just FYI, it takes a while for that stuff to cure before getting wet. You can get the silicone tube that is water proof in 30 minutes plus you still would want to silicone your screw threads.