Water in trunk!!!

[Adasm]

I've read the threads on this site about water being found in the trunk and i'm gonna recommend a method for those that are still stumped about what to do to find the leak. WHen I come across the first warm weekend coming up, im going to completely gut the trunk. All items, carpet, panels and spare tire things will all come out. Proceed to drain out any water remaining inside and let the trunk completely dry out or even use a heat gun to dry an trace amounts.
If the method of having someone inside while you soak the trunk and trace the leak doesnt work, then try either of these methods:

line the trunk completely with paper or something similar...when the water flows in, it'll wet the paper and you should be able to see a water trail come in...or, someone mentioned using a paint that will show marks when wet (though I don't know what will do that).

But basically you could try lining the entire trunk with something that will absorb the water and give indication as to where it is coming in.

As soon as I perform this method, i'll give an update.

[jeffcoslacker]

One way I found by chance that might work in some situations, especially where a rear window seal may be the problem...if you make a bucket of really heavily soapy water (Dawn dish detergent seems to work best for some reason)...then close the car up tight, start it up, and turn the blower on full in a vent position (where outside air is drawn in)...then slop the soap water over the whole suspect area...wait a few minutes and it'll start to blow bubbles like crazy where air is escaping through seals (and presumably where water gets in)

[Adasm]

Originally Posted by jeffcoslacker

One way I found by chance that might work in some situations, especially where a rear window seal may be the problem...if you make a bucket of really heavily soapy water (Dawn dish detergent seems to work best for some reason)...then close the car up tight, start it up, and turn the blower on full in a vent position (where outside air is drawn in)...then slop the soap water over the whole suspect area...wait a few minutes and it'll start to blow bubbles like crazy where air is escaping through seals (and presumably where water gets in)

Yes, that as well is a good idea, good pressurization method.
But, since the weather broke today I was able to have a good look at it and noticed that it was in fact the trunk seal closest to the lights. They left a muddy trail of water across the inside of the trunk lid and that pretty much made it official.

[gw84]

Originally Posted by Adasm

But, since the weather broke today I was able to have a good look at it and noticed that it was in fact the trunk seal closest to the lights. They left a muddy trail of water across the inside of the trunk lid and that pretty much made it official.

did you use the "paper method"? I hadn't heard of that before. Sounds like a really great idea; I will try it!!

What does everyone think about gutting the trunk and spraying some undercoating or spray-on bedliner stuff all over the trunk to keep the water from causing the metal to rust? Sounds like a long shot, but anything to keep the rust away!!!

[Adasm]

No, I didnt try the paper method. I was ready to if I didn't find the leak at first.
And yes, since then i've sprayed some rubber stone guard at some areas in my trunk to prevent rust and corrosion.

[gw84]

since this thread, I've actually noticed some rust forming above the left taillight (right above the trunk seal) I sprayed some undercoating on it, hoping to control the rust and maybe, just maybe solving this leaking problem!!

[comet240]

u wont be able to control rust undercoating has air holes in the solvent so it basiclly breathes even though it seals to not let water through, so in the end the rust will keep oxidizing but by the time u care ull get a new car
ud have to use a rust inhibertor first then use undercoating over top of it to do a better seal

[gw84]

good idea....I hadn't thought of that! thanks!! I'll scrape the undercoating off, then apply a rust inhibitor.

[comet240]

ull have hell of time getting it off in end u might as well jsut say screw it and just leave coating on and wont matter for now if it gets bad u can always do later is take some sheet metal cover hole rivit it and then under coat it

or i have done fiberglassing works good too, but ull just get rid of car anyways later lol