Wet passenger footwell

[BigCatXJS]

Whilst vacuuming the floor mats today I noticed that part of the passenger mat was slightly damp in the far left-hand corner. Further probing revealed that the insulation was also damp in that corner. Having removed all the mats/insulation, I was pleased to confirm that there are no obvious holes in the floor! In fact, it appears to be in good condition

I can't see any evidence of water ingress from the windscreen so I'm not sure what it could be currently. With XJS - its usually a sign that the air con drain pipes are blocked. Any pointers on what could be causing this? I'm going to leave the mats and insulation out and wash the car tomorrow and then check for any water ingress.

Thanks, Rich

[BigCatXJS]

Seems to be a leak coming from somewhere... I checked the passenger floorwell before washing; nice and dry and then again after washing... oh dear! very wet! The pic shows area 1 that had wet suds emanating when the foam insulation was compressed. This seems to be the lowest part of the footwell so I guess any water ingress would collect here. Area 2 was also wet. I'm guessing that water is coming in from behind the bulkhead and traversing the right-side of the passenger footwell and then collecting in area 1. I have checked the drivers footwell - this remains dry. Not really sure where to go from here. Any pointers appreciated.

Thanks, Rich

[naki]

first check to see if you have a blocked duck bill at the base of the wiper motor housing.
also remove the scuttle cover and to look inside the scuttle housing. then we can take it from there.

water can get in a few different places. but lets check the easiest to cure first.

thats great news on the non holed floor, as its a common issue. Though i would pull up the inner sill carpets too to check the floor to sill join area in detail.
after all prevention is better than cure.

[BigCatXJS]

Hi,

Took a look at the scuttle area; bit dirty but no water hanging around that I can see. TBH, i was only able to move the scuttle cover within the limits of what was permissible without removing the windscreen wiper. So certainly not a thorough inspection. There were a few positioning clips missing so I think that someone has been here before (probably windscreen replacement).

The duck bill fell out when I fiddled with it, but it was dry and free from debris. B*gger to refit so will fit back when she is on a ramp for easier access.

I'm now wondering if there is a failed grommet or corrosion in the bulkhead that could be responsible? Pure guess but...

Cheers, Rich

[robv12]

"they all do that sir"!!!

Whilst vacuuming the floor mats today I noticed that part of the passenger mat was slightly damp in the far left-hand corner. Further probing revealed that the insulation was also damp in that corner. Having removed all the mats/insulation, I was pleased to confirm that there are no obvious holes in the floor! In fact, it appears to be in good condition

I can't see any evidence of water ingress from the windscreen so I'm not sure what it could be currently. With XJS - its usually a sign that the air con drain pipes are blocked. Any pointers on what could be causing this? I'm going to leave the mats and insulation out and wash the car tomorrow and then check for any water ingress.

Thanks, Rich

[naki]

"they all do that sir"!!!

They certainly do! But i didn't want to be the first one to say.

if you dont have a hole in the bulkhead centre behind the wiper motor, then you will need to take the wings off to find the source of the Nile. once they are off, it will be clear what needs doing. Anyone familiar with XJS wont be too surprised.

[BigCatXJS]

Yes - nearside wing needed to come off and replacement of corroded section should hopefully resolve the issue.

Thanks, Rich

[naki]

its not a bad idea to do the same checks for the OS wing too. as chance are even if thats not letting in water now, it may do in time. easier to nip these in the bud.

[BigCatXJS]

Thread resurrection time!

Today I washed the car. I then moved to the interior and discovered that the front passenger footwell was sodden with water! I have removed the mat and the sound proofing as they were saturated with water. How disappointing. The '40 had a new windscreen and some welding last summer so I was hopeful that the long standing issue of water ingress had finally been sorted. Oh how wrong and naive have I been.... I might as well have placed the hose in the footwell - that's how bad it was! The O/S inner wing will need some attention in the spring so maybe that will reveal a multitude of issues requiring attention.... Real shame - all this water cant be helping the floor pan and I worry that maybe some wiring / electrical ancillary devices are being watered on a regular basis! I really like the car but if the water issue cant be sorted soon then it will be good bye XJ40...

[naki]

Yes - nearside wing needed to come off and replacement of corroded section should hopefully resolve the issue.

Thanks, Rich

Maybe stick some pics up of the work done already.

Believe me, its not only you suffering this issue. Its so common now on XJ40. its very frustrating, but it is fixable.
i would consider flooding the bulkhead cavity seam with waxoyl/ Dinitrol to help protect it from sitting water. Because its hidden away, its very hard to monitor, as you noted when trying to remove the scuttle cover.

Water can also leak in around the big wiring loom grommet low down on the lower rear section of the front wings.

Its possible your windscreen may be leaking too, since its been removed before, but this is less common on XJ40 (although of course very common on earlier jags.

Another issue thats becoming more common is blocked/ corroded drain hoses on the sun roof (if you have one fitted on your Sov). Water can end up leaking down across the headlining board, down the A post, eventually finding its way into the footwells of course.

Plenty to check then!

[naki]

In the meantime i would consider leaving the sponge and carpet out if possible to easily monitor and mop out any water.

Also check your fuseboxes in each lower A post for water/ damp.

[BigCatXJS]

Thanks Naki. Will see where we get to.

Cheers, Rich

[naki]

Plenty to do as always.
Your are not alone though. Seems to be the standard 40 feature these days.

[BigCatXJS]

As a quick update - car spent 3 weeks at my regular garage. They spent time dismantling lower sections of the dashboard and jet-washing / hosing down the front windscreen and scuttle area. They were able to re-produce the issue to an extent and spent time sealing various area around the bulkhead / scuttle areas. Sadly - a waste of time - recent heavy overnight rain saw the insulation in the passenger footwell very wet once again. Very frustrating!! This is the second time this issue has been looked at... Any recommendations as to who might be able to help without blowing £1,000s in labour charges? I don't mind paying for issues to be fixed and for maintenance but I have already spent more than the value of the car over the last few years and still have a damp/wet car so need to be sensible...

Cheers, Rich

[BigCatXJS]

I was going to share some photos taken mostly by my micro usb camera that showed the internals of the scuttle / bulk-head and gap betweem the inner wing and outer wing but sadly none of the pics will load despite their tiny byte sizes

I give up - only this screenshot of the files will upload!!!

#ShouldNotBeThisHard