Leaky cowl vent

[Stevenlesser]

Hi I have a 50 desoto with a chevron shaped cowl vent

It works of a under the dash lever ,

The mechanicals work smoothly but it's been leaking ,front part of driver and passenger carpets soaked and when I pulled them up the floorboArds particularly where they meet they firewall have been rusted pretty hard suggesting a ongoing condition ,

There's a gasket I can change ,there's a drain tubu I mistakenly pulled on and pulled out with no obvious way to get it back in or how it works

I've seen these on dodges and chryslers

I love the cowl vents! Any dry advice?

[greg g]

change the gasket, and run a new drain tube.  You should be able to see where it attaches unless the metal part of the drain has rusted broken off.  Then you lead the bottomend out through the hole inthe firewall .  Gaskets should be available from Roberts or Burnbaums. Probably the drain hose also.

[rb1949]

Learning as I go too, same wet project on a Chrysler. Search for and order the rubber flap seal. Decided it was better to remove flap to replace rubber. Remove linkage rod. There are 4 screws inside the flap, behind the screen holding it to the hinge. Only loosen, do not remove. Mine were stuck, and had to drill them out. Flap & Rod will lift out. That's when, by accident, I noticed the 2 nipples in there, but no hose. Had no clue what it was for, learned it was the cowl vent drain, the lower one an elbow going thru the firewall. Installed piece of 1/2" ID plastic tubing. Longer tube outside to drain down. Will check rod adjustment so flap closes tightly. Best we can do trying to keep water out and enjoy the flap fresh air. Report on your progress.

[Plymouthy Adams]

on the screws that the man says to only loosen..that is the proper method..the screws are split and spread on install and the odds are getting them out from the vent opening only is slim to none..they are this way as it would be quite the job to try and start them from the small access slot in the screen if they are out completely.

 

you are lucky that your vent is pivoting on its pins nicely and openly and closing easily...most of the time these points get rusted fairly well and if you do not use caution you will rock the entire drain pan assembly from its spot welds..now you are in a mess..

 

gaskets are easily replaced but if you can clean and protect all you components first...do so..not the easiest of task while welded in place but you work with what you have.

Edited May 17, 2016 by Plymouthy Adams

[plymjim]

  Cowl vent gaskets are available from Lynn Steel rubber products. Type in that name to get to their web site & catalog.

They probably have the drain hose too but generic tubing will be much cheaper.

[fstfish66]

good topic

[pyrodork]

My 48 Dodge has the cowl vent and "weather door." Haven't found a replacement gasket for the weather door yet but fresh cowl gasket is in. I'm still getting leaks by the kick panels, but don't see where they're coming from. I suspect the windshield gasket, but would appreciate other input.

Also can't seem to get the cowl vent to open very far. Linkage looks extended as far as it can, but makes no difference. The vent on my 37 opens twice as far. Never did get the vent removed for the gasket replacement, but I have 3 screws that won't budge and one I can't get back in!

[rb1949]

Pyro. Try rotating the vent rod 180° and see if it opens further. Mine was backwards, not fully opening either cause it was hitting the frame. Cowl vent screws also stuck, had to drill out all 4 to remove. New screws. 4 screws stay attached to the hinge for assembly. You'll see how the flap slips over them. Remove interior windshield trim and defroster vents. Now you'll be able to see the rubber gasket, and hopefully spot area of leak. A little silicone/RTV to seal. Water COULD be entering from the top of the windshield, running down the edges, and leaking out at the bottom. Good luck.