Normspeed Posted August 25, 2007 Report Share Posted August 25, 2007 What kind of luck do you folks have with cowl vent leaks? Mine looks to have the original seal in good shape but leaks when I wash the car or get rained on. I think the linkage is pulling the vent down nice and tight. Maybe needs a fresh seal? I think the 53 had no drain tube setup. Also likes to leak around the lower windshield corners but that's a task for another day. Shoulda made this a poll but couldn't figure that part out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg g Posted August 25, 2007 Report Share Posted August 25, 2007 I got a new gasket from Robert's. It doesn't leak at all. It did leak for about 2 or 3 months till it got used to where it was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonaldSmith Posted August 25, 2007 Report Share Posted August 25, 2007 Several years ago I used hardware gasket, pieced together, for my cowl vent. I have the drain tube in the air box, so if the cowl vent leaks a little, I don't know it. Recently I made sure the drain hose is not plugged. I replaced a rusted and partially clogged steel elbow with a copper one. A few weeks ago I recounted my adventures checking my windshield seals with the cowl vent and air door open. Bad. Tip to the not-so-swift: close the cowl vent when it's raining or when you are washing the car. I made a plastic shield for the back of my radio, so that in the event water does get in, it won't damage the radio, or short out the circuit breaker that I mounted to the radio bracket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Earle Posted August 25, 2007 Report Share Posted August 25, 2007 What kind of luck do you folks have with cowl vent leaks-Lots of it all BAd never had one of these suckers that did not leak Lou Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
47heaven Posted August 26, 2007 Report Share Posted August 26, 2007 Hey...speaking of the seal...I'm about ready to put mine on. Does the cowl vent have to come out of the car to do this or can it be put on without removing it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob westphal Posted August 26, 2007 Report Share Posted August 26, 2007 I have installed a number of these seals over the years. I might add that they aren't easy to get to stay in position until the glue dries. I haven't found a seal that actually fits the groove. The one Roberts sells is as good as any. I installed most of them with the vent removed. I held the seal in place with a bunch of small 'C' clamps and left them in place for several days. I installed the one in my P-15 without removing the vent mainly because I couldn't get it out due to rusted screws. It took a little fowl language and I made a mess on the cowl but it doesn't leak. All the cars I've done have the drain tube. And yes, there seams to be a break in period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rockabillybassman Posted August 26, 2007 Report Share Posted August 26, 2007 I got mine from Andy B. I had my vent out for painting, so it was an easy job. The vent is not that difficult to remove, but putting it back was a bit harder! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Crombie UK Posted August 27, 2007 Report Share Posted August 27, 2007 Mine was perished on the surface only but still whole...it leaked badly when it rained, etc. Ihad a go at getting the cowl vent of and diggin' out the seal,still whole..i then thought now where will i get something to take its place..sat for a minute looking at the fishes in the pond,with the seal in my handand the adhesive stickin' to my fingers...i know i'll put it back upside down with some black waterproof silicone..let it set overnight,fitted the cowl cover back and it's now sorted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Skinner Posted August 28, 2007 Report Share Posted August 28, 2007 Dear Ian, What are you saying you did? Are you drinking to much beer or on drugs? Replace the seal rubber, man, with new sealant black or clear for a real repair. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted August 28, 2007 Report Share Posted August 28, 2007 made sense to me...remove, flip and seal... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Coatney Posted August 28, 2007 Report Share Posted August 28, 2007 made sense to me...remove, flip and seal... I like the use of the word "flip" in the above. This word has recently taken on a new meaning spurred by lousy television shows. Good to see it used, as it should be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted August 28, 2007 Report Share Posted August 28, 2007 flip this house...flip this car...me....I flip the flipping channel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Hiebert Posted August 28, 2007 Report Share Posted August 28, 2007 I installed a new cowl vent gasket from Andy Bernbaum 16 (wow, time flies!) years ago, along with a new drain tube (just a plain 'ol tube). Adjusted the vent so it sat level in the seal (important). Its gone through West Texas, SE New Mexico, and now Michigan weather with nary a leak. TX and NM may not count for the amount of rain we didn't get, but that includes some time outdoors and some good thunder-bumpers on the trailer enroute from NM to Michigan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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