‘80 300SD…Water Leaking in Sunroof

[wjob]

Opened my sunroof for the first time in ¾ years in order to clean the front drains since I’m getting water dripping (running in) when it rains. Actually had to use emergency crank in trunk to manually open. Was really disappointed to see the amount of rust on the steel frame under the slide rails (rails were fine). Tried locating the drain tubes but never did. What I thought were the drain holes merely allowed my pointed probe to go through the headliner in the cabin. Are the real drain tubes located under the black plastic air flap that raises slightly when the roof is open and if so, what’s procedure to get to them?

Also open to any suggestions regarding the repair of the steel frame that I guess supports the rails? I might have to do away with the sunroof entirely by running a sealant completely around it, hopefully blocking any water intrusion? Or, possibly making some sort of a removal cover (plastic or sunbrella) that would prevent the intrusion but that might necessitate installing fasteners down through the roof, which I would hate to do. Any thoughts/ideas will be welcome.

Thanks
Bill

[280EZRider]

Even if you choose not to use your sunroof, you should at least exercise it every so often, especially an electric sunroof - thus avoiding opening problems & allowing more air in to keep things dry.

The drains are at the very corner of all 4. You may have to remove the wind deflector (it just pops out) to reach the front 2. Use a long thin rod for the rear 2.

If the rust is just surface rust, I would try to remove as much as possible before spraying on a rust-inhibitor paint. Obviously, the sunroof must be removed for this as well as cleaning the rear drains.

[930dreamer]

Can the manual crank be used to close the sunroof? The rear won't close flush to the roof under power. Shawn

[280EZRider]

Originally Posted by 930dreamer

Can the manual crank be used to close the sunroof? The rear won't close flush to the roof under power. Shawn

Yes.

The crank simply turns the motor. If the sunroof still doesn't close flush, then the rear lifters need to be adjusted.