W123 drains
 

I have a question reguarding the drain on the driver's side. I had kind of heard of a pipe or tube in that area. Was wanting to verify what it is, and what maybe, you have to do to clean it out if you can? I noticed a while back a cover on the inside fender well in that area. If you can offer any assistance, would be appreciated. TIA

There is one behind the front wheel molded in the Splash Shield, sticks down about 4". The water that drains from the Hinge pocket dumps into this. It can get packed with debris from leaves and dirt etc... I removed the Shield to wash things out and inspect behind the fender where it bolts to the Rocker at the bottom. At that time I cut the bottom out of this tube as it is closed off so it stays cleaner. I think it was made this way to keep the tire from throwing road debris etc... up into it. I cut it out on both of my 123`s and haven`t had a problem.


Charlie

If you look up from under the side you will see tube opening under the pillar area.

A sink chaser wire is a good tool to clean all the drains

Not for sure what a sink chaser wire is? Is that another name for baling wire?? Oh! I was planning on removing the covering on the driver's side inner fender area to clean it out well, if need be. I wanted to check whether, that cover needs to be sealed with some kind of sealant or not? Now, that the weather is getting warmer, I wanted to pursue that item on the to do list...making sure the drains are all going in the right places!

A sink chaser is similar to a small "plumber's snake used to unplug drains. They come in different sizes.

Two drains have been mentioned
 

On my 85 300D

1. the under hood drain uses a path through the wheel well liner
2. the front sunroof drain uses a plastic tube which exits through the pillar holding the front door pillar