W123 Sunroof Drains - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

H-townbenzoboy · #1 03-19-2007, 10:53 PM

My rear sunroof drains have some sort of clog. After a heavy rain or after I wash it, water won't properly drain out the rear and will leak into the car during a turn or hard braking and land on my head or my front passengers head. I've checked the front drains with some weedeater cord and some water, everything's nice and clear. I poured water towards the rear, it pools up in the pan, then I see a small trickle of water drip out the c-pillar. Problem is that the rear drain holes are not visible so I can't even see where to clean. I've opened the roof all the way and even shined a flashlight, but the holes are not to been seen.

I'm making this harder than it should be. Any points, tips, suggestions?

stcbenz83 · #2 03-20-2007, 01:28 AM

same problem with mine. If i remeber correctly though, the back sunroof drains go by the back windshield, were the trim is on the back. thier is actully trim covering the drain exit. However, im almost positive water pouring is do to me needing a new sunroof seal. not to fun going threw the auto wash and im sure u know what i mean by that

JimmyL · #3 03-20-2007, 01:36 AM

You will never guess what pictures I snapped from earlier in the evening. Just give your thanks to Scar......

H-townbenzoboy · #4 03-20-2007, 01:42 AM

Oh, bless you Scar! Still helping us roadworthy W123s after your sacrifice. I think your car needs sainthood, St. Scar (lol, sounds like the name of a mountain).

And stc, you can replace your seals, but I don't think that'll keep the water out. Those seals are mostly to keep wind noise at bay. I've read the key is clear drains.

JimmyL · #5 03-20-2007, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

And stc, you can replace your seals, but I don't think that'll keep the water out. Those seals are mostly to keep wind noise at bay. I've read the key is clear drains.

That is a true statement. The wagon doesn't have any of those seals, and doesn't leak a drop. [at least not from there....

]

stcbenz83 · #6 03-20-2007, 01:57 AM

DAng, cause it only leeks when i go threw an auto wash. But if it rains or something, it never leaks. maybe i have a partial blockage, but as far as i can tell, when i was it, water comes out the rear drains

JimmyL · #7 03-21-2007, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stcbenz83

DAng, cause it only leeks when i go threw an auto wash. But if it rains or something, it never leaks. maybe i have a partial blockage, but as far as i can tell, when i was it, water comes out the rear drains

That is fairly normal. My wagon leaks like a sieve if I spray a hose up on top of the car in a "certain" direction. The force and flow of the water overcomes the natural drain channels. Especially if directed at the front seal. Doesn't leak a drop [from there] in the rain, even very hard rain.

Cliff, photo's attached as promised....

Boardmonger · #8 03-21-2007, 12:56 PM

Jimmy, how do you remove that trim? My coupe is going to need paint in the near future and want it completely stripped, and would love to take all that off. Any tips?

The 79 euro leaks as well, so I guess I need to bust out some brake line...

JimmyL · #9 03-21-2007, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boardmonger

Jimmy, how do you remove that trim? My coupe is going to need paint in the near future and want it completely stripped, and would love to take all that off. Any tips?

The 79 euro leaks as well, so I guess I need to bust out some brake line...

I used the "grab and jerk" method that all too many of us are familiar with.....

I started towards the rear edge, which was a little loose, and just pulled up and out from there. Took a good amount of force. The trim just 'grabs' a lip on that raised portion.

H-townbenzoboy · #10 03-21-2007, 07:28 PM

Dang! I accessed the drain from the rear with my bit of weedeater cord, it went in only a little ways before it hit an obstruction. I don't know, for all I know it may be a bend in the line, or else the line gets very small as it approaches the sunroof pan. I think it's hard, caked up dirt as I get a little mud on the cord. I'm making this simple operation MUCH harder than it should be. (sigh)

rudolfgreen · #11 03-22-2007, 01:41 AM

at least you have found your obstructed problem.. step up to some baling wire.
and that is some great r/r from scar, appreciated..

H-townbenzoboy · #12 03-24-2007, 09:37 PM

I finally got the cord through, the rear drains are nice and clean. Now, I have confirmed that all four drains are clear, but water still leaks into the cabin via the sunroof. Dang! I can't figure this one out.

JimmyL · #13 03-24-2007, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

I finally got the cord through, the rear drains are nice and clean. Now, I have confirmed that all four drains are clear, but water still leaks into the cabin via the sunroof. Dang! I can't figure this one out.

If it rains, or in a car wash type situation?

H-townbenzoboy · #14 03-25-2007, 12:57 AM

It does it with car wash situations, or all day heavy rains.