How to get to rear sunroof drain/tube connection point - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JimmyL · #1 02-19-2008, 12:38 AM

I think I need to start this off with a declarative statement: I fear the headliner!!
1985 300TD. The wagon.

Every time it rains water runs down my driver's side A-pillar, then runs to the rear floorboard. I always sop it up, but it gets under the floor insulation, and it is gonna rust my floor pan at some point.
No wonder the sunroof was caulked shut when I bought the car.
First, the drains have all been verified clear. Found a great tool at Harbor Freight for this. I have removed the front valance, mirror, sunvisors and A-pillar trim. The front drain connection is not leaking at all. But the water comes down the A-pillar, drips through onto hood latch pull and emergency brake pedal. It isn't the front windshield or any of the drains. I have seen the water flowing down the headliner to the front left A-pillar, so it is coming from the sunroof somewhere. Even small rains cause water intrusion.
So, it would seem that I need to lay eyes on that rear drain/tube connection point. Doesn't that sound reasonable at least?
Which brings me to the point of having to try and mess with the headliner without ruining it. I would love advise on that subject.
I can take the sunroof cover off, then remove the slidable sunroof portion, but can't see way back into that corner.
I'm all ears and eyes..........

Cr from Texas · #2 02-19-2008, 01:02 AM

Raise the hood and check the cavity where the hood hinge goes. Good chance it is full of crap and the drain plugged.

JimmyL · #3 02-19-2008, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cr from Texas

Raise the hood and check the cavity where the hood hinge goes. Good chance it is full of crap and the drain plugged.

Better chance I keep those vacuumed out all the time. OCD thing......

Thanks though CR, that happens often to folks.

Yall please note, I have seen the water on top of the headliner, coming from the rear direction.

Mismost · #4 02-19-2008, 10:16 AM

I have never messed with (or up) a headliner in a MB. JimmyL, don't you have a parts car you could do a little experiment on? So you would at least know HOW it is held up...then you would only be half-blind. Just a thought.

JimmyL · #5 02-19-2008, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mismost

I have never messed with (or up) a headliner in a MB. JimmyL, don't you have a parts car you could do a little experiment on? So you would at least know HOW it is held up...then you would only be half-blind. Just a thought.

First I have the wagon/sedan difference.
Second, Scar has been coldly delivered to the local PNP.
Third, I did mess with it a little before I hauled him off, and I ripped it!

I might have to hit PNP for some practice...... Still will have the wagon/sedan difference.

Chad300tdt · #6 02-19-2008, 11:05 AM

JimmyL,

I don't know if you looked at these links already, but one shows the "bows" that hold the headliner to the roof. The edges are glued to the body.
The other link is the sunroof so you can see where you have to look for the drain in the sunroof pan.

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=123193&M=617%2E952&GA=722%2E120315&CT=F&cat=318&SID=69&SGR=030&SGN=02

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=123193&M=617%2E952&GA=722%2E120315&CT=F&cat=318&SID=78&SGR=015&SGN=01

rrgrassi · #7 03-10-2008, 12:03 AM

I could use those A/C pods....

Good work there JImmy!

Mismost · #8 03-10-2008, 08:17 AM

I had great success re-sealing my windshield with a 3 dollar tube of black Silicone and a couple of plastic picnic knives. Use one knives to open up the seal and another one to scrape all the crap outta there. Compressed air, masking tape, about 1/2 an hour and your done. Inspiration furnished by T Walmuth.

Chad300tdt · #9 03-10-2008, 08:49 AM

Nice work Jimmy. Thanks for taking the time for pics. Are you going to take care of anything else while you have the dash off?

***I would use Butyl Sealant to seal the windshield. Silicone Sealant causes Rust by trapping corrosive moisture as it cures. If it's used between the seal and the glass, it won't cause any rust issues but it makes it harder to replace the seals later since it glues the seal to the glass.

TheDon · #10 03-10-2008, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

***I would use Butyl Sealant to seal the windshield. Silicone Sealant causes Rust by trapping corrosive moisture as it cures. If it's used between the seal and the glass, it won't cause any rust issues but it makes it harder to replace the seals later since it glues the seal to the glass.

easy solution... when the glass guys go to replace the windshield dont tell them and when they break it.. have them vacuum out the glass shards.. or just lay a drop cloth as well as a blanket on the hood and kick out the front window

Chad300tdt · #11 03-10-2008, 09:38 AM

I had my windshield and gasket replaced and the installer smacked the old windshield with a hammer to soften it up for easy removal.

It was a little disturbing watching some guy smash my windshield out.