Leak through the cowl on the driver side

[floridacatfan]

Has anyone on here ever had corrosion and a leak through the cowl ? - it’s right where the wiper strut is welded to the bottom of the cowl - I fixed it 3 times - I’m running out of ideas

 

[dvdswan]

Try these... common on Rangers

98 ranger floorboard wet after rain - Google Search

 

[floridacatfan]

Thanks for the effort - it’s no a blockage and I know exactly where it’s rusted through - I just keep throwing RTV on it but it only holds for so long - I think I need to cut the windshield wiper support to access and repair - I just thought someone might have some novel way to fix it - the first photo is the rust under the dash and the second is where it leaks in the cowl - maybe I’ll scrape it out and start over with 3m 5200

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[floridacatfan]

Whoops - I guess I loaded to many pics

 

[RoyKelly2]

Ouch! Looks like the rust monster is almost all the way through there!
I'd ensure the drain is not clogged, use your favorite rust stopper (Like CRC), then put on some epoxy (like JB Weld). When it cures, run some water over and ensure it does not puddle and does drain off, then paint it, ensuring that all areas have a good coat.

 

[Floridacatfan2020]

Leak located - I guess I’ll try silicon again - it lasted about 4 years

 

[dvdswan]

Any pictures?

 

[Floridacatfan2020]

I’d like to but I took a video and I can’t upload a video - maybe I’ll try to screen shut the video - I’ve been fighting this for 6 years and I just keep bandaiding it

 

[Floridacatfan2020]

This is a really bad problem - I’ve only seen one case where someone polled the fender off a ranger and cut on the cowl - there’s a body weld and a seam at the bottom of the gutter that’s sealed at the factory - trying to work from the top there’s several structural ribs - I access this part of the leak through the engine compartment.
I strongly suggest that everyone take the time to remove the little door and clean out the gutter - it takes 7/32 inch screws.
Clogging of the gutter is what resulted in the initial corrosion

 

[Floridacatfan2020]

In Florida once it starts raining in the summer it does not stop

 

[dvdswan]

Rangers have the same issues.

 

[Floridacatfan2020]

Lol - what kill a 98 sohc - timing chain, 5r55s, thermostat - no - corrosion in the wiper cowl -

 

[Floridacatfan2020]

And then it started to rain

 

[dvdswan]

clogged drain hole will do it every time.

 

[Floridacatfan2020]

And while you fixing it you for this

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[Floridacatfan2020]

I’ve searched the ranger forums and never found a repair - I seem to recall one that removed the fender but that’s to much

 

[RoyKelly2]

Like your homemade drain... Looks like time for some rope, tarp, and poles to keep the rain/snow/sleet out.
I have a heavy duty Orange Poly Tarp 30' x 40' that I use (from Tarps Plus). I fold it on the short side, pass a rope through the fold and stake that side down. Use at least two long poles (preferably 4) to hold it up, then use tension ropes to stretch it out. I take mine hunting with me and has been nice to fix what broke in the dry and out of the wind. They have specials and I got thet tarp on special.

 

[Floridacatfan2020]

I’m not giving up on this - I have some thin stainless steel and I’m gonna treat the leftover sheeyt metal with por-15 - I’ll probably need to pull the sheet steen down with ss screws - I haven’t selected a sealer yet - I basically have lost all the cowl sheet metal