Left My Viper out in the Rain

[Hssssss]

So last night I left my 99 GTS ACR out in the driveway and it was caught in a pretty bad rain storm overnight. The windows were up and the passenger side floor mat was soaked along with the carpeting under the front passenger side of the foot well was soaked. There was a slight pitch on the driveway but nothing uncommon. I currently have no idea where the water came in from. I'm currently going through the drying out process now but was hoping to get some help regarding where to start looking.

Thanks

[BLRDViper]

Getting it dried out properly is the most important thing to get done first. Lots of air (fans) blowing. Pull carpet up and remove seats if necessary. After this is done, look for things like door seals, window seals. The rain I had yesterday (Cincinnati) was a extreme wind blown rain that even blew in under my garage doors that faced west. If you can determine how your GTS was parked in relationship to the wind might help on focus areas.
Also. during hard rain, I think it is possible for the fresh air duct to allow water into the passenger side floor area. Be sure to check drains in addition to seals.
BLRD

[Old School]

Easiest way to fine a leak is to sit in the car while a buddy sprays different areas with a garden hose.

[Hssssss]

That's exactly what I'm doing. I placed a heater last night and after 12 hours, it's just about dry. I didn't consider pulling out the carpet but I might have to.

[Steve-Indy]

Heavy rain is known to enter through HVAC system...check to see that the drain is open in the bottom of plenum of blower motor.

[Hssssss]

Heavy rain is known to enter through HVAC system...check to see that the drain is open in the bottom of plenum of blower motor.

Thank you and I will check. I have the Maintenance Manuals for the car and will try to identify the location. How accessible is the drain? Do I have to take apart components to get to it?

[AviP]

Run the car with the heat on. It dries it up really good. Also, take the seats out (4 bolts) to get into the harder areas. I had mold get into my car and it was a pain to clean out.

You might want to spray full strength white vinegar as well just to kill any spores. It makes the car smell weird for a bit but it doesn't smell for long. The vinegar is safe on all surfaces.

[mitchdob]

Look at the heater box intake as the entry point for water, especially if water flows into it at a consistent rate during a rain.

[Hssssss]

Thank you all for the suggestions.

[RT SERPENT]

When you opened the door did you notice any water sitting on the door sill?
The seals around the windows have been known to leak (especially in an RT ...but it can happen to a GTS as well)
With enough driving rain, the water can drip down onto the door sill, from there it runs along and down into the footwells.
Pressure washer test while you sit in the car can help you locate.

[Hssssss]

When you opened the door did you notice any water sitting on the door sill?
The seals around the windows have been known to leak (especially in an RT ...but it can happen to a GTS as well)
With enough driving rain, the water can drip down onto the door sill, from there it runs along and down into the footwells.
Pressure washer test while you sit in the car can help you locate.

Absolutely no water on the sill.

[Steve-Indy]

There are more tips here:

https://driveviper.com/forums/threads/18009-Wet-passenger-side-floor

[Fatboy 18]

It was also known that the centre top part of the windscreen sealant sometimes was not completely joined perfectly.

The story was one of the employees had shorter arms and the big mastic gun they used which hung from the ceiling had trouble reaching the top centre of the window! It was known you might get the odd drip.

However, what position was your glass in when you closed the door? If it was fully up was it touching the upper door seal rubber correctly? I know on my car if the glass is fully up when I close the door sometimes the glass does not sit under the rubber lip as it should? If I bring the glass down approx 2mm then its better.

[dave6666]

FYI the car being an ACR has nothing to do with the fact your floor mat got wet. You thought it noteworthy to state the car is an ACR. I thought it noteworthy to let you know they leak just like any other Gen 2 Viper. Or leaky ass car.

[Fatboy 18]

worth checking the pinched rubber tube at the bottom of the heater exchange box under the hood RHS is not blocked, give it a squeeze and make sure it opens.

[MH60M]

Just had a storm roll through at a cruise night and I have the exact same problem. The water came out of the bottom of the HVAC box once I started driving. I has to be coming in the "speaker" grill in the hood somehow.

[Steve-Indy]

Yes, hundreds of us discovered that HVAC phenomenon at VOI.7 in Nashville in 2002...due to the remnants of a hurricane.

[Coloviper]

According to the Viper introduction from Lee Iacocca, you have to never let it sit and driver it faster in the rain. " No top on this baby but I went so fast the rain never hit me, it just could not keep up". Sorry but other than being a smart ass I didn't help. My 96 RT/10 has water coming from everywhere in the rain so I just drive it faster. :) (PS I vote for the right hoot vent where it will enter into the heater box.

[MH60M]

Guess I'll make a rain cover for the "hood speaker".

[blownrunner]

Mine leaks a little both sides upper side of roll down windows at corner where it angles down towards the sideview mirror

[blownrunner]

hood speaker water entr should not matter, mine has drain holes in it, no problems when washing car