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Trunk Leak

C

CLASSVT

Veteran CEG'er
Joined
May 2, 2003
Messages
738
Location
Fort Wayne, In
I replaced my cracked driver-side taillight with one from a salvage yard, and then went and washed my car. I didn't engage in any different or unusual washing techniques, but when I was done I opened the trunk to find a puddle of water in the corner of my trunk right by the light I had replaced. Is it possible the salvaged light is at fault? I hadn't really paid attention, but are there any rubber/foam seals/gaskets that I could have damaged?:shrug: Thanks in advance.
 
Seems like a common problem with these cars. My car did the same thing. There is a really cheesy foam gasket that goes between the body and the taillight that seems to let water by. I ended up using clear silicone around the top and sides of the taillight where it came in contact with the body and that seemed to do the trick.
 
I had both leak before. (the vent and the light). Its a comon problem. I just got some better foam tape (3M) for the light, and just sealed the vent with some caulking (stays flexable).

Mike
 
CLASSVT said:
Thanks for the replies guys. I admit I was too lazy to search, or I probably would've found this on my own. :o
Click to expand...

The foam gaskets can be purchased new from Ford. When you put the taillight back on, don't crank down on the nuts because that will smash the foam. Spend the $20 or so to get them new and proper ones from Bill Jenkins and call it a day.

As for the fresh air vent, I'd doubt that is the problem. But you'd have to spray the water up through the thing underneath the car to get it too leak.

Another thing you could do is to use the hose again but at a small trickle and run it around the taillight to see if the water is indeed leaking in from there.
 
69boss... My fresh air vent leaked from the top so when rain/water passed through the crack between the bumper and rear quarter it leaked.. I did a hose test.. You don't have to shoot up from under the bumper.

They are only held in by pressure fit with a little gasket. Easly rips or moves. Best deal would be just seal it permenetly..

Mike
 
which gasket though? From the light?


Mike,
I had forgotten that the vent on these cars are in a spot that water runs across them. Good catch.
 
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