Mk1 MX5 leaking boot

[Johnnytheboy]

In last night's heavy rain, my OH's mk1's boot has apparently suffered significant water ingress (quote: it's full of water).

In top girl-logic mode she rang me at work 30 miles away to ask me where the leak was. My only hope is to ask PH if there is an obvious known leaky weak point.

Is there?

Edited by Johnnytheboy on Monday 21st November 13:08

[AmiableChimp]

Rear light seals.

[Johnnytheboy]

As simple as that, at least tell me I'm wrong or stupid, or something!

Many thanks, I'll get some ordered and see how that works. Presumably it's just a case of dropping light out, swapping seal and refitting, even something a blundering orangutan like me could do?

[cheshire_cat]

can also leak around the chrome deck plates - I added some silicone to the bolt threads to seal them on my mk1.

[Johnnytheboy]

cheshire_cat said:

can also leak around the chrome deck plates - I added some silicone to the bolt threads to seal them on my mk1.

Is that the little fellas between the boot and the hood?

[drgoatboy]

Was it parked facing up hill?

[lilwashu]

Also check the rain rail.

[Johnnytheboy]

drgoatboy said:

Was it parked facing up hill?

Yes, but it usually is.

[Oldandslow]

lilwashu said:

Also check the rain rail.

Possibly this or the drains from the rail down through the car. Often these will be partially blocked and work ok and then be overwhelmed by a big down pour. Rear light seals are more of a constant dampness issue and same if it has a poorly fitted spoiler.

Forgot to add this is absolutely the right time of year for leaves getting washed into the drains and blocking them.

Edited by Oldandslow on Monday 21st November 21:33

[Johnnytheboy]

Oldandslow said:

lilwashu said:

Also check the rain rail.

Possibly this or the drains from the rail down through the car. Often these will be partially blocked and work ok and then be overwhelmed by a big down pour. Rear light seals are more of a constant dampness issue and same if it has a poorly fitted spoiler.

IIRC when she had the roof replaced a couple of years ago, they said the rain rail was knackered.

[Munter]

I'd go for the drainage off the roof. Either the "drain holes" or the rail.

[drgoatboy]

Yep, rain rail would be my guess. It relies on gravity to feed the water to the front of the car where it drains away. Drains can and do get blocked but even when they are not blocked heavy downpours can simply overwhelm the rain rail particularly when the car is facing up hill. Water then drips over the top and runs down into the boot. (Again if facing uphill).
I had this problem with mine with a brand new rain rail and roof all installed properly with clear drain holes too. Parked the car nose down and never had the problem again.
Clear the drains out as first port of call and then reverse onto the drive!

[MX-5 Lazza]

Johnnytheboy said:

Oldandslow said:

lilwashu said:

Also check the rain rail.

Possibly this or the drains from the rail down through the car. Often these will be partially blocked and work ok and then be overwhelmed by a big down pour. Rear light seals are more of a constant dampness issue and same if it has a poorly fitted spoiler.

IIRC when she had the roof replaced a couple of years ago, they said the rain rail was knackered.

Did they replace it?

[Johnnytheboy]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Johnnytheboy said:

Oldandslow said:

lilwashu said:

Also check the rain rail.

Possibly this or the drains from the rail down through the car. Often these will be partially blocked and work ok and then be overwhelmed by a big down pour. Rear light seals are more of a constant dampness issue and same if it has a poorly fitted spoiler.

IIRC when she had the roof replaced a couple of years ago, they said the rain rail was knackered.

Did they replace it?

No, they told us it was on borrowed time, so I'm guessing this is the culprit.

Unfortunately the car is on borrowed time too...