Cleaning out engine bay drain-

[andysat]

Hi all-this has been mentioned on here before, how the f*** do you get to it??-there are too many pipes/wires in the way???

 

[Ewazix]

Not sure if this is the one?

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=40973&p=585592&hilit=+front#p576732

 

[andysat]

Thanks but its the other one-more central in the bay.

 

[bcworkz]

Good question. It's really back in there. While you might be able to poke at it with some improvised tool, I suspect the only sure way to get it fully cleared is to remove the cowl cover in order to access from the top.

 

[andysat]

Yes you are probably right!-what a faff! :thumbsdown:

 

[andysat]

Wondering if thin plastic aquarium type tubing poked down from the top and blown through would help?

 

[bcworkz]

Good idea! Certainly worth a try. Much to gain if it works and little to lose if it doesn't.

 

[Rob_benton]

Is the central drain just below the wiper motor ? Or is there another one ?

 

[andysat]

Seems to be middle of the car -halfway down-mine has a few leaves sticking out at the mo

 

[domsz4]

is this the fabled drain under the top of the bonnet people go on about. my car is under trees and is taking a battering with leaves. it looks like a small hurricane has gone over it so the roof drains and others need checking regular. thing is i dont know where they all are.

 

[bcworkz]

is this the fabled drain under the top of the bonnet people go on about. my car is under trees and is taking a battering with leaves. it looks like a small hurricane has gone over it so the roof drains and others need checking regular. thing is i dont know where they all are.

There's two drains in the cowl below the windscreen. One is somewhat obvious, low on the passenger side. The other, the one this thread is about, is more central and difficult to identify and access. If this one is blocked, water can flood the wiper motor and ruin it. If water pools in this area, it can also overflow into the car's structural frame, eventually corroding the main structure. About the only way to locate the central drain is to pour water into the area and observe where it exits. Of course, if the drain is fully blocked, this will just make things worse and you still cannot locate the drain.

The roof drains are accessed from their outlets, behind a small panel in front of each rear wheel. The drain is terminated in a simple rubber pinch valve that is supposed to allow water out but prevent insects and such from going up the tube. Unfortunately, it also prevents debris from dropping out of the drain. There's plenty of posts about this if you need more detail.