Condensation

[Weston Matt]

Morning All,

I popped the bonnet on the car the other afternoon and noticed that it was dripping wet, as though someone had sprayed a hose under it. I have also noticed that I get a lot of condensation in the boot. Now, I'm guessing that it's because there is no insulation in those areas. So, the question question is do any of you guys insulate under the bonnet and boot and it so does it make any difference?

Cheers

 

[HU51A_FU]

Maybe look at replacing all bonnet seals around the edges mate, if perished due to age they can allow moisture to get in and if the vehicles been running obviously it will then condensate on the bonnet and around.

Same with the boot, simply you shouldn't need to apply any insulation to the vehicle in those areas, just replace all rubber seals whether thats for the boot edge and the seals around the lights.

Check the gutters to if yours is an E85 Roadster just encase water is making its way in via the roof edges.

Hope that helps in some way.

 

[Rockhopper]

Do you park it on the grass?

 

[Weston Matt]

It's parked on gravel.

The seals are in pretty good nick. It's the bare metal that is wet, nothing is leaking (except by my passenger door)

 

[kis]

Bonnet, nope, not heard of anyone insulating this. It shouldn't be that wet in there? No bonnet seals AFAIK. Warm engine will expel most moisture in there (maybe take it out for a longer run if you've been stuck doing shorter runs recently).

Boot, could be insulated. But water in here is a different matter, i.e. once it gets in, it's hard to get out (not breathable like a bonnet/engine bay). Mine tends to get wet also, well damp, not soaking. Just a case of ventilating, unless you've got poor light seals? Left, Right and Centre can let water in. There are other areas it could ingress, like vents under the bumper, so just make sure water isn't actively getting in. If it's just a bit damp, with the weather atm it's normal. Well has been in my ownership! You get little moisture absorbing packs, I keep a couple in the boot and recharge as necessary (these ones)

 

[HU51A_FU]

Bonnet, nope, not heard of anyone insulating this. It shouldn't be that wet in there? No bonnet seals AFAIK. Warm engine will expel most moisture in there (maybe take it out for a longer run if you've been stuck doing shorter runs recently).

Boot, could be insulated. But water in here is a different matter, i.e. once it gets in, it's hard to get out (not breathable like a bonnet/engine bay). Mine tends to get wet also, well damp, not soaking. Just a case of ventilating, unless you've got poor light seals? Left, Right and Centre can let water in. There are other areas it could ingress, like vents under the bumper, so just make sure water isn't actively getting in. If it's just a bit damp, with the weather atm it's normal. Well has been in my ownership! You get little moisture absorbing packs, I keep a couple in the boot and recharge as necessary (these ones)

Even more reason to cover these cars up, no one likes water ingress

 

[MDUBZ]

The boot isn't a sealed unit i.e. it is linked to the cabin: do you get a lot of condensation on the inside of windows etc too; might be worth checking the drains etc are clear, carpet isn't damp, leaky door seals etc .

edit: you mentioned leaky passenger door - that might also be the culprit for condensation in the boot.

 

[Weston Matt]

I think I may strip out the interior over the weekend inc. carpet etc. I think my leak by the door is from a butchered door liner that had been removed at some point, so I'll see if I can repair until I can get a new one. I will also get some of the gel packs that Kis has suggested.

 

[Chris_D]

Would suggest before you strip your interior to dismantle the windscreen scuttle and clear out any debris if there is any. if you havent done this already i guarantee you will find some blockage/crud in there.

the engine bay isn't sealed for good reason (cooling). however, it is weather-resistant around the bonnet shut lines but this won't be causing your condensation issue.

i had a water ingress problem recently and made a thread on clearing and sealing the area around the windscreen scuttle. been bone dry everywhere since.

 

[Weston Matt]

Thanks Chris, I've checked my scuttle and cleaned that out, I've also bought some 3m tape to stick it back down as it's warped a bit over time. I've sat in my car when it's been raining and watched the water dribble in by the door. I think part of my issue is as the carpet is wet it's making everything seem worse.

 

[brillomaster]

silly question, but is your air con working? are you using it every time you use the car?

 

[Chris_D]

Thanks Chris, I've checked my scuttle and cleaned that out, I've also bought some 3m tape to stick it back down as it's warped a bit over time. I've sat in my car when it's been raining and watched the water dribble in by the door. I think part of my issue is as the carpet is wet it's making everything seem worse.

In that case, i take it you’ve had the doorcard off to inspect the membrane?
Had to replace driver side on mine and that cured the ingress on that side. Pax side was down to a dodgy seal around the scuttle. I used strips of weatherseal underneath and some blobs of mastic at the ends where it meets the A pillar.

 

[Weston Matt]

The membrane is not in the best condition, looks like someone ripped it off when doing something.

Jobs for Saturday morning as I think it’s not raining - fingers crossed

And yes Brillomaster I run the aircon whenever I drive