MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: onion86 on October 13, 2017, 18:30

Title: Rusty on engine, water from engine lid
Post by: onion86 on October 13, 2017, 18:30
Does anyone else get this, I've only just realised what it is?

Obviously water drips from the hole where 3rd brake light wire comes through engine lid (red circle) when it rains and has rusted middle bolt and general engine area in blue circle, then drips down to manifold. I'm sure my old car didn't do it. From the right hand bolt, it potentially looks like the smaller hole to the right is doing the same, but not quite as bad.

I had the engine lid resprayed and transferred from my old car. Did it originally have a grommet or something I'm missing? Or potentially should I have something sealing the 3rd brake light so water can't get in. Could anyone advise what I'm missing, I'm sure this isn't normal?
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4470/36965614134_b1aa56f97f_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Rusty on engine, water from engine lid
Post by: Carolyn on October 13, 2017, 20:10
I'd have thought that sealing the holes (with grommets, for instance), would just allow water to pool inside the space.  Perhaps a little clear sealant around the top of the light?

I know my light doesn't leak and it has no sealant....
Title: Re: Rusty on engine, water from engine lid
Post by: Smcknighty on October 13, 2017, 20:18
On a tangent if you don't have the plastic cover on the engine then rain water gets through the grille in heavy rain and pools around the coil packs. Isn't there normally a heat shield over the manifold, perhaps it shields from the rain as well?


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Title: Re: Rusty on engine, water from engine lid
Post by: onion86 on October 14, 2017, 00:23
Maybe I'll take the light off and see what I find. It's a bit annoying as it has made that section look pretty bad, I've generally given it a bit of a wire brush every few months for the last few years. Now I've finally decided to investigate, I can physically see droplets of water on the wire when I pick the lid up after it's rained.

Quote from: "Smcknighty"On a tangent if you don't have the plastic cover on the engine then rain water gets through the grille in heavy rain and pools around the coil packs. Isn't there normally a heat shield over the manifold, perhaps it shields from the rain as well?
The manifold heat shield wouldn't impact that part as sits a bit down/out from the rusty bolts. I did have the heat shield on until last month, it won't fit anymore  s;) ;) s;)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4457/37009694583_edd2e5545e_b.jpg)
Title: Rusty on engine, water from engine lid
Post by: smarty72 on October 14, 2017, 09:53
There should be a rubber grommet like this;

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171014/1dbf5783274a7866c9fd7bfcb358e487.jpg)

Well mine has at least.  Water won't pool, as the shape of the metal, where the base of the light sits, channels water towards the rear of the vehicle.

Replace the grommet and you should be good, I wouldn't be worrying with trying to stick it in.

I'm sure Dick and Dean will have loads of the grommets kicking around.
Title: Re: Rusty on engine, water from engine lid
Post by: Topdownman on October 14, 2017, 09:57
I have a grommet like that too.
Title: Re: Rusty on engine, water from engine lid
Post by: Carolyn on October 14, 2017, 11:50
Had a look at mine.  No grommet.  No drips.  might as well get a grommet...
Title: Re: Rusty on engine, water from engine lid
Post by: onion86 on October 14, 2017, 17:52
Dick's sending me one, cheers. Hopefully that'll sort it.

I looked back at a 2008 photo and I didnt have one on there then. That was the exact same engine lid and it didnt drip then. Transferred it over to my 55 in 2012 and has been dripping for a good few years, odd.
Title: Re: Rusty on engine, water from engine lid
Post by: smarty72 on October 14, 2017, 17:58
Have you moved and now park on a slope maybe?
Title: Re: Rusty on engine, water from engine lid
Post by: onion86 on October 15, 2017, 00:24
Quote from: "smarty2072"Have you moved and now park on a slope maybe?
Black one just sat out in the rain and never leaked as per pic (the power of Google  s:) :) s:) ). Current one is infront of garage and one side is next to house wall... Neither on a slope.