I'm looking for how to instructions to repair a drainage problem on my
1989
ford ranger.  My rug is soaking wet, and it has to do with the cowl. 
Can I repair the leak[s] by removing the dashboard and unblocking the
drain passages, or do I have to remove the cowl [which is welded]??? 
Also, will I have to remove the fenders to get to the drain things???

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Request for Question Clarification by revbrenda1st-ga on 21 Nov 2002 17:29 PST

Are you SURE the leak is coming from the cowl? If you think you're
getting a build up of water from that area, take a garden hose and
spray water from the outside; have someone watch inside to see if
water is coming in. Take the carpet up (at the front) to get a more
accurate look, because the water will leak down the firewall under
your carpet and build up on the floor. Until you verify the actual
source of the leak, you can't fix it. The other possible reason for
leakage could be that the seam of the windshield is rotted out where
it seals.

My husband has been a mechanic for 35 years -- apprenticed with Ford,
as a matter of fact. He won't guarantee a sure fix, but we can give it
a shot, eh?

Regards,
revbrenda1st

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Clarification of Question by cmdup-ga on 21 Nov 2002 19:24 PST

Hi revbrenda1st,

Yes, I've done all that and the leak is down the firewall getting
under the carpet.  I also noticed that the defroster grills near the
windshield, were filled to the top [which could indicate that there's
blockage in the drains].  When I removed the carpet under the
dashboard, I was pressing on the firewall, the water was leaking down,
and I could hear water swishing.  Plus, it's coming down the inside
wall, eventually it'll screw up my computer.  Maybe that's why my
"check engine" light comes on whenever, and the truck is running fine.
 I'll have to go see my mechanic on that issue, but first things
first.  I don't want my floor to rot out; I have a rebuilt engine in
that truck, new clutch, had it painted.  I take care of it-I know it's
old, but I love it.  The windshield's been replaced recently [it's not
leaking from there].  I've had the leak for a while, I suspect.  What
made me notice it was a wetness on the inside of the windows, and a
musty smell.  Then I looked under the rubber mats.  Shazam!!!  I did
repair another little leak around the back windows, actually it was
the light for the bed.  It had water bubbles in it, so I caulked
around it.  So, can I repair the leak by removing the dashboard?  Or
will it be a real nightmarish do-it-yourselfer??  I'm glad your
husband is such an expert.  I hope he can help.

Many Thanks,
cmdup