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.  I've done the hose job over the windshield [which is new-it's
not leaking from there.  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 with water after I hosed it, [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 the "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.  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 to
see the soaked rug.

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?
Please don't ask me to clarify any more---I lost my previous 'leak
problem' question---that's all the info right here.  Please answer.

---

Clarification of Question by cmdup-ga on 26 Nov 2002 10:59 PST

Hello SgtCory,

Yes, it is leaking on both sides.  It's not the heater core either
[had it replaced last winter], it's a drainage problem.  Everytime it
rains it's unbelievable, whether it's sitting there or if I'm driving.
 I mean, after all, the truck is 13 years old, but I do want to fix
it.  I just need to know which way it could be done.

Thanks,
cmdup

---

Clarification of Question by cmdup-ga on 30 Nov 2002 09:40 PST

Hi Sgt. Cory,

I clarified my question, and am waiting for an answer.

Sincerely,
cmdup

Hi again, cmdup,

I'm glad to see you're back! I tried to answer your original question
after I asked for and got your clarification, but when I went looking
for it was gone. I found the new question just awhile ago, and I think
I have a viable answer for you.

I've done no on-line research in this matter because I am the proud
owner of a 1988 Ford Bronco II and I happen to have handy-by  the
"Automotive Repair Manual for Ford Ranger and Bronco II, 1983 thru
1992." It's published by Haynes. The company URL is <
http://www.haynes.com > Ordering information is available on that
site.

I got my manual on a visit from Canada to Battle Creek, Michigan at an
auto parts store. That was four or so years ago, and I don't remember
the name of the store, but I believe it was a chain. Since you love
your Ranger (as I do my Bronco) you might want to purchase the manual.
It's proved invaluable around here.

My husband actually braved the sub-zero weather in the dark with
flashlight in hand and a few pitchers of water to make sure what I'm
about to tell you is correct.

Good news!! You shouldn't need to remove the dash, the fenders or the
cowl.   :)

Anyway, on page 7 of chapter 12, there is a good diagram. Since you
haven't got the manual, I'll describe where this cover is.

When you are standing in front of your Ranger with the hood raised,
you'll see a rectangular cover screwed onto the top, right corner of
the firewall (driver's side). There are three screws holding it there.
(The screws on my Bronco are hex heads.)

Take that cover off, but be prepared for any water that's in the
cowling to drain out as you loosen it. In the lower, right hand corner
of the opening there should be a drain hole along the edge, not too
big, maybe the size of a pencil. If you have access to an air hose,
use it to blow the accumulated dirt out of the drain, which is an inch
or less in length. If you don't have air, poke a stiff wire (a coat
hanger or something similar) through it to unblock it.

Then, put your cover back on, get your garden hose, and cross your
fingers. If the problem's solved, when you spray the water down the
cowling, you should see it draining out onto the ground on the
driver's side, inner fender area.

That's all you should have to. As for that musty smell, it should
disappear once everything dries out.

I'm pulling for you. Good luck, eh?

revbrenda1st

The answer from revbrenda1st was\is excellent, thank you very much!!!

Here's your previous question
https://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=111765

For some reason it expired. 

-K~

cmdup-ga accidentally closed the question which prompted him to ask this question:

https://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=114187

which I replied to, urging him to reask his original question.

skermit-ga

Hello cmdup,

If I can't ask for clarification, I simply can't answer the question.
What I need to know, in case you are still interested is:

Does the blockage seem to be on both sides, or just the driver side?

Have you eliminated all other potential problems?

If you respond to the request for clarification, we may be able to
help you further. Until then, I'm afraid any answer would be a guess.

Thanks,

SgtCory

Hello cmdup-ga,

I will be with you later tonight. (Turkey day put me out of commission :-)

cmdup,

I worked on your question for quite a bit, but was unable to come up
with a complete answer. Here is what I can offer :

- On the drivers side, there should be a small plastic drain plug
right above the gas and brake pedals. There should definitely be a
plug in this hole. If there isn't, you'll need to make one. This
should be appicable to you year as well.

http://forums.vmag.com/fvmranger0299/messages/1365.html

This may explain part of the stoppage as well. The rain comes in, and
is halted to a small trickle until completely leaked or evaporated
through your vehicle. We would still need to get the stoppage cleared.

I read somewhere (I can not find the resource for the life of me),
that there is indeed a panel that is on the engine side of the
firewall. You should be able to get to it without removing anything
extra. (dash etc...) If I recall this is located on the drivers side.
As for the passenger side, I couldn't find an ounce of help. I asked a
Ford repair and sales specialist, and he simply said he'd never run
into this problem and would have to look at it.

Other than that - the only other info I can offer is:

There are also numerous recalls related to the repeated failure of the
heater core:

http://www.alldata.com/TSB/20/89202233.html

Hope this helps -
SgtCory