Water in boot

Hi folks, happy holidays.

I can’t start car (fuel pump not priming- no noise) so while I was taking cover off fuel pump in boot, I noticed water ingress. Could the damage to my passenger side lamp be the cause? They are hella colour magic. I have a spare lamp if you think this is what’s causing it?

 

You're probably on the right track.

I'd imagine MK3 rear lamps have the same dense foam gasket affairs, between lamp and body, that are on MK1 and 2's ?

If so, maybe it got rucked up a little when you fitted the new clusters?

Don't envy you, water leaks are a pain... not easy to pin down, good luck.

 

Thanks Zender, I’ve put original lamps on for now. Loads of crap on car body where seal meets car which I’ve cleaned off before putting other lamps on. Hoping it’s that and nothing more sinister.

 

AA man said fuel pump relay was culprit of non start so I’ve ordered new one from VW Heritage. Regarding water ingress, I’ve just took car for spin (torrential rain at the moment). Checked boot again and it seems to be coming in from back of boot. You can see where a little bit of water is standing in picture. I’ve checked boot lid seal and it looks fine to me so still non the wiser.

 

I would check if its coming in via tailgate lock/ lock plinth area

 

We have water in the exact same place after torrential rain. It didn’t make into the wheel well though, which is weird.

 

Thanks. Never thought of that, I’ll have a look in daylight tomorrow.

 

These old cars are strange but we love them

 

I'd check this too. Had issues on my MK2 lock seal.

 

As per your photo the water’s collecting in that little recess as that appears to be a low point in the boot floor pan before dropping into the spare wheel well. I my experience seeing the water there can be a red herring and usually doesn’t narrow it down much accept to say it’s probably ingressing on the left side. I’d start taking interior trim out of the boot on the left side until you find it. Can use a dusting of talc on exposed vertical surfaces which will leave a witness mark as the water runs down. Looks like you need it out to get it all dried out anyway. I’d basically be looking from the roof aerial downwards (if it has one).

 

double check all seals

 

Raining again here. Just checked car with torch and I can see water at bottom of passenger side rear light cluster seal (on the inside). I’m hoping this is my problem. What’s confusing me is the seal for light cluster looks perfectly fine with no perishing etc. I’d cleaned body work before fitting light and it’s definitely fully tightened.

 

Also, roof lining is completely dry which hopefully rules out aerial leak. I refurbished roof lining in May 2022 - all sunroof drain pipes were checked and cleaned so highly doubt it’s the sunroof drains.

 

Just ordered two new rear light cluster seals just in case that is the issue. They look ok to me but might be worn out.

 

Hopefully you found it. Nice work.

 

New seals on rear lights now. Boot carpet in house drying. Removed spare wheel etc. Dehumidifier inside car to hopefully dry out excess moisture. Will keep checking over next few days to see if water is still getting in.

 

Happy to report that zero water has got in boot since fitting those new light cluster seals! £12 well spent from VW Heritage. Thanks for everyone’s help.

 

Excellent, I think we will do ours too, just in case.

 

Worth it for £12 Phil. Good luck.