Water in Drivers side Floor 98 S70

[perhss70]

Last summer, I had my engine replaced, and during the process, the mechanic broke the plastic connector in the firewall that links the heater core to the rest of the system. I ended up fixing it myself using a used spare I had, but I forgot to drain the heater core beforehand, and most of the coolant ended up on the floor.

I tried to dry it out without removing the foam padding, but the carpet still feels slightly damp on the sides, even after 10months. The rear and passenger sides are dry, though. The foam itself is cracked in a few spots, but I doubt I’ll be able to find a replacement.

Would it be a good idea to cut the foam to try and dry it? Thanks in advance!

[scot850]

If you have had coolant leaked into the carpet it is hard to remove it and get it dried out. Even removing the carpet completely if I recall is not easy as the carpet is joined un under the dashboard. You could cut it and remove it completely which would allow you to carefully pressure wash the foam and then allow it to fully dry out. The other issue is you may still have a leak although if your coolant level is not dropping that is not the issue. Then the other issue could be leaking windshield, blocked sunroof drain tubes (if you have a sunroof), or the drain in the area of where the wiper motor is is blocked and allowing water to leak into the cabin.

I think in your case it it more likely residue from the previous leak. You could also remove the driver's seat and fold the carpet back and dry it. I would hope in Greece your warm days if you can leave the windows open in your car would quickly dry the carpet out.

Should you then get a damp carpet again, then you may have to revisit the other possible issues including the heater core possibly leaking.

Good Luck!

Neil.

[perhss70]

Thanks Neil. Should I also buy some kind of film to put over the hard part of the foam because it's cracked? I too think (hopefully) it's just there from the last leak and just appeared because I parked on an uneven road

[scot850]

It won't do any harm, but make sure it is dried out completely first.

Neil.