Mister Quickie

New started, new battery, and new alternator.

This started when I washed my car, didn't have the cowl between the winshield and the hood.

I assume water got in there, the first start was really rough. I drove it a few times over the course of a couple weeks and things were fine.

The last couple times I needed to start it, I had to give it gas as soon as the starter engaged in order to get it/keep it started. Once driving everything's fine but the starting concerns me ... any ideas?

mytrplseven

Look for leaking (rusted) battery box. They leak into the passenger footwell near the firewall and right into the DME and it's connector. Look at the inside firewall and you'll likely see streaks of rust on it. Very common issue. Also check for water in and around spark plugs and the intake air filter for contamination.

Mister Quickie

checked all those things, dry as a bone, same problem. I didn't remove the battery to see if water remained underneath the battery itself.

Washed it again, did my best to minimize water between the winshield and the hood.

Problem was worse, definitely water related. I saw the 944online cowl cover but it doesn't look like it spans the entire width of the winshield/hood.

any other ideas to keep water out of that area?

Mister Quickie

One thing I've been looking for is a waterproof foam that can be squeezed into the area during car washes and rainstorms etc ... does such an animal exist?

Mister Quickie

bought the cowl from the dealer, this is really nothing more than an airbox cover and they said that's the only part they have between the winshield and the hood. I find that hard to believe that stock there's nothing covering the batttery and the fusebox from water? the most important pieces to keep dry

bordin34

The fuse box has its own cover that clamps on and the battery has a a plastic cover that sits on top of it.
You definitely need to remove your battery, I bet you find a rust hole under it.

mel_t_vin

You said, "checked all those things, dry as a bone..."

Did you follow 777's recommendation and pull your carpet, floorboard, and mounting bracket to visually/physically inspect your DME/connector/harness?

You don't wash your engine/compartment, do you?

Mister Quickie

Removed the battery, no rust or holes in the compartment. Had a buddy pour water into the battery compartment while the battery was out and I was looking right at the area above the footwell, no water dripping down.



Interior is deleted so there is no carpet or floorboard and I get a clear view of anything the could be dripping down.

I don't wash my engine compartment.

bordin34

Do you have this cover on the fuse box?

Mister Quickie

Yes.

And I just ordered an ECS battery cover.

But still, I don't like the idea of all that water, e.g. a rainstorm or a carwash, pouring into the compartments. I'd like a design that prevents water from entering in the first place rather than draining it out after it gets in. And in a scenario where the water pours in faster than the drain holes can keep up with, it'll build up and get into the fusebox, battery, etc.

I'm trying to gin up something temporarily to shove in there for when it rains so that I don't have to throw on a tarp and anchor it down everytime I'm in a public parking space. I don't like car covers since they wear out and take up nearly the entire trunk space especially when I have to believe there's a more space-saving solution to this.

This would also be good for parking in general in the fall since it would prevent those pesky leaves from entering the area, then the leaves have to be cleaned out so they don't clog the drain holes, etc.

HICKS

No.

Mister Quickie

This is admittedly an abomination but pipe insulation is the only thing I could think of as the rain's coming down and I didn't want any more water (or leaves/debris) in that area