cowl vents

[old_skool]

Is there a way to check that the cowl vents are working instead of just running water in them?? I've had to contend with some firewall rust higher up and floor rust but want to make sure they drain, is there an opening somewhere I can get to, to make sure it's clear? Don't want wet carpets if I drive it in the rain. There was some rust behind the front wheels that would throw water into the kick panel area before I fixed it.

Hoping fenders don't have to come off just yet, will be doing that this winter though.

 

[b_body_hopeful]

Mine had a rubber type flap drivers side half way down the firewall that I made sure was clear. I used a thin blade screwdriver to stick up in there and made sure it was not plugged. I also went and removed the plastic cowl cover on drivers side and used wire coat hanger to do same from the inside of cowl.

 

[poly3521]

They also drain on the ends of the cowl. Mine were plugged, until I pulled the fenders and cleaned the inside off the cowl with a shop vac and compressed air.

 

[old_skool]

They also drain on the ends of the cowl. Mine were plugged, until I pulled the fenders and cleaned the inside off the cowl with a shop vac and compressed air.

I was afraid of that, may have to pull the fenders sooner than later, well, at least if there's any rust in those areas, that will be the time to take care of it as well.

 

[poly3521]

Another problem I saw, even on my chevy truck, the seam sealer shrinks and lets water lay in the seam. I think that's half the problem. My 81 chevy truck did the same thing and rusted out the middle of the cowl, so get a tube of seam sealer or windshield butyl. Also, field mice love to make nests in the cowl. Had one pull that this winter. Good luck.

 

[moparmarks]

Here is a pic of the side drains. You can pull the cowl screens and reach in there with a shop vac. Then you can pull the plastic shields at the back of the fender well and reach the drains with an air nozzle.