Cowl Vents sealed

[JLCBikes]

Hello,

I have owned my 86' CJ7 /scout cross for 5 years and have had a leaky cowl the whole time. I've lost many switches, gauges, radios and finally my plow switches..that really chapped my ***. Finally, after some poking around here, I siliconed my cowl gasket, siliconed both my cowl intakes shut, caulked the fiberglass tub-cowl junction, and double taped the cowl gasket-body union. Today it rained, and no leaks! Just added interval wipers and new plow controls, so that is encouraging. Now on to my third set of coolant/fuel gauges, and maybe a radio.

Of course, with the cowl vents sealed shut, I have no heat. Can I just bypass the intake and get air from inside the vehicle (it's a drafty hard top to fiberglass tub config..so there's plenty of fresh air)? Or Should I just free up that passenger side flap under the cowl cover. I'm really sick of the water damage behind my dash! Want to have many more pleasant experiences opening my winter doors and rubbing a hand on the floor pan..coming out with a dusty DRY hand

Thanks for any help you can offer.. BTW, I did check that drain tube in the engine compartment..

 

[jammer1]

I sealed the cowl vent (completely, air tight) and removed the top portion of the heater box. It actually helps since you reheat the air instead of heating cold air. The problem is without the fresh air the windows (front and sides) fog up. When I get the chance I'm going to put back the top portion of the heater box. It's more problems than it's worth. Also when its in the 30's and 40's and humid the windows fog badly.

 

[JLCBikes]

Ok. I was thinking I'd get some fresh air from cracking a window. Is that an air intake below the glove box? My vehicle is heavily modified, not sure I have complete system. Seems the inlet below glove box is (I have a grab bar) is linked to the passenger side damper on cowl. Was thinking I could be recirculating my air if I disconnect this linkage, keeping cowl sealed and more water resistant. Thoughts?


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[PaRenegade]

I've found that the issue with leakage is sometimes due to the rubber flap on the cowl vent, which has multiple angles to it, doesn't fit the shape correctly and doesn't allow the rubber flap to seal. Trimming it with a knife to allow it to close better / tighter can help. Also check the drain line to make sure it's not clogged so water doesn't built up and slosh around.