Plenum chamber drain holes

[jdp1962]

As the weather cools and we head into autumn, I'm starting to see condensation build up on the inside of the windscreen. That's usually an indicator that the plenum drain holes need clearing; I can do the nearside one pretty easily but how does a sausage-fingered idiot like me access the offside one that is concealed below so much fixed hardware? Does it need to go up on a ramp, have the engine undertray removed and a long stick poked up from below?

 

[Simon]

can you get it with a jetwash lance?

 

[jdp1962]

can you get it with a jetwash lance?

Possibly.

 

[Tatey14]

Have you got any damp carpets?

I was wondering the exact same thing as after finding damp driver carpets with some heavy rain last weekend. Nearside drain seems find, but I can't even see the offside drain to know if it's blocked.

Can't see any evidence of drips behind the A pillar trim, so can only think its coming through the bulkhead offside.

 

[rum4mo]

My B8 S4 is normally garaged so these drains never get chocked, though, as it ends up parked outside when away from home, I give these drains a checking over every other year, and I'm sure that I can reach the RHS one with something flexible, like a long "grabber" or "net curtain" springy thing that I've bought and used for years for jobs like this and threading through new wiring.

 

[RyanJonS4]

I’m not sure exactly where the drains are on the B8 as mine is garaged so never needed to clear them, I’ve cleared the 1 on my B6 a few times and also on my mates BMW using this

https://www.screwfix.com/p/rothenberger-pipe-drain-cleaning-coil-1-32m/65766

 

[jdp1962]

Well this morning I came up with the perfect solution; walking the dog this morning, I dropped in at my local indie, Sanspeed, and asked if they had any tips for doing it. The reply was "drop it in and we'll sort it on the spot". They did, free of charge.

 

[Simon]

sounds like the best solution to me! where are they I'll drop mine down too

 

[jdp1962]

sounds like the best solution to me! where are they I'll drop mine down too

Bexleyheath, Kent; bit of a trek for you. I'd invite you to drop in a cup for coffee but we're expecting to go into tier three any day.

 

[ld2130]

I currently have the same issue as my drive is surrounded by trees.
I've just added gutter hedgehogs to my gutters and wondered if I could do something similar for the poor car as it just sitting there most of time these days.

 

[audiwaterpump]

It would help if we knew the exact location of the drivers side drain hole.
Any one got a diagram?

 

[rum4mo]

From memory, maybe not a good idea/servant, it is under the brake servo, which is why you can't see it easily.

I have a "thing" about leaves etc gathering under car bonnets, as they can cause serious issues/costs if not removed frequently.

 

[audiwaterpump]

Sometimes it feels like I own a British Leyland/Rover car.

 

[jl-c]

don't know if this helps?

 

[audiwaterpump]

The drain hole on the driver's side is impossible to get to, without removing a lot of stuff.
Does anyone where the water drains to? Does it drain into the engine bay, or somewhere else?

 

[rum4mo]

I'm sure, that both drains just drain through these holes+valves on the base of that plenum area down to the outside world below these points

 

[audiwaterpump]

I'm sure, that both drains just drain through these holes+valves on the base of that plenum area down to the outside world below these points

I was thinking, if we knew where the exit was then I may be able to clear the blockage form the bottom end as opposed to from the top end. - if that makes sense.

The one of the passenger side drains into the engine bay.

 

[rum4mo]

I think that while that sounds like a good plan, in reality, even after removing a couple of under covers, that area, looking up from below, is a bit crowed gearbox /final drive wise.

 

[audiwaterpump]

I think that while that sounds like a good plan, in reality, even after removing a couple of under covers, that area, looking up from below, is a bit crowed gearbox /final drive wise.

Pity that the driver's side one doesn't drain into the engine bay, like the passenger side one.

 

[Gooders]

I cleared mine out the other day using an air line and a hover lol. Blow the dirt up and the hover caught it all. Work rather well


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[quattrogone]

Did mine a while ago, it was a regular compost heap in there!

 

[jdp1962]

I cleared mine out the other day using an air line and a hover lol. Blow the dirt up and the hover caught it all. Work rather well


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But does it unbung the drain hole itself?

 

[ld2130]

I used one of these
www.amazon.co.uk/Shine-Magnetic-600MM-Lifting-Grabber/dp/B01M3YNKZV/

 

[Gooders]

But does it unbung the drain hole itself?

If you can get the angle right yes. Took a few try’s mind. This will of course depend how bad it is.


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[audiwaterpump]

If you can get the angle right yes. Took a few try’s mind. This will of course depend how bad it is.


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Do you have a photo showing the stick/probe in the hole.

 

[Gooders]

Do you have a photo showing the stick/probe in the hole.

No sorry


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[audiwaterpump]

No sorry


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If you get a chance, upload a photo on here, I'm sure it would help a lot of owners.