Over time, the seam sealer cracks, and sometimes rust starts in the cowl area of the trucks, so we need to go in and stop some fresh water leaks.

Usually these leaks show up as water through the heater box, or on the carpet area at the top of the floor
Many times, the leak is mistaken for a heater core problem. Sometimes, a windshield problem

I usually take the cowl panel off without removing the windshield trim, because the trim bends, and damages so easy, but if you find it to be easier for you, you can remove the trim.

Start with removing the windshield wipers
#ad

#ad

Notice that the wiper arm can be placed at any spot on the shaft, so when putting them back, make sure that they don't hit the trim when in operation. You may want to mark the arm and shaft for proper "clocking"

Remove the 4 screws in top of the cowl
#ad


remove the antenna and it's componants
#ad

#ad


#ad


#ad


Unscrew face screws on cowl #ad



Use caution on the hood seal, it does not take a lot of abuse to damage it #ad

the air conditioner hose brackets slide sideways at the top, dropping the hose down, taking the weight off , Set the bracket aside

#ad

The windshield washer hose is here above the wiper motor, and must be unhooked, once the panel comes up about 3"
#ad


Once all screws are removed, you can partially close the hood, and 2 people can wiggle the panel out.Scrape off the old weather strip, and remember where you are going to replace it
#ad

I forgot to take a picture of removing the plate that covers the wiper motor. It is held down with 2 screws

#ad


Here you can see where the seam sealer has seperated from the seam
#ad


Sanded, and a rust inhibiter has been applied #ad


#ad


#ad


I used a paint stir to push the sealer where I couldn't reach with the gun.
It is self leveling, so it lays down smoother than the picture shows

#ad

Replace your wiper plate
Install your new weatherstrip. Glue only on 1 side

#ad


Put your panel back in reverse of how you removed it

#ad

 

Great write up Charlie!

 

Thanks Tiny. I did part 2, which also applys to your superduty, it has the same drain

 

Charlie,

"enhibiter" is actually "inhibiter". It might be easier for you to edit your post instead of the mods. Dunno.....

A very comprehensive, detailed, how-to!

Pop

 

Fixed it Charlie.

 

This one too Charlie and Ken, they kind of go hand 'n hand.
https://www.fordtruckzone.com/threads/cleaning-the-cowl-drains-on-a-80-96-f-series.657657/

 

The computer I wrote it on crashed Pop, so I couldn't spell check it, that's why I had the mods fix it. Thankx

As always Ken, anything I write is to be used how you see fit. Make sure to get part 2

Thanks Jim for the help, and posting part 2.

BTW everyone, this was all written for Jim.......

 

Good stuff, Charlie!
I'm going to have to do the drain cleaning thing.............damn cedar tree.

 

Another Homer Simpson moment. Dooogh! No wonder the heater core only leaks when it rains, and the coolant level stays full. This info saved me at least an afternoon of unnecessary heater core replacement, it has A/C, and a cuss fest that could embarrass a sailor. Thanks for posting. Old 86

 

Make sure to clean the drains too, this is also a "heater core leak when it rains problem"
Here's the write up
https://www.fordtruckzone.com/threads/cleaning-the-cowl-drains-on-a-80-96-f-series.657657/

 

Thanks, Man! This and the clean out post are exactly what I have been needing to see.