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1983 944 - Sunroof question.
Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2026 5:40 pm
by eccs19
I’ve heard mixed answers on my question. Bit of background. Had the car for about a month. Working on it to get it road worthy. It’s been raining non stop for the past week. I’ve got water in the rear seat floor, so I expect it’s coming from the sunroof. I’ve not dared trying to open it yet. My question is, does the 1983 have drain tubes that need to be cleared? I read somewhere that they don’t because of how they seal, but I’m not convinced this is true. So should I be breaking the seal to clear the tubes or leave it sealed for now because there is nothing to clear?
Re: 1983 944 - Sunroof question.
Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2026 6:47 pm
by 944er
Yes, they have drain tubes. The sunroof seal *should* be doing a good job keeping water out, with just a tiny bit seeping through that the drain tubes handle. Weed wacker line, or 3d printer filament can clear all but the right rear, which dead ends into a tee fitting that also goes to the fuel filler well.
There are other paths of water ingress, starting with bad window seals, so it might not actually be the sunroof leaking.
Re: 1983 944 - Sunroof question.
Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2026 3:02 am
by eccs19
944er wrote: Thu Apr 16, 2026 6:47 pm
Yes, they have drain tubes. The sunroof seal *should* be doing a good job keeping water out, with just a tiny bit seeping through that the drain tubes handle. Weed wacker line, or 3d printer filament can clear all but the right rear, which dead ends into a tee fitting that also goes to the fuel filler well.
There are other paths of water ingress, starting with bad window seals, so it might not actually be the sunroof leaking.
Thanks for the info. I was touching around the sunroof and the window, but couldn’t find any wet spots. Granted when I was checking, the rain had settled down. So probably not a great check. Might just be happening when it’s coming down harder and the drains can’t keep up.
Re: 1983 944 - Sunroof question.
Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2026 5:24 am
by gb951
While the sunroof drains may be contributing to the accumulation of water behind the front seats, check for leaks from the battery box and the area above the fuse block. Porsche spot welded the sheet metal forming these parts to the firewall, then used a caulking material to seal the welded area. Over the years, the caulk has dried out and no longer provides a good seal. The fix is to use a pick to remove all of the caulk, and replace the caulk with a silicone caulk which will not dry out.
The test is to use a garden hose at low volume in those areas and see if the rear footwells collect water. (BTW, the water collects there because the rear footwells are the lowest point of the cabin.)
Re: 1983 944 - Sunroof question.
Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2026 5:51 am
by eccs19
gb951 wrote: Fri Apr 17, 2026 5:24 am
While the sunroof drains may be contributing to the accumulation of water behind the front seats, check for leaks from the battery box and the area above the fuse block. Porsche spot welded the sheet metal forming these parts to the firewall, then used a caulking material to seal the welded area. Over the years, the caulk has dried out and no longer provides a good seal. The fix is to use a pick to remove all of the caulk, and replace the caulk with a silicone caulk which will not dry out.
The test is to use a garden hose at low volume in those areas and see if the rear footwells collect water. (BTW, the water collects there because the rear footwells are the lowest point of the cabin.)
Good idea. Front footwell didn't appear wet and my battery tray is rust free, but never thought to check the caulking. I do know it's draining as expected through the drain hole, but if exesive is getting it, I guess it could overflow. Thanks.
Re: 1983 944 - Sunroof question.
Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2026 6:05 am
by gb951
eccs19 wrote: Fri Apr 17, 2026 5:51 am
Good idea. Front footwell didn't appear wet and my battery tray is rust free, but never thought to check the caulking. I do know it's draining as expected through the drain hole, but if exesive is getting it, I guess it could overflow. Thanks.
The front footwells drain any water to the rear footwells, so it is unlikely that they would appear wet. It all flows downhill.