[W126 Coupe] Sourcing the leak in the trunk-Sir Guy

[Dick Spellman]

Sir Guy:

Where you have water in both sides of the trunk and not just the side with
the antenna grommet you can probably rule the antenna grommet out.  Check
for water in the spare tire well too as this would be more likely to
indicate a window seal leak.  Mop up as much of the water as you can. Stuff
a dry rag or two up under the rear package shelf in the corners.  Stuff a
rag each under the lower lip of the rear bulb access panels for the rear
lens assemblies.  Then hit the car with a stream of water.  Hit one area at
a time.  After hitting each area with a strong stream of water check the
trunk for new signs of water or damp rags.  This should help you identify
the source of the leak.

1. Tail light lens -flood just around the top of the lens assembly should do
it
2. Trunk seal- just work the flow around the fender to trunk seal visible
seam to keep off of the rear glass
3. Rear window seal - flood the rear glass

I believe some of the Pro's can smoke your car to check door and trunk seals
for leaks but have not done this myself.  For what it is worth I have had an
antenna grommet seal leak on a 300SE and when I upgraded the rear lens
assemblies on the SEC, I ended up with a leak here as well where it turned
out to be the rope seal described below.

Keep in mind that the rear lens assemblies have the big rubber seal up
against the metal and they have a 1/8 inch or so rope gasket between the
actual lens and the piece that sits up against the exterior of the car.

Good luck

Dick