Clearing Debris

[nikki]

Hi,

My car is now stored outside. It is regularly covered in pollen and leaves. Are there areas I should routinely check to prevent future issues with convertable top drainage or other problems?

I know the boxster has drainage plugs. Are these easy to access and clean? My local dealer mentioned a service they provide to prevent problems, but if possible I'd prefer to handle myself.

Also, has anyone else paid a dealer for this type service?

N.

[wvboxst3r]

Try a cover #1

The drains are in the foam under the top. Put the top in service mode and look behind seats. Just keep that area clear and possible blow them out with air every now and then.

[Steve Tinker]

nikki.... Very easy to do, should only take you 15 minutes with an air wand

There are 4 sets of drain holes - 2 @ each side of the rear and 2 @ the front (frunk).

Rear - put top into service position and look along each side where the top mechanism sits, you will see a soft foam lining with a drain hole which fills with leaves. You can tell if they are clear when you pour water down the hole, it will drain out just in front of the rear wheels.

Front - open bonnet (hood to you) and remove battery cover & both plastic covers each side of the battery. Again you should see 2 drains behind / side of battery case which should be clear of debris.
Check out mikesporscheboxsterwebpages (mikefocke2) for more details.

[Ghostrider 310]

Vacuum the front air vents the best you can while you are at it.

[thstone]

Two weeks ago when it rained, both of my front drains were clogged and I had about 1/2in of standing water in the battery compartment. Used compressed air to blow the junk out of the lines and all is well again!

By the way, the drivers side front drain is obscured by the brake booster, you have to really look under there to find it.

Also be careful not to push the upper lip of the rubber grommet of the drain tube down into the hole in the frame or it can be difficult to get it back up so it seals. Ask me how I know.

Its also a good time to replace the cabin air filter while your under the front covers.

[Kenny Boxster]

I just used a shop vac to suck and blow the debris out. Everything was a-ok!

[rdc8118]

I check the drains regularly. I've read reports of water making it's way into the brake booster due to clogged front drains.

[kabel]

my rear drain tubes seem to be clogged. but I cant get a hanger to pass through. so frustrating!

[Meir]

Originally Posted by kabel

my rear drain tubes seem to be clogged. but I cant get a hanger to pass through. so frustrating!

forget about the hanger.
the two holes are not aligned. just use your finger to push down or fish out the debris, and then some air pressure.

[san rensho]

Originally Posted by kabel

my rear drain tubes seem to be clogged. but I cant get a hanger to pass through. so frustrating!

Don't use a coat hanger. Get a bicycle brake cable and push the rounded end into the drain, will unclog anything.

And, there are two drains per side on the rear. The one in the foam is easy, but there is another one that is hard to find unless you know where it is. With the top in the service position, theres a 3/4 in by 3 inch piece between the door and the clamshell. Underneath that peice, there is another drain, hard to find.

[Meir]

Originally Posted by san rensho

Don't use a coat hanger. Get a bicycle brake cable and push the rounded end into the drain, will unclog anything.

And, there are two drains per side on the rear. The one in the foam is easy, but there is another one that is hard to find unless you know where it is. With the top in the service position, theres a 3/4 in by 3 inch piece between the door and the clamshell. Underneath that peice, there is another drain, hard to find.

WOW!
First time I hear about that.
Any chance you can post a pic?
I have a small amount of water coming in on the passenger side. Since both drains are clear ( the two in the foam that are very visible in service mode), I was assuming the top is leaking.
I just got back from the car ( after reading your post ) and I cannot find the extra two holes you are talking about.
Any help will be apriceated.

[Mark_T]

Originally Posted by san rensho

Don't use a coat hanger. Get a bicycle brake cable and push the rounded end into the drain, will unclog anything.

Thank you Mr. MacGyver!

[kabel]

I tried a wire much like a brake cable too, had no luck with that either. I swear when I first got the boxster years ago I was able to run he coat hanger through, think I even found an earring.
Will attempt some compressed air next. At a slight disadvantage at one of the top transmissions is broken so I cannot easily put the top in service position.

[Guvs]

Originally Posted by Meir

WOW!
First time I hear about that.
Any chance you can post a pic?
I have a small amount of water coming in on the passenger side. Since both drains are clear ( the two in the foam that are very visible in service mode), I was assuming the top is leaking.
I just got back from the car ( after reading your post ) and I cannot find the extra two holes you are talking about.
Any help will be apriceated.

+1, any photos please.
Guvs

[jcb986]

I use air only and after the air I poor a quart of water down each drain. Does the job. Now, go and buy a Tyvek full cover. You can them for around $60. They are lite and easy to use. Or go to California Pop-Top and get the Bikini version.:dance:

[kabel]

I have a water resistant car cover. It's on the car when ever there is a chance of rain just n case

[san rensho]

Originally Posted by Meir

WOW!
First time I hear about that.
Any chance you can post a pic?
I have a small amount of water coming in on the passenger side. Since both drains are clear ( the two in the foam that are very visible in service mode), I was assuming the top is leaking.
I just got back from the car ( after reading your post ) and I cannot find the extra two holes you are talking about.
Any help will be apriceated.

I'm a luddite when it comes to posting pictures but heres a better explanation. With the top in the service position, locate that little piece between the door and the clamshell. On the side that faces towards the rear of the car, feel around and you will find a small drain, it doesn't face down, it faces towards the body.

[Meir]

Originally Posted by san rensho

I'm a luddite when it comes to posting pictures but heres a better explanation. With the top in the service position, locate that little piece between the door and the clamshell. On the side that faces towards the rear of the car, feel around and you will find a small drain, it doesn't face down, it faces towards the body.

thanks san.
i was looking towards the front of the car.
ill have a look again.

[balsalah]

Originally Posted by thstone

Two weeks ago when it rained, both of my front drains were clogged and I had about 1/2in of standing water in the battery compartment. Used compressed air to blow the junk out of the lines and all is well again!

By the way, the drivers side front drain is obscured by the brake booster, you have to really look under there to find it.

Also be careful not to push the upper lip of the rubber grommet of the drain tube down into the hole in the frame or it can be difficult to get it back up so it seals. Ask me how I know.

Its also a good time to replace the cabin air filter while your under the front covers.

I guess I need you help how did you get the upper grommet of the drain tube back up as push it all the way down is there a way to get to it anyone help will be appreciated

[linderpat]

another useful device to clear drains is stiff (larger dia) weed wacker line. It won't scratch or damage anything inside the drain hole. I don't like to run scratchy metal things inside the crevices of my cars, for fear of creating future rust points.