Water Test

FIG. 1 - LEAK SOURCES INSIDE VEHICLE:

FIG. 2 - HARD TO SEE AREAS:

FIG. 3:

The next diagnostic step is the water test which should be performed with two men for best results. One man sprays while the second man checks for leak sources inside the vehicle (Fig. 1).

Use a water pressure of 27 to 42 psi (2 to 3 bars) and spray the vehicle with a standard garden hose nozzle. A flashlight and mirror should be used to inspect hard to see areas (Fig. 2). Light reflecting on the mirror will brighten dark areas considerably.


Water Test Methods

The method of spraying the vehicle is important for effective diagnosis. Random spraying may miss the actual leak source. Spray pattern must be thorough and methodical as shown in Figure 3.
Start at the lowest part of the vehicle and work your way upward through each of the spray zones (Fig. 3).

FIG. 4 - SPRAY METHODS FOR THE VARIOUS ZONES:

NOTE: Removing accumulated mud and dirt from the wheelhouse areas will make visual inspection of these areas easier.

Recommended spray methods for the body spray zones are illustrated in Figure 4.

Diagnosis Tips

^ Water leaks are traced in a reverse direction (e.g. from the wet area back to the source).

^ Use the zone spray method (Fig. 3 and 4). Start at the bottom of the vehicle and work your way upward. This method allows you to eliminate each potential leak area in stages.

^ Do not assume that a water leak has only one source. A single water leak may have as many as three sources.

^ Seal each leak source as soon as it is located and respray the same zone. This checks the repair and will reveal any further leak sources in that zone.

^ Do not apply the water stream directly against window seams or fresh air vents. This may create temporary and false leaks that can hinder accurate diagnosis.