Unblocking drains DEFINITIVE THREAD

[steamship]

Regarding the aircon drains (the orange ones), check out the following page for a detailed set of instructions, including photos. There are also photos of the drains in the plenum chamber and wheel arch.

http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articl...tordrains.html

I've also added that link into my previous response above.

Extreme care should be taken with the sunroof drains especially if using an airline in them.

[HPsauce]

BUT remember the Audipages are for Left Hand drive.
The transmission tunnel trim fixings are NOT exactly mirrored in RHD cars.

And as I think both Sean and I have noted above, it's just as easy to take the orange drain units out completely, clean them thoroughly, trim the ends (optional) and reinsert.
A garage may prefer the air line option though.

[strummagnet]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

BUT remember the Audipages are for Left Hand drive.
The transmission tunnel trim fixings are NOT exactly mirrored in RHD cars.

And as I think both Sean and I have noted above, it's just as easy to take the orange drain units out completely, clean them thoroughly, trim the ends (optional) and reinsert.
A garage may prefer the air line option though.

Just jumping in here: I found the easiest way to clear the plenum drains was from the side (under the wheel arch) and from below by removing the flexible 'cross cap' and using a drain cleaner: https://www.screwfix.com/p/rothenber...il-1-32m/65766

As for the orange AC drains, I ended up using a hole cutter and cutting out a hole in the tunnel panel adjacent to the drain position for ease of access. I get away with it as the trim is black and you can only see the access point if you crouch down at the door. I also trimmed the ends... seems over-engineered to me.

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by strummagnet

Just jumping in here: I found the easiest way to clear the plenum drains was from the side (under the wheel arch) and from below by removing the flexible 'cross cap' and using a drain cleaner: https://www.screwfix.com/p/rothenber...il-1-32m/65766

Are you sure that wasn't the front aircon drains? Or the little high-level drains under the bonnet near the wings, often just opened up totally.

[strummagnet]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Are you sure that wasn't the front aircon drains? Or the little high-level drains under the bonnet near the wings, often just opened up totally.

No, its the big plenum drain. As attached (unless I am getting in a twist). You can get to it through a panel high up under the wheel arch and also from below (with a bit of jiggling). Bear in mind mine is a V6 2.8 motor so maybe it is different with you 'bigger boys'?

[johnny_quattro]

Here's a photo of the plenum drains, which was taken when my gearbox was 'poorly'. It seems rather popular on Google Photos for some reason.

[Green Goblin]

Originally Posted by steamship

7. Small drains under bonnet, either side close to the wing panels.
- About two inches long and exit at the back of the wheel arch. Location and image as follows:

Where exactly are these? I just can’t see them
Do I have to remove anything to see them?

I just wanna grab them and pull them out!!

Incidentally, i have the car back and supposedly the drains are all clear now.
But i wanna AT LEAST be able to see where those rubber teats above are because i sure as hell can’t find them...

[The_Laird]

They are high up in the wheel arch, towards the rear of the arch. If you put the car on full lock and get a decent torch, you’ll see them easily. Unless, of course, they’ve already been removed - but then you can see the hole. No need to remove anything.

[steamship]

Originally Posted by Green Goblin

Where exactly are these?

If you check the link I provided in post #11 above and search for the term 'Checking the Engine Compartment Drains', the next two photos show exactly where they.

EDIT: Better still, here's the photo:

[Audifan]

Originally Posted by steamship

List of drains and water ingress points (please copy and add/expand/explain):
3. Sunroof drains
- Four in total, one at each corner of sunroof frame. Plastic tubing is very pliable so extreme care when cleaning these out. Front ones exit at the base of the A-pillar (you can see them when you open the door), and the rear ones exit just in front of the back wheel. Illustration of layout as follows:

Who is the idiot that decided it is a good idea to have the front sunroof drains above the door hinge?! For a premium luxury car that was a STUPID idea!

Any tips on clearing out the rear sunroof drains if you don't have shop air to blow the lines clear?