Hi all,
UK spec 1982 RHD HE. It been raining on and off last few days, when I got in my car it leaked water on my right leg from around the fuse box, putting my hand behind the dash where there is foam it was completely damp. Obviously not good, but would anyone have an idea where the water came from? It appeared to be rainwater, not coolant, or wiper fliuid. thank you!

 

I frequently see people point to the windshield as water leak sources. Under the chrome trim is cited as a high corrosion area.

 

It is coming in through the windscreen surround rubber/screen joins. Buy some bitumastic sealer (or 3M windscreen sealer) and a caulking gun, go right round the windscreen/seal join with the nozzle under the rubber squirting in loads of sealer. Clean it up after with rags soaked in white spirit.
It is also quite possible it is coming in through the seal/bodywork side of the seal as well.
If the this first stage does not stop it (good chance it will) then next is:

• CAREFULLY remove the stainless steel trim round the screen (the A pillars have self tappers under the doorseals, and from memory, at the bottom corners somewhere) otherwise it is mainly clicked into channels in the seal and stuck with gunk.
• Now repeat the bitumastic sealer round the seal/bodywork join.
• replace trim using gunk etc.

On my car I have blocked up the drain from the gutter that runs down under the A pillar inside the stainless steel trim. Just fill the opening in the roof gutter corner. This stops the otherwise excellent chance of the A pillar rusting out. And makes no difference to the roof drainage.
While you have the gunk out, seal all round the rear widow in the channel between the chrome and the bodywork, ie on top of the seal. This waterproofs the rear window perfectly and stops guastly corrosion in this area. Again, press it in with a finger running round and clean up the mess with rags and W.S.

 

Thank you. The windscreen seal is new (6months old), but I noticed it lifting a little at the top of the A pillar on the chrome trim , I also believe the sticky solvent under the chrome has broken at the windscreen sill/scuttle. This was all fitted last year as the A pillar chrome trim had been damaged by some unpleasant passerby - and apparently was a nightmare to do. Sounds like we need an another go. At least I know there is no rust! Great shout on the gutter, I will definitely do that.

 

You always need the gunk between the seal and the glass, even with a new seal.

 

I had exactly the same problem. My gasket is brand new and the glass is brand new. Apparently this is a problem with all jaguar xjs. I solved it with glass silicone. So far it hasn't leaked. Everything has to be absolutely dry and clean for it to work.