Cowling drain access.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: WA
Cowling drain access.
I am suspecting that the drain areas for my cowling are clogged on my '78 F150. At first look, I don't see any obvious access to clear them out. I tried to search the forum for info, but didn't find anything helpful. Can anyone point me to the info or give be an idea on how to go about clearing the drainage?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Ken
Thanks in advance for your help.
Ken
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,073
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I don't believe they ever had drain holes.This has been discussed previously.It seems making sure the debris is dry.Then take a long/thin blow gun to it.Keep working it till u get tired or it's cleaned out 
AND while ur there chk ur winshield squirters.If u can't get fluid to ur winshield and the reservoirs pumps making noise put a little air through ur hoses
AND while ur there chk ur winshield squirters.If u can't get fluid to ur winshield and the reservoirs pumps making noise put a little air through ur hoses
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: Aubrey,TX north of Dallas
One thing you can do is if your truck has a factory air box, on the inside passenger kick panel, where the air box is with the flap door, remove this box like you would if you was going to change out your heater core(this is a good time to go ahead and do it if you haven't yet), pull the box away and you will see an opening in the side of the cab. This is where the fresh air comes from and its directly linked to the cowl, I did this on my 79, so thats how I know, this opening is a large pocket and it was full of old leaves, sticks, and compost. Have a shop vac ready or you can stick your hand down in it like I did and scoop out the junk. I believe there is a drainage hole at the bottom, but think it was plugged up. Hope this helps
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 479
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From: Sonoma, CA
On my '76 there are drains so to speak. They are hidden by the inner fender well liner that I do not have so it was easier to find them. I put water in the top and saw where it came out on the bottom. I think I used an old toothbrush or stick to assist with all the leaves and stuff up in there and kept blasting water down to flush everything out so they flow freely now. The are square shaped IIRC. Check it out, you'll find them.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,760
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From: Gadsden Purchase
Yeah, what Trac said. :)
Does this help any?
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/F100rust.jpg
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/F100rust1.jpg (new version:)
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/F100rust2.jpg
I'm going to get out there and vacuum out those two boxes right now. LOL :)
Alvin in AZ
Does this help any?
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/F100rust.jpg
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/F100rust1.jpg (new version:)
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/F100rust2.jpg
I'm going to get out there and vacuum out those two boxes right now. LOL :)
Alvin in AZ
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,593
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From: Prairieville, La
I actually cut a hole in the bottom on each side large enough to stick my hand in. I have no problems with the cowl anymore. I figured that it would eventually rot anyway so why not make it accessible.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Halifx Pa
Thanks for the info, now seeing that makes me want to get at mine! Looks like a nice pile of compost you got going there ALVIN!
Watch out for the horny toads, one might be in there!!
Watch out for the horny toads, one might be in there!!
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,398
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From: Hesperia, CA
I had to laugh when I saw that mess Alvin. Mine was the same except after living in the mountains for thirty years it was full of pine needles.
I am not sure about cutting the bottoms out. You might get a lot of water blown up into the cab when fording those streams.
I am not sure about cutting the bottoms out. You might get a lot of water blown up into the cab when fording those streams.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,238
Likes: 21
From: Northern Illinois
Take a garden hose and spray up in there. The hole is plenty big enough to wash whatever got in the cowl vents out.
It's easier Chad but you can still get at it. My picture is looking at it from the bottom with the fender removed.
It's easier Chad but you can still get at it. My picture is looking at it from the bottom with the fender removed.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,760
Likes: 8
From: Gadsden Purchase
Like Ranger said there's a drain in 'em and two other ports too. :)
From the outside...
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/F100rust3.jpg
From the inside...
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/F100rust2.jpg
They really are a sore spot, even my '75 F150 has some rust
at the bottom of those dangged things. :/
Alvin in AZ
From the outside...
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/F100rust3.jpg
From the inside...
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/F100rust2.jpg
They really are a sore spot, even my '75 F150 has some rust
at the bottom of those dangged things. :/
Alvin in AZ
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