A/C Drain Tube
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 688
Likes: 0
From: Rye Brook, NY
A/C Drain Tube
My wife noticed it was dripping water in the passenger side footwell during a long trip. It was very hot outside and the A/C was on for hours. Since this has happened I have been watching for water inside and it has not happened so far. I do not want to fry the electronics. I did notice that after I used the A/C and parked the car water was dripping underneath the car. I do believe that this is normal. Is there anything I should be concerned about? Anything to check?
Thanks for the replies.
Adam
Thanks for the replies.
Adam
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 4
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Yes, it sounds like you have partial blockage. You need to pull the tube and make sure that it is clean, then verify the actual plastic housing is clean.
You risk mildew, damage to the blower motor, and damage to the PCM.
You risk mildew, damage to the blower motor, and damage to the PCM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Member - Medford, OR
NW Events Coordinator
Jeffvette is absolutely right. Your problem is a common one and can become a serious one. You may want to do a search on the Forum to find threads providing procedure for fixing the problem.
I had the problem a year ago and had a dealership fix it. The problem returned again a week ago and I'll be fixing (unplugging) the drain tube immediately.
Terry
I had the problem a year ago and had a dealership fix it. The problem returned again a week ago and I'll be fixing (unplugging) the drain tube immediately.
Terry
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 7
From: Kissimmee, FL
Here is some info on this - good luck!
All C5's should have the A/c drain elbow removed and the bottom end snipped off before reinstallation - all of them!! These little rubber elbows are pre-engineered to clog as they were designed with an inadequate size hole on the end - actually a slit. It is not too bad of a job. From under the car locate the elbow - just to the passenger side of center about 1/3 way up the firewall. Locating it is the hardest part - you need a good light and patience! Make sure the car is cool and wiggle the elbow off, snip off the tip and replace the elbow letting it touch the cowling (adjacent wall). I think this helps direct the drain flow. You will find these little buggers to be clogged with a white goop that will cause backup and overflow right on top of your "electronic brain" - under the passenger kick panel. Do not delay as it will happen - just as sure as there are column lock and gas gauge problems! BTW - you can do the elbow trick from the top but I found that to be the harder of the two methods because of the wire bundle that hides the elbow. Either way - just do it!
All C5's should have the A/c drain elbow removed and the bottom end snipped off before reinstallation - all of them!! These little rubber elbows are pre-engineered to clog as they were designed with an inadequate size hole on the end - actually a slit. It is not too bad of a job. From under the car locate the elbow - just to the passenger side of center about 1/3 way up the firewall. Locating it is the hardest part - you need a good light and patience! Make sure the car is cool and wiggle the elbow off, snip off the tip and replace the elbow letting it touch the cowling (adjacent wall). I think this helps direct the drain flow. You will find these little buggers to be clogged with a white goop that will cause backup and overflow right on top of your "electronic brain" - under the passenger kick panel. Do not delay as it will happen - just as sure as there are column lock and gas gauge problems! BTW - you can do the elbow trick from the top but I found that to be the harder of the two methods because of the wire bundle that hides the elbow. Either way - just do it!
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 673
Likes: 1
From: Pembroke Pines Florida
The a/c tube is located behind the passenger side cylinder head. It is very hard to see. It is a rubber tube that sticks onto a nub out of the firewall then makes a 90 degree bend downward. There are 3 other rubber tubes located behind the drivers side front tire. Remove the plastic panel in the wheelwell(lower one)to gain access. Once you remove the panel look up and you will see them. I just stuck my finger in them and pulled out the gunk.
Scott
Scott
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Member - Medford, OR
NW Events Coordinator
Originally Posted by vettatude
We should make a sticky thread about this at the start of every summer.
I'm going to contact administration to see if a special section can be created to advise members of what we have learned are manditory and necessary inspections and "fix-it's".
The column lock, AC drain, fuel tank gauge, and several other problems all seem to be a surprise to many new members and recent C5 owners.
Perhaps an area that keeps track of the number of complaints from our membership addressing common problems, with a corresponding link to a repair procedure would be a huge benefit.
Replies like jojog's and Rattler71's are great examples of what everyone needs to see to help us correct potentially serious problems, but their advice disapears much to soon....and can only be found by doing a thread search.
Terry
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I have pictures of the 90 degree drain line fitting and a shot of where it is if you view it from the top (engine compartment) and the windshield cowl drain tubes.
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The drain tubes highlighted by flashlight in fenderwell area.
There IS a forth drain hose for the Cowl drain. It is on the passengers side too.
As for the fourth UTTER, It is a L O N G black hose and you will need to pull the passengers wheel well access off to see it. It is all the way in the back against the fire wall and it is behind some of the wiring harnesses. You can take out the battery and see the tube! It is a little bit bigger in diameter than the other utters. You can NOT service it from the battery well area. All you can do us see it. You will end up finding it in the wheel well access area easier if you find it in the battery area first and have some one wiggle / move it.
I have yet to find any trash in that one but I continue to check it.
Feel free to e-mail me if you have any other questions.
bill327@msn.com
BC
[IMG]
[/IMG] [IMG]
[/IMG] [IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]The drain tubes highlighted by flashlight in fenderwell area.
There IS a forth drain hose for the Cowl drain. It is on the passengers side too.
As for the fourth UTTER, It is a L O N G black hose and you will need to pull the passengers wheel well access off to see it. It is all the way in the back against the fire wall and it is behind some of the wiring harnesses. You can take out the battery and see the tube! It is a little bit bigger in diameter than the other utters. You can NOT service it from the battery well area. All you can do us see it. You will end up finding it in the wheel well access area easier if you find it in the battery area first and have some one wiggle / move it.
I have yet to find any trash in that one but I continue to check it.
Feel free to e-mail me if you have any other questions.
bill327@msn.com
BC
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Aug 9, 2004 at 01:33 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by Rattler71
The a/c tube is located behind the passenger side cylinder head. It is very hard to see. It is a rubber tube that sticks onto a nub out of the firewall then makes a 90 degree bend downward. There are 3 other rubber tubes located behind the drivers side front tire. Remove the plastic panel in the wheelwell(lower one)to gain access. Once you remove the panel look up and you will see them. I just stuck my finger in them and pulled out the gunk.
Scott
Scott
Robert
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 673
Likes: 1
From: Pembroke Pines Florida
Originally Posted by LoneStarFRC
Just a little tip here Scott; no need to remove the access panel behind the L/F wheelwell. I have been able to easily gain access to the rubber tubes (all three of them) from the top. Just reach down and back between the power brake booster and the edge of the fender and you can easliy feel them. By squeezing each tube near the end it will open up the slit and let leaves and any other debris out. For you MN6 guys like myself, you'll be reaching down between your clutch master cylinder reservoir and the inside edge of your fender. A little less room but still able to do the job easily. There is another one of these on the passenger side but you will have to remove the access panel behind the R/F wheel to get access to it. I think there are about 8 or 10 7mm screws that must be removed. The tube is above and behind the ECM. Can't miss it once the access panel is removed. HTH
Robert
Robert
Scott
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Member - Medford, OR
NW Events Coordinator
Originally Posted by Bill Curlee
I have pictures of the 90 degree drain line fitting and a shot of where it is if you view it from the top (engine compartment) and the windshield cowl drain tubes. If you would like them please e-mail me @ bill327@msn.com
If you have digital photos of the tubes and can do a step by step photo article on how this problem is fixed, many Forum members would be indebted to you.
You could have them posted in the "Tech Tips" section by contacting Bigtoe@corvetteforum.com This would be an article we could refer members to for direction and advice. You would help a lot of people repair a potentially serious problem without going to a dealer.
If you aren't interested, perhaps another knowledgable person can step up to do a "Tech Tip". Thanks!!
Terry
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Member - Medford, OR
NW Events Coordinator
Bill,
I received your photos by e-mail....thanks!! As you mentioned, I'm sure you were swamped with requests....
We look forward to your "Tech Tips" article for a remedy. Thanks in advance for stepping up to do it.
Please make a post when the info is availabe on the Forum so we can advise people to check it out.......
Thanks!!
Terry
I received your photos by e-mail....thanks!! As you mentioned, I'm sure you were swamped with requests....
We look forward to your "Tech Tips" article for a remedy. Thanks in advance for stepping up to do it.
Please make a post when the info is availabe on the Forum so we can advise people to check it out.......
Thanks!!
Terry
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 0
From: Troy MI
For people with headers, is it normal to hear what sounds like water sizzle hitting the header after the car is parked when the AC has been on?
Is there where the tube is dumping the water? Right on the collector of the header?
Is there where the tube is dumping the water? Right on the collector of the header?
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 673
Likes: 1
From: Pembroke Pines Florida
Originally Posted by C5 Frederik
....and I thought I got it. OK back for search tomorrow.Thanks for answering anyway. I had a feeling deep in my stomach like it was the wrong tube
Frederik
There are 3 other tubes like the one you have pictured on the drivers side that you should also check.
Scott
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by spdnman
Just cut 90 degree tube and cleaned 3 drain tubes on driver side. Is there really a 4th tube on the passenger side? Does the wheel well need to come out? Thanks, Adam