MALIBU What's going on G-Body peeps? I recently bought an 83' Malibu CL Wagon.

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Ribbedroof

Comic Book Super Hero
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Jan 4, 2009
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Wellston, OK
All G bodies suffer from poor sealer condition on the upper cowl by this time. It is possible that the windshield, heat/air case or cowl seams are leaking.

As far as door weatherstrips go, i was less than satisfied with the Soffseal version, when (if?) the wagon gets gone through, I'll be trying Metro's versions
 

83GWAGON

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Feb 22, 2020
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All G bodies suffer from poor sealer condition on the upper cowl by this time. It is possible that the windshield, heat/air case or cowl seams are leaking.

As far as door weatherstrips go, i was less than satisfied with the Soffseal version, when (if?) the wagon gets gone through, I'll be trying Metro's versions
How hard is it to re seal the cowl and heat/air case seams?
 

Ribbedroof

Comic Book Super Hero
Supporting Member
Jan 4, 2009
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Wellston, OK
The cowl requires (IF I recall properly) fender removal.

The HVAC case is tricky to remove in a running car, but can be done, albeit with quite a lot of other component removal. I've done mine while engine/trans are out and front sheetmetal off.

I have not personally found a leaking HVAC case seal, but I have seen others that had issues with them leaking.
 

83GWAGON

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Feb 22, 2020
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The cowl requires (IF I recall properly) fender removal.

The HVAC case is tricky to remove in a running car, but can be done, albeit with quite a lot of other component removal. I've done mine while engine/trans are out and front sheetmetal off.

I have not personally found a leaking HVAC case seal, but I have seen others that had issues with them leaking.
Thanks for the reply. Looks like I have my work cut out for me.
 

fleming442

Captain Tenneal
Dec 26, 2013
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I thought the leak occurred at the top half of the HVAC box where it meets the cowl at the base of the windshield? There's also the possibility of the drain being clogged; it's easily accessible once the top of the box is off. Pro tip: remove the hood- you can get at it much better.
 
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83GWAGON

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Feb 22, 2020
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I thought the leak occurred at the top half of the HVAC box where it meets the cowl at the base of the windshield? There's also the possibility of the drain being clogged; it's easily accessible once the top of the box is off. Pro tip: remove the hood- you can get at it much better.
tHANKS Mich.. Those are the tips I'm looking for.
 
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EdontheBeach

Master Mechanic
Feb 29, 2012
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Indian Rocks Beach, FL
That's a slick wagon, I like it!

In the past, on both my wagon and my El Camino, I've had the same issue with wipers. The El Camino was cured when I replaced the ground strap with a 12ga piece of ground wire - no problem since. The wagon would do Just as yours is doing, so I replace the ground. That worked fine until the last leg of a recent trip I took. Just like you it gave up, in the rain, at night and on the interstate. When I got back I checked everything out, but could only get it to operate at normal speed for 10-15secs at a time - no high speed and no pulse. I just replaced the whole thing, now all is well (plus a new motor is really much more quiet).

Jack is right about the vent, I had your issue myself and was very worried about the seal, because there are no more. I took mine out - very carefully - greased it up so that it would just barely move. When I got it back in I pulled it tightly closed...and keep a bat in the car for anyone who might attempt to open it!
 
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Longroof79

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Oct 14, 2008
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Gainesville, Fl
That's a slick wagon, I like it!

In the past, on both my wagon and my El Camino, I've had the same issue with wipers. The El Camino was cured when I replaced the ground strap with a 12ga piece of ground wire - no problem since. The wagon would do Just as yours is doing, so I replace the ground. That worked fine until the last leg of a recent trip I took. Just like you it gave up, in the rain, at night and on the interstate. When I got back I checked everything out, but could only get it to operate at normal speed for 10-15secs at a time - no high speed and no pulse. I just replaced the whole thing, now all is well (plus a new motor is really much more quiet).

Jack is right about the vent, I had your issue myself and was very worried about the seal, because there are no more. I took mine out - very carefully - greased it up so that it would just barely move. When I got it back in I pulled it tightly closed...and keep a bat in the car for anyone who might attempt to open it!
Ed,
Thanks for your suggestion about using a 12 ga. ground wire. I'll give that a shot. I have two wiper motors and both pretty much did the same thing. One is allegedly rebuilt, the other is a clean used one. I know the ground straps on these motors aren't the best either.
Hope everything is going well with you.
 
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