Clearing out hood vents

[FordPrefect]

We've had about a solid week of non-stop rain, and as a consequence, my baby got a good soaking. This typically isn't a huge deal for her, but there are some sort of vents in front of the windshield (right where the hood hinges are) that got entirely filled up with water.

When I took her out today to enjoy the recent sunny weather, tons of water sloshed down on my feet and under the glove box, the event which clued me in to this unfortunate situation.

I figure there is supposed to be drain holes somewhere? It's not readily accessible, but if anyone knows where I ought to poke around with a wire (or failing that, knows a safe draino-ish solution that wont eat all the way down through my transmission like blood from Aliens) to clear it up, let me know. (The water that didn't find its way into the interior I got out by taking corners in a 'sporty' manner, but there is still a puddle left I'm sure is rapidly eating away my rust.)

I reckon there are a few leaves, screws, and other rubbish in those vents, but short of pouring gas in there and burning decades of gunk out, I have no idea how to clean that out without major surgery on this thing.

[azruss]

are we talking a spider here? hinges are down by the grill. What i suspect you mean is the fresh air intake in front of the windshield took in water. Pop the hood and look at the firewall. you will find 2 drain holes for that area. has 2 rubber flapper-thingy that get clogged with forest debris. can use you fingers to open it up and let it drain out into the engine compartment.

[manoa matt]

Once you pop the hood you will see 6 philips head screws that secure the cowl panel. Remove those and gently slide the panel forward. Lift the rear edges and tilt it forward. You will then see the "bathtub" and it will then be clear what needs to be done.

[FordPrefect]

That did the trick! Thanks guys.