Rainrail Drainage Path Maintenance

[Java Junky]

Like the subject says, I'd like to get a heddzupp on the drainage path that the water comin' off the top takes.
Our cars rough it outside 24/7 and spend most of their time under trees with the resulting little bits of flora windin' up in the rainrails n' possibly (definitely in one case) cloggin' the drains.
So I'd like to get familiar with the best way to maintain a Stewie so that this drainage path is always clear.
What's involved?
Thanx n' be well.

[ngan]

My rain drainage path seems clogged, car parts under tree with bugs and crap, now after rain I hear water slushing around when I break, after heavy or long period of rain when I accelerate water squirts in from the passenger rail on top of the window, cannot find the exit port for the drainage system on the right side, anyone know where it is or how best to flush out the system?

Elton

[jagg]

some insight on the roof drainage system.
it consists of a drain tank, a lower drain hose, and a drain valve at the end of the hose. access to the tank and hose only comes via removal of the convertible top. so, i'm thinking you've gotta work from the bottom up. if you're lucky, the valve will be partially blocked at the end of the system, and it should be able to be cleaned. otherwise, it looks like a time intensive repair. i'm going to take a peek at mine, and report back.
jagg.

[Java Junky]

Thanks Jagg. I'd initially asked the question in advance: we're always parked under a slew'a oaks n' maples n' that'd done a number on the drainage systems in both my daughter and Mrs. Javas Miatas. As I'd jus' completed the operation on both of them, I figured that it was only a matter of time before Stewie fell victim to the same problem.
But, like so many other things, as it didn't involve impendin' doom, it got pushed aside to deal with things that did.
So your info's appreciated.
I'm assumin' here, but the actual drain ports from the top well, are they down along the main pivot for the top, right behind the door posts?
'Really do appreciate the info, 'cause like I said, if not today, then soon.
How you makin' out Elton?
Be well.
Java

[jagg]

ok guys, this is what i've got.

the main drains are underneath the car, just ahead and slightly inside the front inside edge of the rear tires. (one on each side).
i can't put an eyeball on the inlets on the topside, but they are located at the top of the rear side of the door jamb. you can see the water channel (roof up) heading directly into this location. access looks difficult, but you may be able to fish something down into the drain to try and clear it. but i believe this is only access to the drain tank, and not helping you if the blockage is beyond it.
BUT-- elton, your sloshing sound would indicate to me that the holding tank wasn't draining fast enough, so you might have better luck going from the bottom upwards. (you're not finding water in the bottom of the trunk or anything, right? if that's the case , i might be giving you bad advice.)
i see lots of places on this car that are designed to direct water away from places it shouldn't be. it's a great design. take a good look around the gaskets for the roof and deck lid to make sure everything looks normal. (could be something pinched/crooked elsewhere)

i hope this helps you out, i'm sorry i couldn't come up with anything more definitive, but a good old common sense approach is usually the best way to tackle these oddball issues. best of luck!! jagg

[truckdude]

Originally Posted by Java Junky

Thanks Jagg. I'd initially asked the question in advance: we're always parked under a slew'a oaks n' maples n' that'd done a number on the drainage systems in both my daughter and Mrs. Javas Miatas. As I'd jus' completed the operation on both of them, I figured that it was only a matter of time before Stewie fell victim to the same problem.
But, like so many other things, as it didn't involve impendin' doom, it got pushed aside to deal with things that did.
So your info's appreciated.
I'm assumin' here, but the actual drain ports from the top well, are they down along the main pivot for the top, right behind the door posts?
'Really do appreciate the info, 'cause like I said, if not today, then soon.
How you makin' out Elton?
Be well.
Java

On my almost 20 year old Miata, I used a long thin engine cleaning brush to clean the drains from the bottom. I imagine the same thing would work on an S2000 except I don't think my M1 has a holding tank. Even though the Miata has slept indoors most of its life, a bunch of crud came out that could have caused a rust issue.