Wiper motor- water leaking into cab

Need some help. I am getting water in behind my wiper motor that is leaking into my dash. Water is coming behind the cover and in through the hole where the wiper gear enters the cab. Is there supposed to be a grommet on this hole or a gasket around the cover to prevent this? Any help is appreciated.

 

I use butyl rubber strip caulking. Works good. Leave a small gap in the bottom so any water that does get in can drain out or it can get trapped causing rust issues....

 

I put plumbers putty on the cover. Tighten it up then carefully trim the excess of.

 

Thanks guys. Was this just a poor factory design then? If using caulk/putty/etc. do I need to attach the cover right after appying? If so, what does this do to the cover/paint if I need to get it off at some point?

 

Yes, there should be a seal.

I recall my '73 had butyl caulk between the windshield frame and the cover. They sell butyl caulk at the Home Depot under the Moretite brand. Look in the window weatherstripping and sealants area.

My '75 had a bona fide gasket made of foam. The original gasket is adhesive-backed foam, cut to the shape of the cover flange. You could make something similar with a sheet of foam from McMaster-Carr, if you were so inclined. http://www.mcmaster.com/#foam-sheets/=a4c573
Or you might be able to scrounge some suitable material.

 

For those of you using the strip caulk, once you put the bead on teh cover, how long do you let it set up before putting the cover on?

@timgr- I like the foam gasket idea too, as it might look a little cleaner

 

Thanks @Patrick. How does it hold up over time with weather/temp changes? Do I need to replace it every few years?

 

Thanks everyone. I picked up the Moretite caulking. Was easy to do. We'll see how it holds up over time. I may still make a gasket at some point, as I think it will hold up better.