96 Corolla -rain water on engine drive belts

[uptownwest]

I hope one of you can help me . I have a 96 Corolla with A/C & Auto Trans, 1.6L engine. Every time I drive it in the rain water gets into / onto the drive belts ( PS, AC, & Altern belts) You can see the water tracks on the under side of the hood when you open it. Any one have this problem ? Its done this since it was new. I think , maybe the the knock out holes from the factory are to big or something like that is going on. The hood seals are all like new and I always use silocone to help preserve them. Thanks , and I am looking forward to your ideas. Dan.

[thespud]

uptownwest,
Im not sure i can help you as to why this happens, but i feel your pain. I Also own a Corolla of the same model ('94-'98 AE101/102), mine is a 1995 Hatch. I live in Rural Western Australia and have to travel on many dirt roads each week to get where i need to go and have the problem of dirt and mud leaving streaks on the right hand inside of the bonnet.

I am unsure of what has been causing this, however i do know that it has been doing it since new. I am asuming that its just a design flaw in the Corollas of that model, however you could try using some rubber grommits, simaler to those used in the boot, and see if that helps. My only answer though, is just to keep it clean and dry wherever possible to avoid any corrosion of the belts and internals. I have not had any problems with rust or corrosion of any sort, however i am just waiting for the inevitable.

Hope this helps,
Spud.

[4Aaron GE]

You should be fine. Unless it's raining sulphuric acid in Jersey, the rainwater shouldn't damage the belts too badly. After my bro did the GZE swap into his car, he went around with just a hole in the hood where the hoodscoop was supposed to go. It rained hard the first week. It was fine for several years.