How to clean cowl vents

[The Slider]

How do you clean the cowl vents on an 1986 Bronco II?

Thanks!
Chaz.

 

[adsm08]

Take the access panel in the engine bay off.

 

[AdirondackRanger]

There are also two rubber flaps on both the driver and passenger side. These are held in by push darts. To get to these you'll need to remove the inner wheel wells. They're much easier to reach when the fenders are off. Up here in NY these get plugged up with all sorts of crap. Eventually the upper firewall rusts out and the water flows into the cab.

 

[The Slider]

On the Drivers side, I removed the wiper assemble access panel and WOO HOO!!!! Got it cleaned out. I guess I will remove the hater fan motor and access that side next.. There was mud and leaves STACKED blocking the vent. If the vent was THAT blocked and the water couldn't drain, where would the water be coming inside if the cowl is OK?

 

[AdirondackRanger]

Could come in at a bad/rusty seam on the firewall. Bad seal between HVAC unit and upper firewall/cowl. Also the firewall pad is held in place by rubber style push plugs.. if these are dry rotted/missing/rusted out water can get in.