Using a pressure washer is a good idea.

I obviously failed to mention that if I'm standing in the basement, the
space is overhead. Regular concrete will only drip out before it
sets...I think. Hydraulic cement hardens much faster, I believe.

And I think foam insulation is water resistant, not water proof. But I
may fill some of the void with it so the cement has something against it
in the back.

I had another idea. To systematically use water from the garden hose to
see exactly where the water is coming from.

bonnie


"Pipedown" wrote in message
news : Like you I would start over by cleaning out as much old caulk, rotten
wood
: and decayed concrete as possible. Might even use a pressure washer
and or
: compressed air to get where you can't reach.
:
: I don't think "hydrolic cement" is necessary, this isn't underwarer
and any
: concrete or mortar will block water once cured anyway. Mortar isn't
very
: strong if you go too big, you need some aggragate for strength. Use a
: general concrete mix if you can build a form around the gap and pour
it in
: you are all set. Grout could also be used but you would need a very
tight
: form as it goes in almost like a liquid, maybe not, 3" is a bit much
for
: grout
:
: If the access is difficult and the door otherwise sturdy and firm then
you
: might fill the void with expanding foam insulation. With the nozzle
on the
: can you can inject it into some very tight spaces and it will expand
to fill
: every nitch even upward (cement will always follow gravity down and
often
: flows out of forms). If not exposed, this should last as long as a
cement
: patch. Be sure to get the right foam, some of it is for caulking
purposes
: dosen't expand much and isn't very hard after curing. Read the can,
it will
: be obvious. Best part is if you do replace the door, this stuff can
be
: pulled out easily so you can make a definative fix later. Cement will
: require some bashing at least.
:
: "bonnie" wrote in message
: ...
: There is a space between my Bilco door and the concrete foundation
that
: is about 3 inches wide. Between the door and the foundation is wood
and
: unfortunately it leaks quite a bit there. The previous owners (there
for
: 20 years) said it leaked maybe twice. Bull.
:
: I know it wasn't a definitive fix but I tried caulking above it to
: prevent the rainwater from seeping down. I can't seem to get it
right
: though. So I was thinking of cleaning it up as best I could from
: underneath and using hydraulic cement (with gloved hands). It would
: overlay surfaces made of cement, wood, and metal, in that order.
:
: I don't really like this solution because the water will continue to
rot
: the wood, even though it may not leak into the basement. But outside
of
: removing the whole Bilco assembly and part of my deck, I don't see
any
: way around it.
:
: As usual, any advise is much appreciated.
:
: thanks,
: bonnie
:
:
:
: