Water splashes up from the wheels, hits the engine cover then slides down into the seam at the bttom of the cover. The seal on the body side really does not sto it.
In the well ehind the wheel on each side I drilled a 1/4 inch hole to drain it as water would collect in there.
My car has not been in the rain since 1986. And i do not wash it with a hose.
Dick Ruzzin