Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Small water leak at top of windshield? when it rains
| Small water leak at top of windshield? when it rains [message #117981] |
Tue, 08 March 2011 09:23  |
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Tom Fort
Messages: 51
Registered: January 2004
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I can't find the source. I've tried to seal everything on the roof ie. lights, antennae. I put a bucket on the floor under the leak and after a good rain I'll get an inch or more of water every time. The leak appears to only come through at one particular spot about 24 inches from center on the passenger side at the top. Suggestions appreciated.
Tom Fort, KA4KGR
73 Painted Desert, Family owned Since 1973
Lugoff, SC
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| Re: Small water leak at top of windshield? when it rains [message #118046 is a reply to message #117981] |
Tue, 08 March 2011 14:52  |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
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I don't think you'll get enough volume from an air compressor. You can rent the blowers from most rental outfits.
It's been my experience that the entry point and the leaking points may be quite far apart. I had a similar situation on my front windshield, and I used a bead of RTV sealant along the top of the rubber windshield surround that seemed to cure my leak.
I'm wondering if replacing the rubber mounting surround when the windshield is being replaced in the future would also help reduce leaks as the new rubber should seal better than the old, harder rubber.
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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| Re: Small water leak at top of windshield? when it rains [message #118048 is a reply to message #117981] |
Tue, 08 March 2011 15:15 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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| Tom Fort wrote on Tue, 08 March 2011 08:23 |
I can't find the source. I've tried to seal everything on the roof ie. lights, antennae. I put a bucket on the floor under the leak and after a good rain I'll get an inch or more of water every time. The leak appears to only come through at one particular spot about 24 inches from center on the passenger side at the top. Suggestions appreciated.
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I vaguely remember that this is a known issue that many people have struggled to find--I just can't recall what or where the actual entry point is.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Small water leak at top of windshield? when it rains [message #118049 is a reply to message #118046] |
Tue, 08 March 2011 15:19 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Tom, what I have seen people use is a squirrel cage blower similar to the
ones used to advertise businesses and take many forms from hot air balloons
to maniquins to Snowmen. These blowers have attatched to them a piece of
flex hose. What the GMCers do is make a cardboard or other similar material
end for the flex hose and open one of the slider windows and attatch the end
of the hose to the coach with duct tape so that all the air blows into the
coach. If you have roof vents, those should be blocked as well as the stove
and AC. Bubble liquids like kids use to blow bubbles with or a mixture of
dishwashing liquid & water is then applied to the roof seams and around the
clearance lights or anywhere there is a penetration through the room. On my
coach, the winegard bat wing antenna proved to be a problem as well as the
factory bathroom vent fan and clearance lights and end cap seams. The whole
top of the coach was covered in bubbles. Where air leaks out, water leaks
in. Quit impressive & cheap though labor intensive to correct. Be careful on
the ladders and the top of a slippery coach.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC Royale 403
On Tue, Mar 8, 2011 at 12:52 PM, George Rudawsky <GeorgeRud@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> I don't think you'll get enough volume from an air compressor. You can
> rent the blowers from most rental outfits.
>
> It's been my experience that the entry point and the leaking points may be
> quite far apart. I had a similar situation on my front windshield, and I
> used a bead of RTV sealant along the top of the rubber windshield surround
> that seemed to cure my leak.
> I'm wondering if replacing the rubber mounting surround when the windshield
> is being replaced in the future would also help reduce leaks as the new
> rubber should seal better than the old, harder rubber.
> --
> George Rudawsky
> Chicago, IL
> 75 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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| Re: [GMCnet] Small water leak at top of windshield? when it rains [message #118051 is a reply to message #118049] |
Tue, 08 March 2011 15:42 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Jim,
My Winegard bat wing antenna has a slight leak too. What was the fix for this?
Thanks,
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: Small water leak at top of windshield? when it rains [message #118056 is a reply to message #118041] |
Tue, 08 March 2011 15:54 |
jhb1
Messages: 303
Registered: February 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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HI
I have done it using the roof and dash air it will find the leaks unless you have a door open you only need a slight amount of pressure differential to find the leak as you are only concerned about the front windsheild area this should be enuff. I had a similar leak it turn out to be the sealant aroound the windsheild gasket. The gasket shrank over the years and tore away from the sealant. Clean out all the old sealant replaced it with new polyurethane made for sealing glass no leaks since
HTH
John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010, FITech
Montreal Qc.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Small water leak at top of windshield? when it rains [message #118078 is a reply to message #118069] |
Tue, 08 March 2011 17:07 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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Some how I lost the part of the thread that asked about the Batwing antenna.
My coach leaked there very badly. I took it apart to investigate and found
that the aluminum base plate that mounts against the coach roofskin did not
have the same contour as the coach. Gaps were present that allowed water to
enter between the plate and the skin. I figured that all would be required
to fix it would be to remove it by drilling out the pop rivets, pulling off
the plate and antenna assembly, cleaning up the old sealant and replacing
it. I did this with my usual anal attention to miniscule detail, and when I
water tested it, it leaked as before. Since I knew that I had fixed the
suspected leaking area, I was forced to investigate further. What I found
was that there is a raised ring in the casting that was supposed to prevent
water from leaking around the mechanism, through the center shaft and into
the coach ceiling where it gravity carried it usually to the passenger side
where it dripped onto the co pilot seat back. Of all the places where the
roof can leak, this is one of the worst as it is right down your co pilot's
neck, sure to illicit a negative response and ensuing demands that this leak
be stopped forthwith. There is no o ring, gasket or other slinger or
deflector present in the batwing that was on my coach. Because of the
changeover to digital TV, I just removed the guilty ugly thing, made a plate
out of .080" aluminum the same size and shape as the batwing base and
replaced the whole antenna. I have a tool set that will rivet blindnuts into
sheetmetal and replaced the pop rivets with nuts and stainless steel screws
with sealant washers under the heads. That sucker don't leak now and no
complaints are forthcoming from the co pilot seat, which by the way is
occupied by Mary's dog, a papion female. She announced that since Mary has
passed away that the seat is now hers. <Grin>
On Tue, Mar 8, 2011 at 2:40 PM, John R. Lebetski <gransport@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> I don't think roof air produces any differential as it is 100% recirc.
> Check the markerlights. These love to leak and as they are higher could be
> the source.
> --
> John Lebetski
> Chicago, IL
> 77 Eleganza II
> _______________________________________________
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| Re: [GMCnet] Small water leak at top of windshield? when it rains [message #118081 is a reply to message #118078] |
Tue, 08 March 2011 17:23 |
Terrance Boyd
Messages: 38
Registered: October 2008
Karma: 0
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I had a leak on the passenger side also. Mine turned out to be the seam
where the roof cap over laps just ABOVE the
windshield seal, on the edge of the metal. On mine it looked like a line,
but with very little effort a hacksaw blade would slip in the seem. Once it
was sealed-no more leak.
Terry
On Tue, Mar 8, 2011 at 4:07 PM, James Hupy <jamesh1296@gmail.com> wrote:
> Some how I lost the part of the thread that asked about the Batwing
> antenna.
> My coach leaked there very badly. I took it apart to investigate and found
> that the aluminum base plate that mounts against the coach roofskin did not
> have the same contour as the coach. Gaps were present that allowed water to
> enter between the plate and the skin. I figured that all would be required
> to fix it would be to remove it by drilling out the pop rivets, pulling off
> the plate and antenna assembly, cleaning up the old sealant and replacing
> it. I did this with my usual anal attention to miniscule detail, and when I
> water tested it, it leaked as before. Since I knew that I had fixed the
> suspected leaking area, I was forced to investigate further. What I found
> was that there is a raised ring in the casting that was supposed to prevent
> water from leaking around the mechanism, through the center shaft and into
> the coach ceiling where it gravity carried it usually to the passenger side
> where it dripped onto the co pilot seat back. Of all the places where the
> roof can leak, this is one of the worst as it is right down your co pilot's
> neck, sure to illicit a negative response and ensuing demands that this
> leak
> be stopped forthwith. There is no o ring, gasket or other slinger or
> deflector present in the batwing that was on my coach. Because of the
> changeover to digital TV, I just removed the guilty ugly thing, made a
> plate
> out of .080" aluminum the same size and shape as the batwing base and
> replaced the whole antenna. I have a tool set that will rivet blindnuts
> into
> sheetmetal and replaced the pop rivets with nuts and stainless steel screws
> with sealant washers under the heads. That sucker don't leak now and no
> complaints are forthcoming from the co pilot seat, which by the way is
> occupied by Mary's dog, a papion female. She announced that since Mary has
> passed away that the seat is now hers. <Grin>
>
> On Tue, Mar 8, 2011 at 2:40 PM, John R. Lebetski <gransport@aol.com>
> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > I don't think roof air produces any differential as it is 100% recirc.
> > Check the markerlights. These love to leak and as they are higher could
> be
> > the source.
> > --
> > John Lebetski
> > Chicago, IL
> > 77 Eleganza II
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >
> _______________________________________________
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| Re: [GMCnet] Small water leak at top of windshield? when it rains [message #118102 is a reply to message #118078] |
Tue, 08 March 2011 19:25 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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| James Hupy wrote on Tue, 08 March 2011 16:07 |
Some how I lost the part of the thread that asked about the Batwing antenna.
My coach leaked there very badly. I took it apart to investigate and found
that the aluminum base plate that mounts against the coach roofskin did not
have the same contour as the coach. Gaps were present that allowed water to
enter between the plate and the skin. I figured that all would be required
to fix it would be to remove it by drilling out the pop rivets, pulling off
the plate and antenna assembly, cleaning up the old sealant and replacing
it. I did this with my usual anal attention to miniscule detail, and when I
water tested it, it leaked as before. Since I knew that I had fixed the
suspected leaking area, I was forced to investigate further. What I found
was that there is a raised ring in the casting that was supposed to prevent
water from leaking around the mechanism, through the center shaft and into
the coach ceiling where it gravity carried it usually to the passenger side
where it dripped onto the co pilot seat back. Of all the places where the
roof can leak, this is one of the worst as it is right down your co pilot's
neck, sure to illicit a negative response and ensuing demands that this leak
be stopped forthwith. There is no o ring, gasket or other slinger or
deflector present in the batwing that was on my coach. Because of the
changeover to digital TV, I just removed the guilty ugly thing, made a plate
out of .080" aluminum the same size and shape as the batwing base and
replaced the whole antenna. I have a tool set that will rivet blindnuts into
sheetmetal and replaced the pop rivets with nuts and stainless steel screws
with sealant washers under the heads. That sucker don't leak now and no
complaints are forthcoming from the co pilot seat, which by the way is
occupied by Mary's dog, a papion female. She announced that since Mary has
passed away that the seat is now hers. <Grin>
On Tue, Mar 8, 2011 at 2:40 PM, John R. Lebetski <gransport@aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> I don't think roof air produces any differential as it is 100% recirc.
> Check the markerlights. These love to leak and as they are higher could be
> the source.
> --
> John Lebetski
> Chicago, IL
> 77 Eleganza II
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Thanks Jim,
I have a very small leak from the crank area of the bat-wing on the inside of the coach. Just a drip every once in a while. I was hoping there was some sort of O-ring or seal on the mechanism on the roof. I still use that antenna on occasion, so I am reluctant to remove it. It drips on my table and is only a minor annoyance. I guess I'll just put a towel on the table and put up with it.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: Small water leak at top of windshield? when it rains [message #118111 is a reply to message #117981] |
Tue, 08 March 2011 20:32 |
Dr. Detroit
Messages: 158
Registered: April 2010
Location: Novi, MI.
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| Tom Fort wrote on Tue, 08 March 2011 09:23 |
I can't find the source. I've tried to seal everything on the roof ie. lights, antennae. I put a bucket on the floor under the leak and after a good rain I'll get an inch or more of water every time. The leak appears to only come through at one particular spot about 24 inches from center on the passenger side at the top. Suggestions appreciated.
|
Tom,
My 73 had a leak at the top of the windshield on the passenger side too. It would drip on the floor right about where the passengers left foot would be.
It was a hole about the size of a ballpoint pen tip. I don't remember if there was a seam there or if it was a pinhole/flaw in the panel.
I ended up having to pull the rubber seal away from the body and then fix it with a seam sealer.
Ken
1973 GMC 23'
All Birch and Maple Interior Cabinetry. TZE033V100221
"The Honeycomb Hideout"
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| Re: Small water leak at top of windshield? when it rains [message #118164 is a reply to message #118000] |
Wed, 09 March 2011 03:59 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| pbrownsd wrote on Tue, 08 March 2011 08:56 |
The most ingenious method I've seen is to pressurize the cabin with a squirrel type blower and soap down the exterior. Then look for the bubbling air leaks.
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Keep in mind not all bubble blowing spots are water leaking spots. Kelvin says it under this picture:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=8059
"Did find many others [leaks], but most of them weren't "actual" leaks. They'd blow bubbles given internal pressure, but water would never be able to follow the path to the inside."
But... Leaking water or not, if you fix it so no air comes out, no water should be able to get in!
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: Small water leak at top of windshield? when it rains [message #118166 is a reply to message #117981] |
Wed, 09 March 2011 05:43 |
Rodney Hamilton
Messages: 24
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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I had a similar leak, in my case you could slide the windshield gasket up and down enough to expose the unevenly cutout for the window. I pushed the gasket up and caulked it in place with 3M either 4200 or 5200.
JWID
| Tom Fort wrote on Tue, 08 March 2011 10:23 |
I can't find the source. I've tried to seal everything on the roof ie. lights, antennae. I put a bucket on the floor under the leak and after a good rain I'll get an inch or more of water every time. The leak appears to only come through at one particular spot about 24 inches from center on the passenger side at the top. Suggestions appreciated.
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Rodney Hamilton
Late 76 PB, 455
Montreal Canada
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| Re: [GMCnet] Small water leak at top of windshield? when it rains [message #118300 is a reply to message #118166] |
Thu, 10 March 2011 08:47 |
Douglas Norton
Messages: 191
Registered: April 2008
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I used Koolaid to isolate my leak. I put red Koolaid powder on and just above the window seal. I expected that if it dripped clear it came from somewhere else. It dripped pink. Since I used red Koolaid I suspected the leak at least came from the window seal. I used the hose to clean it off as soon as I had the culprit cornered.
--- On Wed, 3/9/11, Rodney Hamilton <rodney.hamilton@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Rodney Hamilton <rodney.hamilton@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Small water leak at top of windshield? when it rains
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2011, 3:43 AM
I had a similar leak, in my case you could slide the windshield gasket up and down enough to expose the unevenly cutout for the window. I pushed the gasket up and caulked it in place with 3M either 4200 or 5200.
JWID
Tom Fort wrote on Tue, 08 March 2011 10:23
> I can't find the source. I've tried to seal everything on the roof ie. lights, antennae. I put a bucket on the floor under the leak and after a good rain I'll get an inch or more of water every time. The leak appears to only come through at one particular spot about 24 inches from center on the passenger side at the top. Suggestions appreciated.
--
Rodney Hamilton
Late 76 PB, 455
Montreal Canada
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