I've read a number of the posts on this subject already. I have a 2007 Millard Endeavor that I've had the front window out twice already to try to on top of a water leak. I am now considering fitting a tarp on a sail rail above the window and pulling it down over the window and front boot.
I am concerned about abrasion of the paintwork when traveling and mildew while stored outdoors. Looking for recommendations on material suitable and any other things I should consider or experiences with this sort of fix.
Tried Talcum in the boot, even got inside while wife hosed.
Have seen water drip from the winding (opening) mechanism, but also get water on the other side of window when none on the winder side. The external rivets on the mechanism appear to be sealed. Have water staining/mold of the cardboard wall panel down each side of the window. but not anywhere above.
Will try Talc tomorrow.
Possum -Explain how to use Rekits??
Re your sealing method. Are you using the foam strips that caravan manufacturers use. Or in your situation I would go around the window (external) with Silicon, this will make sure there are no leaks, but a real pain if you need to take the window out again.
I did a front boot on a friends van that was leaking and Silicon all around fixed the leak.
With all due respects to the previous replies Willdoe has asked a simple question and the remedies suggested would be unknown to most of our readers.
Would Barboots and Posuum3 mind explaining how the talcum powder and Reckitts blue ideas work for the uninformed.
I was put onto talcum power as a method of finding an intermittent leak into the boot of a car I had restored. I didn't really want to make a mess, but I was going mad over the problem. Begrudgingly, I dusted the entire inside of the boot with talcum power as I had been directed. One week later I was rewarded with a very clear trail in the white dust, originating from the side of the recently reinstalled rear window... which "couldn't be the source of the leak" according to the windscreen fitter. Once the glass was removed, everything cleaned and re-installed the leak was gone.
Hi Willdoe, It is a fact that front windows are prone to leaking hence my last van was made without a front window.With regard to the boot leaking..usually most manufacturers place a sticker inside the boot which reads..This is not a waterproof locker. Enough said, but the best thing to do is to put a sail track above the front window and have your local Auto trimmer or canvas worker make up a vinyl cover that will cover the front of the van including the window and the boot. This is secured with elastic ute tonneau ties. It makes a nice tight fit and guaranteed not to leak or scuff panelwork. Probably about $150 would see the job out. I had the local motor trimmer make me a cover for my boot at $75.All I had to do was buy and fit the track and the retainers for the tiedowns.
In your case the front of the van being covered will protect it from stone hits which normally come from vehicles passing from the opposite direction as well as doubling as a permanent water repellant whilst travelling.
Malken, by putting a colouring agent into water the Trail of water ingress leaves a blue line - Put Blue into a watering can full of water (remove sprinkler rose from watering can) and pour over the window and seals - You should see the path of blue a lot easier than clear water additionally it leaves a blue trail.
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
Thanks for replies. Today I have organised a vinyl cover with a local trimmer and it should be finished tomorrow. She has offered to work with me and make any adjustments if required. I have picked up a length of sail track and will fit it tomorrow and will post costs when job complete. I will still pursue locating the leaks.
Well I fitted a Sailrail 30cm above the window and the vinyl cover that covers the window and boot. Yesterday we had 30mm of rain and lo and behold there is still water dripping from the window tilt mechanism. When I lifted the vinyl cover the van didn't appear to be wet beneath.
Today I sealed the clearance lights which are above but well to the side of the window. We are starting to get a bit of drizzle now and hopefully a good downpour to test it.
Next option is a reseal around the skylight and perhaps a complete roof reseal.
I find the best way to find leaks is use soapy water spray to the outside of the area that leaks. One person on the outside and one on the inside .Then blow air to the inside areas ,you will soon see the bubbles on the outside where it leaks ,Don't have to use excessive pressure with air.
Have you tried front clearance lights, this is a very common fault as most manufacturers don't
put enough silicon where the wires come thru and it's surprising where that water can travel.
Darryl, Yes I did the clearance lights as mentioned in my last reply post. The wires were sealed well so I put sealant around the screw holes. We had 5mm of gentle rain today and no leaks we will see when we get a solid downpour or it is raining while traveling.
Vinyl tarp cost $135 with sail track and 4 bungee straps attached and the sail rail $7.
Gary not sure your suggestion will work in my situation but will try it if the tarp doesn't work.
