Leaking Windows
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Orem Utah
Leaking Windows
Hey guys,
I am having an issue on an 88 that is leaking down from the top near where the corner of the windshield comes to a point with the roof, and and where the windows roll up to. It seems to leak down the inside of the pillar and then drips onto the door or the runner that is right next to the door. It does this on both sides. I have had the windshield recently replaced as the shop thought this was the cause of the leaks initially. However this has gotten worse since the replacement. It isnt leaking in the back so it doesn't seem to be related to the seal that the window rolls up into.
I have been looking around here, and unfortunately I haven't been able to find a good thread on how to track down and resolve this issue.
If some pictures of how the weatherstripping/seals are installed and where I see it leaking in at will help please let me know and I will go out and get some.
I am having an issue on an 88 that is leaking down from the top near where the corner of the windshield comes to a point with the roof, and and where the windows roll up to. It seems to leak down the inside of the pillar and then drips onto the door or the runner that is right next to the door. It does this on both sides. I have had the windshield recently replaced as the shop thought this was the cause of the leaks initially. However this has gotten worse since the replacement. It isnt leaking in the back so it doesn't seem to be related to the seal that the window rolls up into.
I have been looking around here, and unfortunately I haven't been able to find a good thread on how to track down and resolve this issue.
If some pictures of how the weatherstripping/seals are installed and where I see it leaking in at will help please let me know and I will go out and get some.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 459
Likes: 2
From: Hawaii
Get some Di-electric grease and apply to all of your weatherstripping. This will lube the seals and make them more air tight from the rain. I had the same problem with my roof, in the same spot your's is leaking from. Good luck.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 1
From: La Grange IL
could it be your window alignment brackets are worn broken?
Normally this leaks near the a pillar part of the window, but check for play in your glass since you had the leak previously. If you can move your window when up and stop the leak, chances are it is not the weatherstripping.
1st Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: PA
I was wondering how it turned out I have the same problem..
I took mine to the GMC Dealer and they greased it and the leak moved
so I dont think mine is the weather stripping either. I have a removeable roof, I was wondering if you did get it figured out?
I am going have my friend help me reseat the roof and grease it again.
Its so disappointing not being able to drive it.
Thanks
so I dont think mine is the weather stripping either. I have a removeable roof, I was wondering if you did get it figured out?
I am going have my friend help me reseat the roof and grease it again.
Its so disappointing not being able to drive it.
Thanks
Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 618
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville FL
Ill just say it. Most if not all C4 will leak around the windows. This problem was fixed in the C5 vettes. To fix it for our beloved C4 is to use Di-electric grease or replace seals and then use Di-electric grease. (Get new seal if yours are worn out.)
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,182
Likes: 94
From: going faster miles an hour...with the radio on in browns mills new jersey
Hold a c-note (we're all ballers here, right?) over the weatherstrip in the area where you think the leak is coming from. Close the door.
Pull the bill out. You should have a fair amount of resistance. If the bill pulls right out without any resistance and your weatherstrip is in good shape, you'll need to adjust your window.
Pull the bill out. You should have a fair amount of resistance. If the bill pulls right out without any resistance and your weatherstrip is in good shape, you'll need to adjust your window.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,783
Likes: 15
From: Northern California
The leak is most likely starting from underneath the top front edge of the black windshield trim.
Just use some black RTV to seal between the metal windshield trim piece and the windshield and also, down each side and the leak will be gone. This is assuming that the windows are adjusted properly.
I had the exact same leak and after replacing the weather stripping the leak continued. I finally sealed the front windshield trim and the leak dissappeared forever.
My 91 Vette does not leak a drop in even the hardest of rain storms we've had here recently.
Just use some black RTV to seal between the metal windshield trim piece and the windshield and also, down each side and the leak will be gone. This is assuming that the windows are adjusted properly.
I had the exact same leak and after replacing the weather stripping the leak continued. I finally sealed the front windshield trim and the leak dissappeared forever.
My 91 Vette does not leak a drop in even the hardest of rain storms we've had here recently.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 3
From: Supreme Soviet Peace-Loving Pipple's Kollektive of Seattle Wa
It's been said that "driving a C4 in the rain is like sitting next to a running blender with it's top removed.."
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8,041
Likes: 2
From: EOF ★ Kaliforniastan ★
St. Jude Donor '10
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,783
Likes: 15
From: Northern California
Don't believe that all Corvette's leak. I had an 89 and now a 91 and both Vette's never leaked a drop. I recently replaced the windshield which is when most owners notice the leaks but, I installed it myself at my friends body shop and never had a leak.
Trust me, aim a water hose at the top edge of the windshield trim near the corner and water will leak in. Seal this area and be leak free.
Last edited by GKK; May 14, 2010 at 09:41 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
The leak is most likely starting from underneath the top front edge of the black windshield trim.
Just use some black RTV to seal between the metal windshield trim piece and the windshield and also, down each side and the leak will be gone. This is assuming that the windows are adjusted properly.
I had the exact same leak and after replacing the weather stripping the leak continued. I finally sealed the front windshield trim and the leak dissappeared forever.
My 91 Vette does not leak a drop in even the hardest of rain storms we've had here recently.
Just use some black RTV to seal between the metal windshield trim piece and the windshield and also, down each side and the leak will be gone. This is assuming that the windows are adjusted properly.
I had the exact same leak and after replacing the weather stripping the leak continued. I finally sealed the front windshield trim and the leak dissappeared forever.
My 91 Vette does not leak a drop in even the hardest of rain storms we've had here recently.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,783
Likes: 15
From: Northern California
Here's a quick picture of where to apply the RTV. Just lay some tape as pictured, apply the RTV pressing it in with your finger and remove the tape for a clean and neat application.
The previous owner of my 91 Vette had the windshield replaced but, they didn't seal the windshield very well. I found that by applying RTV between the trim and glass, water did not enter the interior. I sealed the entire perimeter (top and sides) just to be safe.
Recently the windshield was cracked by a rock and I replaced it myself at my friends body shop. I did a thorough job and the extra RTV was not needed.
The previous owner of my 91 Vette had the windshield replaced but, they didn't seal the windshield very well. I found that by applying RTV between the trim and glass, water did not enter the interior. I sealed the entire perimeter (top and sides) just to be safe.
Recently the windshield was cracked by a rock and I replaced it myself at my friends body shop. I did a thorough job and the extra RTV was not needed.
Last edited by GKK; May 15, 2010 at 05:15 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans LA
After applying they RTV, can you tell me if you tried to finish it off by using a putty knife along the seam. Also, how long did you wait to remove the painters tape? Immediately after applying the RTV, a few minutes are until fully cured?
Thanks for your advice.
Thanks for your advice.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
Thanks GKK!
Scrot, I always smooth silicone with a wet finger. If you leave the tape and the silicone skims, it wont look right. Do a short section, smooth with a wet finger then remove the tape pretty quick. Its messy but it will look good.
Scrot, I always smooth silicone with a wet finger. If you leave the tape and the silicone skims, it wont look right. Do a short section, smooth with a wet finger then remove the tape pretty quick. Its messy but it will look good.
