Need advice on windshield gasket problem

[Bikedaddy]

Part of the gasket that holds the windshield in place appears to have split along the entire top of the windshield and I am trying to find silicone caulk sealant to use to run a bead across the top in that area. I know that if the incorrect silicone sealant is used it could cause problems with streaking on the windshield and stains on the body. Some of the silicone sealants in auto parts and hardware stores will give me this problem.

Has anyone used a silicone sealant in this type of a situation and if so what product was used? See pictures attached of the split that I am referring to.

Thanks for the help.

[njs42]

I'm not a windshield or glass specialist---but I am an expert on my own windshield.

I used permatex in the exact same situation. It's black easy to apply (sticky) and dries nicely and remains flexible---available at any auto parts store. That was three years ago and it has just done the job for me---I stay in the desert (winter) a lot so it has been subjected to heat. No leaks etc;

The space widened a little ( I think it does when I get in an unlevel situation) but I just put a little more permatex over the new seperated area and it worked great. No further problem.

I had a particular problem with my windshield and I am confident that the last installer who solved the problem used permatex in the joints or a similar product. I have no idea how much difficulty this will be if I ever need to replace mine again.

Hang around in this thread a while and see if someone who knows a lot about this thinks permatex is a bad solution---I do not think so and it solved the problem for me and has lasted.

Good luck to you.

[texnet]

I am not an expert but I found the exact same problem about a month ago. I used an automotive grade black silicone from a local auto parts store. It is made by a company called ITW Consumner out of Florida, www.itwconsumner.com VersaChem is the name on the tube, and is part number 12270. It is called Automotive Black RTV Silicone, Type 270. Says on the back "Automotive Black Silicone is excellent for glass bonding for home, marine and automotive applications. Automotive Black Silicone can also be used to replace gaskets." It is good from -100 F to +600 F and pressure resistant to 5000 psi.

Also, I am not sure that is actually part of the windshield gasket. It looks to me like it is an additional piece and serves as a rain gutter to channel water from the front cab above the windshield to the sides of the MH. At least that is what mine does as that portion stops once it turns down on the sides.

[Gordon66]

I used black urethane from Lowe's. It was recommended by a Safelite Auto Glass tech.

[Diplomat Don]

I've had the same issue with mine for years. Every other year, I reseal it. You can use any of the products above. I use the caulking made for installling windshields. The last time I applied it, it didn't dry evenly and doesn't look good. I'll probably try one of the products above. The part that is separating is called the eyebrow and keeps water from running off the roof and down the windshield.

[dmason]

Ditto on the black urethane from Lowe's. That's what my RV shop uses and recommends. Tried it and works great.

[RCLImperial]

Are you sure that you have a split gasket? It looks to me as though you have a seperate gutter rail glued to the body above the actual windshield gasket. That's what I have on my coach. This gutter is sold in rolls and diverts any water running off the roof to the sides, rather than running down the windshield.

Second, I'd stay away from silicone caulk for this job. It's very difficult to completely remove it, and it prevents adhesion of any other sealant. I'd look for a polyurethane type of caulk.


Dick Lucas '04 HR Imperial

[Bikedaddy]

After taking a closer look at these pieces I agree that it is two pieces and the top one is a gutter. However, with that said, I then have a very minor leak on the window gasket side on the top and when I had the other material on that gap it did stop the leak.

Thanks to all for the advise and help, I think that I will try a black urethane or Polyurethane type material and see how that holds up.

[Rex]

Seal around your marker lights with clear RV Proflex. Could be where your leak is.

[dashdriver]

x2 on the black urethane sealant. At Lowe's they call it roof and flashing sealant.

[Pusherpilot]

When they removed the gasket on our 04 Imperial it was one piece. that little "pop out" occurs to us when we get off level. After getting level again I can pop it back in with a rubber mallet. Just another trial with the bug-eye shield.
Ron

[jimkate]

A couple of years ago I caulked my windshield to the rubber gasket with black silicone. Worked for a very short time. The silicone did not stay bonded to the rubber gasket. Then I tried a tube of Loctite 'The Right Stuff' from an auto parts store. I found it to be as easy as silicone to work with, and two years later, it's still there, bonded tightly to both the rubber and the glass.

[Bikedaddy]

Thanks to all for the advice. I went with the black urethane sealant from Lowe's, the roof and flashing sealant. The person working in the department was an RV service tech, that is currently out of work in the RV industry and said that is what they used.

It is easy to work with and only time will tell about how long it will last.

Thanks again to all