Water leaks around roof AC units

[VanDiemen23]

What's the usual fix for this problem (at least - the first thing to try before a lot of disassembly and new gaskets)?

Crank down on the mounting screws to compress the gasket more?

[GaryKD]

Hi kirchner56,
Tightening the bolts is a good first step. Do not tighten too much. A solid snug is what is needed. Next, consider taking off the roof shroud and determining if the condensation, from the A/C unit, is draining properly. Sometimes the path of the condensate has become blocked.

[TXiceman]

You don't want more than 8 to 10 ft.-lb. torque on the anchor bolts. It is not that hard to put a new gasket under the unit.

If you replace the gasket, get one of the newer high density gaskets instead of the cheaper foam gaskets.

Ken

[VanDiemen23]

Thanks!

[Ray,IN]

The installation manual (pg 13) states 40-50 in/lbs on the mounting bolts, that equals 3-4 ft/lbs torque. Some installers say "finger-tight". The gasket allows for roof flex movement and not break the seal.
I agree that removing the shroud and cleaning out the drip pans/trays is highly recommended. You should see drain holes in the sides of the drain pans, if they are clogged water overflows and runs inside the RV.

[TXiceman]

I would go 4 ft-lb on a new gasket, and go up to 6 to 8 ft-lb for trying to get a leak stopped. Any tighter and you may warp the thin pan they use under the newer units.

Ken

[gpearston]

We had the same problem and tightening the bolts fixed it. That is a great first step as the next thing is no where near as easy.

Good luck

[TXiceman]

To change the gasket on the A/C, you first remove the interior trim, then the 4 hold down bolts. Push the A/C up from inside to loosen it. Disconnect the power wiring ...usually plug to the top part of th eunit.

Nor go up top and I always put down some thin ply wood to work from and not mess up the roof. Roll the A/C unit to one side and pull the gasket from it. Brush clean the gasket area on the trailer. Install the new gasket, sticky side to the A/C pan.

Now lower the unit back over the hole and you are done up top. back inside, jiggle the unit until it is squared and centered on the hole. Install the inside trim plate and reinstall the bolts. Tighten them down unit yo have the gasket compressed to 1/2 of the original thickness. Reinstall the interior trim and yo are finished.

About a 30 minute job.

Ken

[mavric65]

i had that problem once..... tried to tighten with no luck just changed gasket and fixed it easy quick job