Community Forums

JeffAZ · 04-11-2014, 10:47 PM

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So I've seen a few threads here about windshield rain leaks stemming from poorly sealed marker lights on the front cap, and with the ONE rain we got here this winter the center top of the windshield leaked a lot. I got up and looked at my 3 center lights today. In the two bottom photos they look pretty good, but the top photo shows a couple of obvious breeches in the sealer(top left and lower right). Can you determine just by a visual exam if they leak, or are the leaks usually undetectable visually? Should I just reseal the obvious leaker, or all of them while I'm at it?

Thanks for reading.

jesilvas · 04-12-2014, 08:00 AM

If you've already gotten up there, pull ALL the lights, clean up the sealant, and then put some silicone UNDER the lights, screw then down, and then you shouldn't even need any sealer on the outside.

DA_BUS · 04-12-2014, 06:03 PM

Sometimes they recommend not sealing the bottom of the lights so water can run out if you do get a leak...you will have to evaluate the design of the light. If you don't get the top side sealed right and the bottom is sealed good - water will get in, damn up and be forced in any openings.....something to be careful of.

BFlinn181 · 04-12-2014, 06:47 PM

I suggest you peel all of that silicon off and start over. Start by putting a bead along all 4 flanges that are to touch the surface, leaving a small (1/8") gap in the middle bottom for water to drain out. Also put a dab under each screw then fasten in place. The build up around the edges is just a good place for failure and water to enter.

"007" · 04-12-2014, 07:02 PM

You can always do something like this for permanent seals.

Ray,IN · 04-12-2014, 08:29 PM

No water leaks at clearance lights on my MH, but did have them on my 5ers. Finally I realized water was entering the lens but could not leak out. Water then backed-up to the wiring hole then ran down the wires into the coach. My solution was to drill a 1/16" hole in the bottom of each lens. That stopped the water leaks at my clearance lights.

If this is happening to yours, you will see a "high water mark" on the inside of the lens. I'll bet it aligns with the wiring hole in the base-plate.

spritz · 04-12-2014, 09:56 PM

I had one that leaked in the middle of the front cap. I decided that 5-6 out of the 14 that need to be replaced some work all the time others go on and off, so I am going to order all new led's and a tube of sealer. they should last longer than me... The new ones have 10 leds per fixture and a lot brighter.

**CountryFit** · 04-13-2014, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DA_BUS

Sometimes they recommend not sealing the bottom of the lights so water can run out if you do get a leak...you will have to evaluate the design of the light. If you don't get the top side sealed right and the bottom is sealed good - water will get in, damn up and be forced in any openings.....something to be careful of.

this is so correct. when i replaced all marker lights, i siliconed the upper and sides of it and left bottom unsealed. a little silicone with a finger swipe will do the trick, not to use that much as shown in OP's photos.
btw, etrailer has a large collection of markers, very inexpensive. a small amount of money makes a big difference in appearance.

scenic route · 04-13-2014, 01:22 PM

I've not had good results with silicone. You have to be very careful to clean off all residue, otherwise the new doesn't seem to adhere very well. It's silicone.

I like going with butyl tape...it's easy to pack around the wires while filling the hole the wires go through to stop those leaks, it's water proof, remains flexible and it can be used for underwater applications...

Comes in different thicknesses and widths. Just another thought...

JeffAZ · 04-15-2014, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

No water leaks at clearance lights on my MH, but did have them on my 5ers. Finally I realized water was entering the lens but could not leak out. Water then backed-up to the wiring hole then ran down the wires into the coach. My solution was to drill a 1/16" hole in the bottom of each lens. That stopped the water leaks at my clearance lights.

If this is happening to yours, you will see a "high water mark" on the inside of the lens. I'll bet it aligns with the wiring hole in the base-plate.

Maybe that explains the leak I had. It had been raining for a couple hours, steady but not heavy, with no leak. Then when it started coming down heavily it started leaking alot.

Thx for the replys, good things to think about.