Windscreen leak

[Chris Edgar]

Does the "trick" of putting a little brake fluid between the glass & the seal work in stopping a small leak?

Or is it a myth?

[charlie_morris_minor]

well it will melt your paint so i would not like to try it

[mike.perry]

I thought that windscreen leaks were a design feature of Morris Minors
Try some silicon sealant between the rubber and glass. It did not work on my screen but you may have more luck

[Chris Edgar]

Yes Charlie,I have heard the warnings about paint damage.

May try the silicone Mike, will adhere to glass well, but maybe not the rubber.

It's just in one corner of the w/screen, where the water gathers 'cos it's low down.

[mike.perry]

That's the usual place!

[simmitc]

Don't fall into this common trap that it's where the water collects that leaks. Far more common (in my experience) is that the water gets in at the TOP of the screen rubber (runs off the roof) and then down the side of the screen under the seal, until it pops out at the bottom.

[Jefftav]

Have a good look at the windscreen rubber seal and make sure that it hasn't perished. If it has then you are better to fit a new one also sometime the metal under the rubber seal corrodes.

[Chris Edgar]

Sounds like a long investigation!

[pegasus]

Try the gutter sealant from B&Q, its black to match the rubber seal and it doesnt set like silicone so the screen will come out easily if needed. Used this on my Discovery and it works a treat, only cost £3.00
Mark

[Chris Edgar]

Thank you, Mark
I will get some of that...wonder if it is similar to Dum dum sealant, I have a few places to seal


Chris

[pegasus]

Thank you, Mark
I will get some of that...wonder if it is similar to Dum dum sealant, I have a few places to seal


Chris

It is a bit runnier than dum dum and easier to apply as its used with a mastic gun, but does get a skin form over it when exposed to the air.
I did my windscreen on my Discovery as it is common for these to leak. Worked a treat and what squeezed out onto the paint was easily cleaned off with turps as this doesnt harm the paint.
Mark

[MarkyB]

The marvellously named; Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure, is pretty good too.
As has been said the water isn't always coming in where you think it is.

[Chris Edgar]

Now I know what they felt like when they went to try & find the source of the Nile...

just googled Capt. Tolleys, sounds good!

[Longdog]

Since I have used Silicon grease applied to both the frame and seal I have never had a Morris Windscreen leak and I have done a few. You can get hold of it from plumbers merchants as it is used to ease in waste fittings. It also has the advantage of creeping into the seam and preventing corrosion. It conditions the inside of the rubber and is so inert you could almost eat it (not recommended)

[Chris Edgar]

Thanks, Longdog,

I've also had it recommended for easing window channels when the windows are difficult to wind Up & down.

Chris

[Kevin]

But who reccommended the brake fluid tip as they want shooting.

[pjh56]

But who reccommended the brake fluid tip as they want shooting.

Obviously somebody whose jealous, or has taken a dislike to Chris.

[chickenjohn]

Shooting??? thats a bit harsh, or is it a new moderator technique???

I wouldn't shoot anyone over it, but brake fluid is a very bad idea- will strip piant and encourage rust. Any sillicone products on your car are also a bad idea if you ever want to paint your car at some point in the future you may curse the use of sillicone!! Sillicone sealer especially bad- for the same reasons as in the sill covers thread, acetic acid eats paint, plus the sillicone is designed for shower units and double glazing, not cars subject to hot and cold, vibrations and movement!!

Us a product designed for the job such as an automotive windscreen sealer- this has worked on my cars but doesn't last. However, this is only a temporary fix if your screen seal is leaking. Long term repair is to fit a new windscreen seal. They are available and not expensive.

I have tried the captain tolleys creeping crack cure and it didn't seem to seal anything at all!! I think it is a waste of money.

[Chris Edgar]

Hi All,

the brake fluid trick was something I read many years ago, decades even!
Have never tried it.
So maybe whoever wrote it didn't like me then! For all I know, they may have deservedly met a sticky end since.

Anyway, I have tried the silicone grease treatment. It's not rained since & I ain't gonna chuck a bucket of water over it and of course we have a hosepipe ban here.
After it rains, I will update.

The silicone grease does not set.

Windscreen seals are not dear, but I've never tried fitting one...all done with string & sleight of hand (2 pairs) I believe.

regards
Chris

[ASL642]

Washing line not string! that's too thin and will rip the rubber I've tried the black roofing/gutter mastic and this seems to do the trick on the Traveller roof and it has rained here - no drips so far