Leaking windows

jwhalen · Post by **jwhalen** » Tue Nov 24, 2009 8:13 pm

I have a 1976 F26 with a hardtop. At the base of the windows where it attaches to the boat, I am getting some leaks. It is leaking down into the head and onto the shelf area at the windows. Can you remove the top and windows fairly easy then seal with 3100 any suggestions

Thanks,

John

Jersdevil · Post by **Jersdevil** » Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:23 am

I had the same problem with my F-30 windshields leaking. I removed the windows, cleaned all the old stuff off, it was like un-cured glazing putty, and recaulked. This has help. The winshield frames are painted black, I read somewhere that the window frames should never be paited black because of the expansion / contraction from the heating of the sun. I plan on painting them white next season.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 10:04 am

3100? I think you mean 5200 - which should work well.

jwhalen · Post by **jwhalen** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 10:40 am

Yes 5200. Don't know what I was thinking.

larglo · Post by **larglo** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 10:53 am

My front windows are leaking on my F25, and the spring I hope to remove them, clean things up, reseal and replace.
So I would like to know what is 5200? I assume it's some form of sealer.

Thanks for the help.

Larry

LandVF36 · Post by **LandVF36** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 11:41 am

5200 is a marine sealant made by 3M. Its good for above or below the waterline and lasts seemingly FOREVER...

A great place to get it is from the sponsors of this site : Here is the link to the store page with the 5200 sealants.

http://www.trojanboats.net/store.html#s ... 5200&c=479

larglo · Post by **larglo** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 11:53 am

Thanks a million! I will use this for sure.

Larry

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 1:24 pm

only use 5200 if you plan on never taking it apart again

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 1:24 pm

John,

I had the same problem on my F-26. I was able to solve the problem without removing the roof and windshield frame. To do this, I first cleaned the joint area to remove any old wax & dirt. Then using masking tape, masked off both sides of the joint about 1/8" away from the joint. Then using LifeSeal, filled the gap then removed the tape before it dried. No more leak.

These frames are self draining so when water gets into them it finds it's way out thru the drilled holes. Be sure these holes are clear. Unfortunatly it will also find it's way thru the screw holes that hold down the windsheild frame if their not well sealed. The frame will most likely have to be removed and resealed if this is the case.

I would try the easy fix first. It may save you some work.

Larry,

If your leak is between the plexiglass and the frame, Be sure to clean both surfaces very well. I actually lightly scuffed mine as well where the sealer would be applied. (I also replaced the plexiglass since it was scratched) Then bond the Plexiglass into place using GE Ultra Glaze Structural Glazing Sealant SSG4000. This stuff just simply works. It's the only thing holding my windows in place. (No retainers) It's been 4 years now & no leaks. Also be sure that the plexiglass does not fit too tightly in the frame. It needs room for thermal expantion & contraction.

If it's youre frames that are leaking, then I agree with the previous posts stating that 5200 is the way to go.

Hope this helps,

wowzer52 · Post by **wowzer52** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 1:29 pm

3M 5200 is permanant. 3M 4200 is removable. However, 4200 might yellow a little after setting up. These come highly recommended by most mariners and marine supply stores. Personally, I have had great success with these two products and have tried many others in the past.

larglo · Post by **larglo** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 8:48 am

OOPS, maybe I won't use 3M 5200. So I did a copy, and pasted all this info into my Trojan notes (as I do all this great info) for later use this spring.
Thanks.

Larry

gettaway · Post by **gettaway** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 2:03 pm

Be warned that if you seal / glue in the windows with 5200, you'll have one heck of a job replacing them in the future. 5200 is a through hull, hand rail "permenent" sealant adhesive.

Ask your glass guy what he would recommend and will seal the glass and boat from water intrusion, think of it like anti sieze compound, some day you or someone will want to take it apart and will thank you for thinking in the future.

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 2:26 pm

Jwhalen. my f26 windows leaked badly when I bought them. I merely dug out all the old caulking between the frame and the cabin I could with a putty knife and then used 4200 to reseal and no more leaks. Oh but be careful 5200/4200 is what we call attack caulk. It will find a way to get on everyting, including attacking you!!!

gettaway · Post by **gettaway** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 2:31 pm

rubbing alchohol will easily remove both glues before they cure, after they cure it is a razor or very sharp chisel

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 2:42 pm

Thanks gettaway, I never knew that.

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Leaking windows

Leaking windows

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