Leaky Windshield Fix?

[sjpitts]

A while back, probably a year or two, I had my windshield replaced. 1993 FJZ80. It has leaked a bit since, and now appears to be leaking worse. Even worse, my key light is now staying on. That means a room lamp control relay under the passenger side kick panel is going bad.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-te...ot-go-off.html

I think these things are related-- I should have fixed this earlier.

Anyway, when the windshield was replaced, the gasket was replaced with it. I watched the guy replace the windshield, and he pretty much followed the FSM procedure. But now after looking at it again, I don't think he installed the sealant everywhere he was supposed to.

Specifically, he put sealant between the glass and the gasket, but I don't think he put sealant between the gasket and the body. It looks to me like the picture for step 5(b) on page BO-47 of the FSM (1994 version) shows sealant going on both sides of the gasket. I am about 95 percent sure he didn't do this.

I am thinking that is why it leaks. Sound likely?

So my question-- can I either go buy some sealant put it around the outside myself, or call the guy and have him do it now? Or does the windshield need to be removed and the whole install redone?

My guess is to try and put some sealant there. It is the last step of the install, so maybe I can just do it now. Even if it has been two years since the windshield was installed.

If you think this will work I will probably just try and do it myself. Any hints? Does the sealant need to go around the entire gasket/body area, or just at the top? And where should I get the sealant?

Jared

[henrymski]

Great question! And I'm in a similar boat, only sinking further, with my 80. I remember years and years ago going to the old auto parts store and buying a tube of liquid sealer that was specifically for squirting into the sealing area around the windshield. It worked well and I'm sure there must be something like it still made. The only problem is that it was fairly runny, so if your leak is coming from the vertical sides of the windshield, it may not work.

[dhanney]

I fixed my windshield leak with black silicon and blue painters tape. First I blew out the joint between the windshield gasket and the glass with an air compressor, then taped along the gasket and windshield leaving an 1/8" joint between the two. I caulked the joint, forcing the sealant with my fingers between the gasket and the glass (wear vinyl gloves). Push the silicon until the joint no longer accepts it. Pull off the painter tape and your done. Mine has not leaked since.

Doug

[bruff]

Please don't fix your own with silicone! I used to do lots of autoglass and the cars that came in with silicone where it was not supposed to be ended up being a nightmare down the road. In the end the silicone will separate from whatever you have tried to bond it to and you will have a leak again, and have to try to clean up the silicone first. If you are planning on getting rid of your LC then go for it. If you are keeping it then use something like SikaFlex (if you are going to do it on your own - and don't plan on ever getting the rubber gasket out in one piece ever again). Silicone and the rubber gasket are a very poor combo!

I would actually take it back to the place where you got it done and talk to them. There should be a warranty against leaks for a good period of time (possibly up to a couple of years). We gave a warranty on our stuff and yes a few came back but they were fine once we resealed (mistakes happen). It is too bad you have waited until the leak is worse, but try to talk to them anyways.

[Cruiserdrew]

There is a real need to follow the factory procedure here. I have had the wind shield replaced, leak, resealed, leaked again. Finally, I went to a different local shop, asked for the best glass (they like PPG or OEM only). Then I ordered a gasket from Cruiserdan and took the FSM to the glass shop and asked them to follow the procedure exactly. They did, and it has not leaked since. The shop even told me they would fix it forever. They did use PPG glass which has been just fine.

Avoid Safety-lite. They suck and their glass sucks. Their tech told me on the side they pay $40 per windshield. That can't be good stuff for that price.

[sjpitts]

Originally Posted by bruff

Please don't fix your own with silicone! I used to do lots of autoglass and the cars that came in with silicone where it was not supposed to be ended up being a nightmare down the road. In the end the silicone will separate from whatever you have tried to bond it to and you will have a leak again, and have to try to clean up the silicone first. If you are planning on getting rid of your LC then go for it. If you are keeping it then use something like SikaFlex (if you are going to do it on your own - and don't plan on ever getting the rubber gasket out in one piece ever again). Silicone and the rubber gasket are a very poor combo!

I would actually take it back to the place where you got it done and talk to them. There should be a warranty against leaks for a good period of time (possibly up to a couple of years). We gave a warranty on our stuff and yes a few came back but they were fine once we resealed (mistakes happen). It is too bad you have waited until the leak is worse, but try to talk to them anyways.

If it is not silicone, what is it that is recommended by Toyota in the first place? The SikaFlex you refer to? And where can I buy it?

I might call the guy that installed it. I have his number. I was just considering doing it myself if it could be done.

Jared

[sjpitts]

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

There is a real need to follow the factory procedure here. I have had the wind shield replaced, leak, resealed, leaked again. Finally, I went to a different local shop, asked for the best glass (they like PPG or OEM only). Then I ordered a gasket from Cruiserdan and took the FSM to the glass shop and asked them to follow the procedure exactly. They did, and it has not leaked since. The shop even told me they would fix it forever. They did use PPG glass which has been just fine.

Avoid Safety-lite. They suck and their glass sucks. Their tech told me on the side they pay $40 per windshield. That can't be good stuff for that price.

My glass was PPG, and the gasket was new OEM. The installer just didn't put the sealant around the outside-- he only put it between the glass and the gasket.

Jared

[bruff]

Originally Posted by sjpitts

My glass was PPG, and the gasket was new OEM. The installer just didn't put the sealant around the outside-- he only put it between the glass and the gasket.

Jared

If no sealant between rubber and metal then take it back. Especially if that is what the manual states.

As for the SikaFlex, you can buy it at marine stores or check at autoglass stores. They may have something equivalent that you do not have to use multiple primers. Sorry not much more help for you.

Brad