Pop-Out Window Leak - Glass Side

[sixtop]

I’ve got an 06 E350 that I’m converting into a camper. I was able to score rear pop outs and the van already had the large driver side pop out and the smaller passenger side pop out.

Out of the 4 pop out windows, two of them have leaks. The leaks are not on the body side, but rather the glass side. Water is coming in between the glass and the rubber seal that is adhered to the outside of the plastic frame. These are small leaks, but leaks none the less.

I originally reached out to the forums resident glass expert, JWA. While he is assisting he suggested that I make a post so that others may benefit from this.

I’ll let him post his recommendations and any other input is obviously appreciated and welcome.

Thanks!

Vic

[JWA]

My recommendations was to first check if adjusting the latch closure would solve these small leaks. I did suggest using 3M's 08877 Silicone Lubricant, Wet Type to renew the rubber glass seal---that material will restore some pliability and "plump up" the seals enhancing their action.

I also advised when adjusting the latch to not remove both fasteners at the same time----the nut plate inside the door shell might drop to the bottom of the door.

Don't over-adjust the latch because making it too tight runs the risk of breaking the glass.

HTH

[sixtop]

Update.

I followed JWA’s recommendation and used the 3M Silicone Lubricant to try and restore the seals, but unfortunately it wasnt effective.

Any chance someone could provide a link to a replacement seal or a part number for an OEM equivalent seal for the Econoline pop-out/moveable windows? At this point I’m pretty sure replacing the seal will solve the issue.

Thanks!

[JWA]

Not sure if I mentioned the company Trim-Lok as a possible source but here's a link: https://www.trimlok.com/rubber-extrusion Look at their offerings for EPDM seals.

HTH

[stesmit]

I had a similar issue and found success by removing the window and placing a silicone bead where the window attaches to the frame. If you can't find a new one or want to try a cheaper alternative this might work. Without removing the window its difficult to get a good solid bead attached to this part of the window even if you use the less viscous silicone made for sealing windshield leaks. Good luck, water leaks are no fun

[JWA]

Originally Posted by stesmit

I had a similar issue and found success by removing the window and placing a silicone bead where the window attaches to the frame. If you can't find a new one or want to try a cheaper alternative this might work. Without removing the window its difficult to get a good solid bead attached to this part of the window even if you use the less viscous silicone made for sealing windshield leaks. Good luck, water leaks are no fun

From the OP's initial post:

Out of the 4 pop out windows, two of them have leaks. The leaks are not on the body side, but rather the glass side. Water is coming in between the glass and the rubber seal that is adhered to the outside of the plastic frame. These are small leaks, but leaks none the less.

Your method works IF the leaks are between the window/glass frame and the body---these are not.

[stesmit]

Sorry, my post wasn’t quite clear. I attached a bead of silicone where the glass meets the plastic window frame… not where the window frame meets the van frame. Would definitely recommend factory installation method (butyl tape replacement) for the van frame contact.