Yet another Leaking roof post.

[Chris Pike]

HI, So we have had the van from new. 2011 Cali SE. Have been through the EGR disasters x4, and have the new engine now fitted. along with the roof cap SAGA that was at least fixed under warranty a few years ago.

Recently the "regular" roof leaks that usually stem from the plenum drains being blocked have turned to torrents on the passenger side. I have done the usual 6 monthly cleanse of the pipes and they all flow fairly quickly.

Today i have stripped the handles visor and A pillar trim off, to try to find the leak. three full watering cans. not a drop. but i have got the roof up. which led me to look a litter higher than the usual suspect.

In the cold light of day i can see that where the roof cap was replaced it appears that this is splitting away from the roof. Has anyone else had water infiltrate their van from this point? Hopefully the picture shows the position. i have a short video, but cannot seem to upload that so i have hosted it on youtube here. https://youtu.be/y0JKVzX95Ko

once todays out and abouts are done i plan to try to seal this, mask over it, and then clove the roof onto it to apply downward pressure. And for good measure have ordered a new external seal (SKU: 7LA 875 297) as mine looks pretty sad after 15 years. 128 from local VW.

thanks in advance.

 

[KGCali]

Yes a common fault on the replacement plastic cowl that VW fit after roof corrosion. The sealant splits and allows water ingress into the roof lining. You'll need to clean off all the old sealant and reseal with black Silkaflex 522 or CT1 adhesive sealant and apply weight on the roof for 48 hours while it fully dries. It would be best to reseal all around the whole cowl. If you can't do it then most caravan repair centres could do it. You may have to replace the clear tape in that area as well as it may get damaged removing the old sealant. The tape acts as an anti rub barrier so must be fitted to prevent corrosion.

 

[Vantastic2]

Had same problem before our van was 'killed' by a Nissan Juke!
The polyurethane cap fitted over the front roof panel lifted up (same as your photo) and water came in. Whatever adhesive was used did not work well with changes in temperature from cold to hot, it happened after warranty expired (1 year) for work carried out (typical).
Thanks to someone on here , told me to buy black Silkaflex 522 (3 in one) Did what KGCali said and applied it on a nice warm day and it worked and didn't have to hold it down for 48 hrs, just had passers by wondering why I was holding down the roof as a roof hugger!