RangerFella
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2008
- Messages
- 84
- Vehicle Year
- 1997
- Transmission
- Manual
As the title of this thread states, I've got a leak and it's irritating the bloody mess out of me.
*note: I have a sliding back window but my side-rear windows do not open
It's a 97, ext. cab, XLT, 2.3L <80k miles, taken good care of, and NO rust whatsoever. When it rains, I first see a dark spot on the headliner right where it curves. It's right behind (or in front) of the back door open/brake/cargo light (the one on the outside of the truck). If it rains long enough water collects on the roll-out back cover (the one that's hidden until you pull the handle that's protruding slightly from the back of the truck right under the window). If it continues raining, the water will work its way towards the front of the truck and dampen the floorboards on the passenger side.
Now, being as analytical as I am, I first asked myself "why is it leaking?" so I inspected the area where it first gets wet. I noticed a substantial gap between the seal on the light and the body. So, I went to my local auto store and picked up a tube of silicone, high temp, UV resistant sealant. I cleaned the area appropriately and applied liberal amounts of the stuff, let it dry, and it worked okay for a while (I guess, can't say for sure, it never rained for me to test it). NOW, less than 2 months later, it's leaking AGAIN. There's no conceivable way that water is working its way through the seal that I made. I thought perhaps that the rubber that connects to the lens was deteriorated in such a manner that it allowed water in so I applied some clear silicone there. Still, no luck. I got wet head after washing the truck so...I'm baffled.
Where the EFFIN' HELL is this WATER getting in from!? All signs point to the light but...is it even remotely possible that the rear windows are leaking? But if they were, why would the headliner be the first area to dampen?
Please, somebody help me out here. I'm really angry over this because I'm afraid it's going to rust something out eventually and then I'll be really screwed. This truck is my baby...you know how it is.
*note: I have a sliding back window but my side-rear windows do not open
It's a 97, ext. cab, XLT, 2.3L <80k miles, taken good care of, and NO rust whatsoever. When it rains, I first see a dark spot on the headliner right where it curves. It's right behind (or in front) of the back door open/brake/cargo light (the one on the outside of the truck). If it rains long enough water collects on the roll-out back cover (the one that's hidden until you pull the handle that's protruding slightly from the back of the truck right under the window). If it continues raining, the water will work its way towards the front of the truck and dampen the floorboards on the passenger side.
Now, being as analytical as I am, I first asked myself "why is it leaking?" so I inspected the area where it first gets wet. I noticed a substantial gap between the seal on the light and the body. So, I went to my local auto store and picked up a tube of silicone, high temp, UV resistant sealant. I cleaned the area appropriately and applied liberal amounts of the stuff, let it dry, and it worked okay for a while (I guess, can't say for sure, it never rained for me to test it). NOW, less than 2 months later, it's leaking AGAIN. There's no conceivable way that water is working its way through the seal that I made. I thought perhaps that the rubber that connects to the lens was deteriorated in such a manner that it allowed water in so I applied some clear silicone there. Still, no luck. I got wet head after washing the truck so...I'm baffled.
Where the EFFIN' HELL is this WATER getting in from!? All signs point to the light but...is it even remotely possible that the rear windows are leaking? But if they were, why would the headliner be the first area to dampen?
Please, somebody help me out here. I'm really angry over this because I'm afraid it's going to rust something out eventually and then I'll be really screwed. This truck is my baby...you know how it is.