Water in large window

**DanSTL** · 03-31-2024, 11:59 PM

I recently resealed (Dicor) my 2009 2720QB front shell (except for A/C shroud as I ran out of time), but noticed I have water running down my large window (even after sealing) 1 day before departure. Quick solution was to remove old caulking and re caulk the exterior of the window, and I also added a rain gutter. Unfortunately, I still have a steady stream of water down the center of the large window during a rain event this week!

The only entry point I can think of is the A/C shroud (I also have droplets coming in the corner frame of the A/C on inside), traveling laterally and down the window. The luan board has some pop to it so need to get this taken care of ASAP.

Based on info from other posts and members knowledge, this is my plan but appreciate any pointers or experience dealing with this:

1. Remove A/C panel, tighten 4 bolts to 50 inch pounds (4.166 Ft lbs on my torque wrench)
2. Remove caulking and apply Dicor self leveling around A/C riser

If the above 2 steps don't do it, not sure what else would fix. Will update post as I finish key steps.

**DanSTL** · 04-01-2024, 09:48 AM

Tightened the 4 bolts about 1.5 turns each (torque wrench never clicked and got NO RESISTANCE). Either it was very loose or my torque wrench doesn’t register below 5lb ft. Added before pictures of ac gasket

Wavery · 04-01-2024, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanSTL

Tightened the 4 bolts about 1.5 turns each (torque wrench never clicked and got NO RESISTANCE). Either it was very loose or my torque wrench doesn’t register below 5lb ft. Added before pictures of ac gasket

You never want to put calking between the A/C shroud and the roof riser platform. That will cause your leak to be worse. That will be the sorriest thing you ever did to your camper. You won't be able to even remove the upper shroud without removing all that calking. When you find out that your leak becomes worse, you'll have to remove all that calking. Trust me, do do not want to have to do that.

The only way to stop the water from leaking from the A/C unit into the interior is by either tightening or replacing the gasket between the bottom of the A/C unit and the roof. If that means removing the A/C unit from the roof, that's what you have to do.

Shane826 · 04-01-2024, 01:57 PM

I think he’s talking about the plastic skirt over the riser. If water is coming in through the foam gasket it would then have to drip off the riser and then find its way into the roof and then travel to the windows.

I had the same torque experience with a brand new gasket, and Inwas using a small 1/4” drive torque wrench. The gasket compressed until the bottom of the A/C was sitting on the lip of the riser skirt and there was never any tension. Backed them off completely and then followed the 1/2 compression rule. No leaks after that. Over-compressing is just as bad as under-compressing that foam seal.

**DanSTL** · 04-01-2024, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wavery

You never want to put calking between the A/C shroud and the roof riser platform. That will cause your leak to be worse. That will be the sorriest thing you ever did to your camper. You won't be able to even remove the upper shroud without removing all that calking. When you find out that your leak becomes worse, you'll have to remove all that calking. Trust me, do do not want to have to do that.

The only way to stop the water from leaking from the A/C unit into the interior is by either tightening or replacing the gasket between the bottom of the A/C unit and the roof. If that means removing the A/C unit from the roof, that's what you have to do.

Wavery I’m using the wrong terminology, I’m referring to where the AC meets roof, which was already caulked but thinking it must have a crack somewhere. I’ve added a pic to clarify

**DanSTL** · 04-01-2024, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane826

I think he’s talking about the plastic skirt over the riser. If water is coming in through the foam gasket it would then have to drip off the riser and then find its way into the roof and then travel to the windows.

I had the same torque experience with a brand new gasket, and Inwas using a small 1/4” drive torque wrench. The gasket compressed until the bottom of the A/C was sitting on the lip of the riser skirt and there was never any tension. Backed them off completely and then followed the 1/2 compression rule. No leaks after that. Over-compressing is just as bad as under-compressing that foam seal.

Shane826 you are correct , I meant riser (learning right terms as I go). I’m thinking water is entering between the riser and roof. I’ve added 3 pics after tightening the 4 bolts and I might’ve turned 2-3 times . Maybe I need to back it off .

Shane826 · 04-01-2024, 10:34 PM

First things first, what A/C unit is that?!? It looks like it’s waaaay too far back on the riser with the rear hanging off like that.

As for your leak, simple test is to tape a garden hose on the roof so it’s pointed right at the front of the riser skirt. Open the camper and raise the front end just slightly higher than the rear. Turn on the hose, and watch for leaks. Positioning the hose here eliminates every point of entry possibility except the A/C area.

**DanSTL** · 04-01-2024, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane826

First things first, what A/C unit is that?!? It looks like it’s waaaay too far back on the riser with the rear hanging off like that.

As for your leak, simple test is to tape a garden hose on the roof so it’s pointed right at the front of the riser skirt. Open the camper and raise the front end just slightly higher than the rear. Turn on the hose, and watch for leaks. Positioning the hose here eliminates every point of entry possibility except the A/C area.

Hi Shane826, it is marked as a Carrier Model 68RV14103A (added pic). First TM and RV but definitely looks way further back than yours. Your test sounds like a good way to check if my bolt tightening made things worse before I redo caulking at riser, thanks!

Shane826 · 04-01-2024, 10:53 PM

I don’t think they used Carrier in 2009 so it’s probably a replacement unit.

Tightening the bolts to compress the foam seal won’t make a bit of difference about a leak at the bottom of the riser skirt since it’s on top of the riser.

**DanSTL** · 04-04-2024, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane826

First things first, what A/C unit is that?!? It looks like it’s waaaay too far back on the riser with the rear hanging off like that.

As for your leak, simple test is to tape a garden hose on the roof so it’s pointed right at the front of the riser skirt. Open the camper and raise the front end just slightly higher than the rear. Turn on the hose, and watch for leaks. Positioning the hose here eliminates every point of entry possibility except the A/C area.

Could the position of the AC be the issue and is this something I can easily move up by removing the 4 bolts? I don’t want to mess around with it and make it worse but wondering if it was installed incorrectly