Re: Leaky roof on new Defender Posted by john macpherson on January 31, 1998 at 11:11:14: In Reply to: Leaky roof on new Defender posted by Barry on August 16, 1997 at 13:05:52:
Hi barry and everyone else with leaky roofs. I live in Scotland and we have BIG rains. I have a hardtop 110 1989 model and a leaky roof. Four friends have various 110 and 90 models up to recent Tdi, all with the same leak at the front. I had leaks in several places. I have removed the roof lining at the front and observed one of the leaks which comes from the joint of the various roof panels on both sides just above the windscreen/door. This has proved the hardest to fix. The other leaks have been cured by seamsealing ALL the roof joints with clear silicon mastic from a builders supply shop. I have my van insulated with felt and carpet throughout the back (and installed an auxiliary heater) and since the roof was sealed I have had no problems with damp carpets in the back, all has remained dry. This sealing was done two years ago. The front leak is a PROBLEM. It seems incurable and is in the same location in all my friends vehicles. I have filled the rain gutter with clear mastic, removed the windscreen rubber and sealed that, and done the same with the door rubbers, and the side joints between the hardtop and lower panels along both sides. The joke locally is that I have more silicone on my Land Rover than Pamela Anderson has in her chest! (Apologies to anyone I may have offended with that sexist remark.) This has not solved the front leak, and my conclusion is that the water is possibly being drawn up by capillary action from somewhere lower down and emerging at this upper joint. I am considering using dye to track down the entry point. Something to consider on using this mastic...it may be clear and yes it seals nicely but it will allow dirt to adhere to it and becomes quite grubby looking, so bear that in mind if you opt for it as a solution. Good luck...and if anyone needs advice on sticking carpet/insulation all over the place I am your man! (there's an easy way and a hard way!!) Good luck.
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