leak(again)

[Phil McArthur]

It has become apparent to me that my problem is that I do not have a rain rail
at all! (Presumably not re-fitted when soft top replaced at some stage). Ross
@ mx5 mart is going to sort me out with one so thanks to all who helped.

[Mark Roberts]

Ouch. My thoughts are with you in this time of heartache and stress!

[...]

[Scott]

Speaking of leaks, there's a join in the rubber bit that sits in front
of the side windows when the soft-top is up. There's a join in the
rubber and every so often, usually during extreme downpours and mostly
only happens on the passenger side (but not necessarily) it leaks at the
join when u start driving. Is there an easy fix?

[simple]

Speaking of leaks, there's a join in the rubber bit that sits in front
of the side windows when the soft-top is up. There's a join in the
rubber and every so often, usually during extreme downpours and mostly
only happens on the passenger side (but not necessarily) it leaks at
the join when u start driving. Is there an easy fix?

I used to have this problem also. I was told to treat the rubber seals with
silicone spray (the stuff I have is an aerosol can called "Priceless Super
Silicone Spray" - Revives, Polishes, Protects: Vinyls, Rubbers, Plastics)

No leaks since doing this, including several days of being parked unsheltered
in tropical downpours. This would have guaranteed a wet seat before. I
wasn't confident that it would help, in that the seals looked to be in good
rubbery condition, but it has worked perfectly.

Not sure how long treatment is good for, but it's 6 weeks since I used it last
(precautionary treatment before I went away on holiday), and there have been
no leaks yet.

The only window leak I ever get nowadays is through that same join at the
top of the side windows, if I'm driving on the motorway with the roof up & rear
window unzipped - I think I'm getting a suction effect drawing water in &
dripping onto my sleeve. The best quick-fix here, if it's not practical to zip up
the window (it's glass - needs two hands to zip up without straining the zip) is
to wind down the window a little - at least then the water isn't dripping on my
arm. I suppose if I was really desperate I could slow down & zip up the
window...

Adjustment of the seal positions is also a good idea if they're badly setup -
the seals around the left/right windows are just pushed into vaguely U-shaped
rails - pull them out, loosen the screws underneath, move the rail in/out to
where you think is good, then retighten screws & push the rubber back in
place. Getting the rubber in properly can take a few minutes the first time -
it's not difficult, it's just that you need to get the right bits caught under the
right pieces of rail and rubber tends to pervert your wishes when you push on
it.


Karl.

[MX5PWR]

Try pushing the joint closer together. They can move. A good dose of
vasaline on the two surfaces of the joint is a good cheap solution.