Re-seal Radar Arch

jcwads

jcwads

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Something is leaking that is fitted to my radar arch. Likely one of the fittings on top, as with heavy rain comes water through a screw hole underneath.

I want to tackle this myself and I am sure this to many of you is really simple. But I am simple with DIY...

Just some questions

- should I remove the old sealant first on the radar mount, steel frame and tv aerial
- what sealant should I use for this
- any other tips!

Many thanks
 
It's probably the goalpost mounting, when the sealant fails water will track in through the bolt holes and emerge either through the targa panel or through the speakers or light fittings in the arch. Be careful removing the goalpost, you'll need a deep socket to get at the fixings, and it is an unwieldy thing. I leave a weep hole in the sealant around the targa panel just in case.
 
jimmy_the_builder said:
It's probably the goalpost mounting, when the sealant fails water will track in through the bolt holes and emerge either through the targa panel or through the speakers or light fittings in the arch. Be careful removing the goalpost, you'll need a deep socket to get at the fixings, and it is an unwieldy thing. I leave a weep hole in the sealant around the targa panel just in case.
Click to expand...

Can you not just reseal the goalpost (assuming that’s the big stainless fixing) without removing it?
 
Shows what I know. From when I inspected it before there is loads of old sealant around the frame so I had assumed that is what you do to seal that area. However maybe it was bodge jobbed before?

I think removing it and refitting may be a bit beyond me, its massive!! But I will make sure I get a proper job done....

Cheers
 
jcwads said:
Shows what I know. From when I inspected it before there is loads of old sealant around the frame so I had assumed that is what you do to seal that area. However maybe it was bodge jobbed before?

I think removing it and refitting may be a bit beyond me, its massive!! But I will make sure I get a proper job done....

Cheers
Click to expand...

Aha. That's telling you that it leaked before, and was bodged before. It's a tricky thing to remove, because its c of g is very aftward. You need to cut out the sealant around the targa panel, and in there you'll find 4no nuts on studs welded on to the bottom of the frame. Unplug all the connectors before you undo the nuts. The existing sealant will hang on to the frame after you've loosened the nuts; so don't remove the forward two nuts but undo them as much as possible. You'll then have to wiggle the frame a bit to free it and then you'll want a helper to hold it while you remove the last two nuts. It's heavy - be careful. I use a ladder to get right up there when I'm removing mine.

Then, clean out all the old silicone from the grooves in the top of the arch and also off the base of the frame, and then reseal around the bolt holes and reassemble. Easy! Good luck...
 
jcwads said:
Shows what I know. From when I inspected it before there is loads of old sealant around the frame so I had assumed that is what you do to seal that area. However maybe it was bodge jobbed before?

I think removing it and refitting may be a bit beyond me, its massive!! But I will make sure I get a proper job done....

Cheers
Click to expand...

I'll accept JtB's superior knowledge that the goalpost mounting is the likely suspect but personally I'd have thought that the cable entry points are the more likely culprit.

Considering someone has already had a go at some additional sealing, I don't see any harm in cleaning off the old sealant, cleaning and de-greasing the area thoroughly and then re apply some decent quality clear sealant in its place. I'm a short arse so this wouldn't be visible to me.

At least this would help you to identify the problem so that you can effect a perfect fix at a later date.
 
jimmy_the_builder said:
Aha. That's telling you that it leaked before, and was bodged before. It's a tricky thing to remove, because its c of g is very aftward. You need to cut out the sealant around the targa panel, and in there you'll find 4no nuts on studs welded on to the bottom of the frame. Unplug all the connectors before you undo the nuts. The existing sealant will hang on to the frame after you've loosened the nuts; so don't remove the forward two nuts but undo them as much as possible. You'll then have to wiggle the frame a bit to free it and then you'll want a helper to hold it while you remove the last two nuts. It's heavy - be careful. I use a ladder to get right up there when I'm removing mine.

Then, clean out all the old silicone from the grooves in the top of the arch and also off the base of the frame, and then reseal around the bolt holes and reassemble. Easy! Good luck...
Click to expand...

Sounds like a good plan too.
 
petem said:
I'll accept JtB's superior knowledge that the goalpost mounting is the likely suspect but personally I'd have thought that the cable entry points are the more likely culprit.

Considering someone has already had a go at some additional sealing, I don't see any harm in cleaning off the old sealant, cleaning and de-greasing the area thoroughly and then re apply some decent quality clear sealant in its place. I'm a short arse so this wouldn't be visible to me.

At least this would help you to identify the problem so that you can effect a perfect fix at a later date.
Click to expand...
My radar tower is leaking from the cable entry hole, only during heavy rains. How did u seal it? It looks like a grommet is missing
 
Just squirting Selent around the base mounting does not generally fix any issue or water leaks.

Then I fitted my radar arch I used a rubber gasket to seal the arch bases to the deck that could be tightened

I am a DIYer so could do it myself.

To reseal the base the radar arch needs to be removed and the base cleaned up. This may mean removing and cables that go to any electrical equipment on the arch
 
I need to do a similar job.
I’m torn between using Sikaflex 291i or Butyl tape.
What’s the current thinking on sealing deck glands, fittings, etc.
 
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