Sunroof. Any downside to sealing it off?

[kenleyfred]

I'm about to test the swear filter.
That ****ing sunroof is giving me the ****s.
It leaks like a sieve.
It does not get used, I'm scared that if I open it it will probably seal even worse again.
I would like to take the roof rack and tent off, climb on the roof with a tube of sealant and seal off the whole sunroof.

Is there anything I'm not thinking of, what should I use. I don't intend to ever use it again, but using a sealant that could be removed somewhat easily in the future is probably a better idea.

I am serious about this, so all comments about it being a Defender harden up are not too welcome. We get very wet inside, and thought has to be given where we put phones etc. I braked earlier and had about a litre hit smack into the dash. The fancy clarion radio absorbed that nicely, it still works, but the icom gave up a while ago.
thanks
Kenley

[kenleyfred]

Look at that. The swear filter works a treat:)

[Marshall]

If you're not interested in a new seal eg: Search tasc-auto car products to buy (http://www.tasc-auto.co.uk/moreinfo.php?prod_id=68&prod=seals&search_category=&search=&offset=0)
Then use Sikaflex, not normal silicone.

I would recommend winding it out, giving it a good old clean, sikaflex and close while the sikaflex is still wet. Don't get it wet for at least 24 - 48 hrs after this, and if you can avoid driving it, do this also as the vibrations may compromise a good seal.

Oh, and reseal your gutters whle you're at it...

Pete

[POD]

I haven't had any experience with defender sunroofs specifically, but have had a couple on Rangies. I assume there is not much difference in the basic design. They are not intended to have a water-tight seal where the sunroof closes in it''s surround, instead the water that gets in is supposed to drain away via hoses that run down the a and b pillars on both sides. If you're getting water gushing in like that, it sounds like the drain tubes are blocked and the tray that contains the mechanism is filling up with water. Find where the drain tubes finish- in the rangies it is in the rear wheel arches above the tyre and behind the front inner guards in front of the front doors- make sure the ends aren't blocked with mud, poke a bit of wire into them and make sure they're clear. Harder to get to the top end of the drain tubes, you can blow them out with compressed air but you may blow a gallon of muddy water into your roof lining. That might overload the swear filter.

[manic]

Before sealing it off why don't you take it apart, replace any seals, clean it up put it all back back in and adjust whatever is adjustable? If it was water tight when new it can be water tight again!

I had a camper once and the previous owner had silicone shut both the sunroofs!.. Really ****es me of when people do lazy **** like that. Take it apart and service it properly. How hard can it be? :)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/02/327.jpg

[sam_d]

I'd be checking the drains before sealing it.

My old (Discovery) sunroof leaked really badly in the lightest rain. Once I cleaned the drainpipes it was fine and no water got in even with the heaviest downpours.

[sniegy]

No drains in these units.

Will most likely be the outer seal.
Replace & all should be good.

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

[kenleyfred]

I can't find any any drains, I'll wait till I get a tribe around to help me remove the rack/tent. Then I'll inspect the seals.
In the mean time I've rolled up an old towel and wedged it between the rack and the sunroof, it seems to have closed the sunroof down more securely which may just do the job. Temporarily of course.

Thanks for all responses,
Kenley

[juddy]

I thought it was supposed to leak...

[kenleyfred]

I thought it was supposed to leak...

Perhaps. But the amount is really bad. It's already killed the icom, the stereo got drowned recently,still works, I'd love to eventually have an ipad set up. At the moment I can't even find a safe place for my phone. Continually wet carpets and seats is not good.

It's started raining again, I'll soon see how good my heath robinson fix is.

[juddy]

No you need to get it fixed.. coming in from above is a big no no.....

[Drover]

Hey Kenley,

You should be able to sort it out.

My sun roof doesn't leak a drop and I open it regularly. ( I am not saying I don't have other leaks :eek:)

Pull it apart - Replace / clean the seals.

If not SikaFlex is your friend.

Good luck

[mools]

I'm with you with sealing up a sun roof. I don't have one on my defender but I've had cars with dodgy sun roofs - drove me mad. What really gets me though is what's the point of them anyway? Especially in a sunny, hot climate, what purpose do they serve?

Why not paint it with blackout paint at the same time?

Ian.

[Jacko44]

I have a sunroof on my 08 defender svx, it doesn't leak

[ericvv]

Same here. SVX with sunroof and no leaks. But you need to perform simple maintenance to keep it in good shape. Not more than keeping it clean, and a few times per year spray the rubber seal with a sîlicon seal protector. That keeps it just fine. I do like a sunroof in a Defender as it gives a more spacy roomy atmosphere.

[kenleyfred]

Well my SVX leaks like a sieve. For the short term I'll see if my rolled up towel works. When I manage to get the rack off I'll have a go at repairing seals
Kenley

[CountryHonk]

I haven't had any experience with defender sunroofs specifically, but have had a couple on Rangies. I assume there is not much difference in the basic design. They are not intended to have a water-tight seal where the sunroof closes in it''s surround, instead the water that gets in is supposed to drain away via hoses that run down the a and b pillars on both sides. If you're getting water gushing in like that, it sounds like the drain tubes are blocked and the tray that contains the mechanism is filling up with water. Find where the drain tubes finish- in the rangies it is in the rear wheel arches above the tyre and behind the front inner guards in front of the front doors- make sure the ends aren't blocked with mud, poke a bit of wire into them and make sure they're clear. Harder to get to the top end of the drain tubes, you can blow them out with compressed air but you may blow a gallon of muddy water into your roof lining. That might overload the swear filter.

Hey POD - maybe you have some pointers or know of a method/guide!!

I have 1990 RRC unfortunately it has a glass sunroof (as opposed to steel covered) which inexplicably (or no one saw them) shattered a year or so ago. I've been putting it off and finally measured it up and had Phil at TR Spares in Adelaide send a replacement glass over. I would silastic it closed as well but the RR has only 98000k and still pretty neat. Still, first thing I did when we bought it 5 years ago at 75k was to take out the sunroof fuse.

Are you aware of any guide to fitting a new glass? I am thinking it will be a bit like fitting a tyre - use plastic levers to re insert the seal ... really have no idea. I've scoured the forum but I'm not the best at searching so hope I haven't missed anything before bothering you!

I'd be grateful for any pointers.

Cheers
Matto

[defender_i_hardly_know_er]

Something else is going on for a litre of water to come sloshing through. It must be pooling first?

Mine leaks sort of, when I go through the auto car wash I cop a misting.

The crappiest thing about the sun roof is that you can't block the sun from belting through in summer at just the right time of day. I've thought about putting a vinyl sticker over my hatch to block it.