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bkahler · 01-08-2008, 08:46 PM

I finally managed to find the time over the last week to remove all of the old Vulkem from half of the windows on our Classic 310 motorhome. I did the windows that appeared to be the causes of the leaks we've been experiencing in the back bedroom, over the door and above the dinette table. We had a pretty good rain storm this afternoon, a real gully gusher, and when Susan and I got home we were excited to find that no water was present inside, other than a couple of drops on the table. I think those came in through the sides of the windows since all of those gaskets are in bad shape. Replacing the gaskets is going to happen down the road when I have more time on my hands.

This was my first experience using Vulkem and I really like the way it flows as you're putting it on. Definitely worth the effort

.

Brad

guy99 · 01-10-2008, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkahler

I finally managed to find the time over the last week to remove all of the old Vulkem from half of the windows on our Classic 310 motorhome. I did the windows that appeared to be the causes of the leaks we've been experiencing in the back bedroom, over the door and above the dinette table. We had a pretty good rain storm this afternoon, a real gully gusher, and when Susan and I got home we were excited to find that no water was present inside, other than a couple of drops on the table. I think those came in through the sides of the windows since all of those gaskets are in bad shape. Replacing the gaskets is going to happen down the road when I have more time on my hands.

This was my first experience using Vulkem and I really like the way it flows as you're putting it on. Definitely worth the effort

.

Brad

We had to replace part of the sub floor in our MH due to leaks and water damage. Might be a good idea to check yours out and try to dry out any wet flooring (I know, pretty obvious).

bkahler · 01-10-2008, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guy99

We had to replace part of the sub floor in our MH due to leaks and water damage. Might be a good idea to check yours out and try to dry out any wet flooring (I know, pretty obvious).

Sometimes its not quite so obvious so your point is well taken. As near as I've been able to tell the leaks around the windows only started in the recent past. Definitely before we got the mh but not to long before. The worst leaks were from the A/C roof units and I think those manifested themselves during our drive back from Savannah GA to Arkansas. I believe they dried out while sitting for several years and then a cold February drive on rough roads did them in. I could find no real signs of prior damage from the A/C leaks. The rear windows were due to dried Vulkem along the tops of the windows. Again they didn't seem to leak long enough to damage anything.

However once we start pulling the carpet up and installing the wood flooring I'll know for sure about any hidden damage

.

Brad

soldiermedic · 01-10-2008, 07:45 PM

Brad....just have that energetic wife do all the flooring removal...she has the energy.

Good job BTW.

Steve

bkahler · 01-10-2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soldiermedic

Brad....just have that energetic wife do all the flooring removal...she has the energy.

Good job BTW.

Steve

Susan and I have an understanding. I do the rebuilding, repairing, fixing, etc and she does the polishing, waxing, cleaning, etc. So I'm the one that will be taking out the carpets and installing the new wood flooring. However, Susan is going to have to keep it clean, and with me around THAT is a tough job

We've also learned to divide our various other duties. I do the whining, whimpering and puling and she gets to b*tch, moan, gripe & complain. I'm not sure why she gets to do one more thing than I do but I guess thats life

.

Thanks!

Brad

soldiermedic · 01-10-2008, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkahler

I'm not sure why she gets to do one more thing than I do but I guess thats life

.

Brad

Brad,

You are lucky you see it as she "Gets" to do one more thing. She may look at it that she "has" an extra chore.

Won't be hard to keep clean if you are in Pasadena ehh?

Steve

bkahler · 01-10-2008, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soldiermedic

Brad,

You are lucky you see it as she "Gets" to do one more thing. She may look at it that she "has" an extra chore.

Ah, but Susan LOVES to work......

.

Quote:

Won't be hard to keep clean if you are in Pasadena ehh?

Steve

Unfortunately thats true. On the bright side though its not forever and in the long run things will be a lot better for both of us.

Brad

BobbyW · 01-11-2008, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkahler

Susan and I have an understanding. I do the rebuilding, repairing, fixing, etc and she does the polishing, waxing, cleaning, etc. So I'm the one that will be taking out the carpets and installing the new wood flooring. However, Susan is going to have to keep it clean, and with me around THAT is a tough job

We've also learned to divide our various other duties. I do the whining, whimpering and puling and she gets to b*tch, moan, gripe & complain. I'm not sure why she gets to do one more thing than I do but I guess thats life

.

Thanks!

Brad

I nominate this as the "Post of the Month".

bkahler · 01-11-2008, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobbyW

I nominate this as the "Post of the Month".

WOW! I've never been nominated for anything before

.

Thanks!!!

Brad

choctawmel · 01-14-2008, 07:44 PM

Just riped all the carpet out of my 'Silver Bullet'.
I was one piece short of finishing installing the 'trafficMaster' allure (oak) plank floor. Just bought a new box to finish up. I put mine in east-west. If I hadn't miscut twice I would of had one plank left over. Now I'll have 15 spares planks. I'm going to caulk around the edges. Didn't find any bad sub-floor. Was going to coat the sub-floor first, but decided that chipboard had lasted 22 years, so if was good.
Couldn't believe the number of finishing nails the PO had driven through the carpet. Most of had some squicks.
Could not find a seam in the sub-floor either. Looked like it was one piece from front to back.
Now I'm working on a now cabinet for the TV. The two seats and the old TV cabinet are history.
I'd post a picture, but, can't figure that fucture out.
mel

Chuckles · 01-22-2008, 02:56 PM

OK Here goes (an Englishman asking a dumb question!

) What is Vulkem?

It sounds as if it is very liquid. I have started to seal, by the process of elimination, leaks in the bedroom. To do this I have dug out old sealer around the window frames, then using a very small wire brush clean the gap, and then reseal with clear silicone. (messy!)

Trouble is I know the silicone will eventually lift after a period of time.

it sounds as if the Vulkem will run easier into small gaps - is that so? and where would I get this (sent to the UK; - naturally)

**jcanavera** · 01-22-2008, 03:52 PM

Chuck, the Vulkem is more of a caulk. I'm not sure of its consistency but I'm not sure if it truly flows. I bought a product from my local Airstream dealer called Parbond which is in a small tube with a screw on cap. This stuff flows and I've used it on some questionable seams on my trailer. Nothing leaking but it flows in and solidifies after drying.

The Hot Deal - Parbond Aluminum

Jack

soldiermedic · 01-22-2008, 03:57 PM

You can also order Acryl-R from the Airstream Factory. It is very viscous and wicks into the seams of the trailers quite nicely.

Steve

bkahler · 01-22-2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuckles

OK Here goes (an Englishman asking a dumb question!

) What is Vulkem?

It sounds as if it is very liquid. I have started to seal, by the process of elimination, leaks in the bedroom. To do this I have dug out old sealer around the window frames, then using a very small wire brush clean the gap, and then reseal with clear silicone. (messy!)

Trouble is I know the silicone will eventually lift after a period of time.

it sounds as if the Vulkem will run easier into small gaps - is that so? and where would I get this (sent to the UK; - naturally)

As Steve mentioned Vulkem is a form of caulk, actually according to the tube I have its a construction sealant. I got it from Andy's RV. Quite pleased with its performance.

I'd strongly recommend getting a half dozen tubes from Andy and as soon as you can peel the silicone off and reseal with the vulkem. You'll be glad you did.

Do some searching on vulkem and you'll find the best ways to work with it.

Brad

codybear · 01-22-2008, 04:43 PM

update on our safari leaks:

I ordered from Vintage 4 tubes of the 636 TremPro..worked like a dream..NO LEAKS!!!..and we did find the source of leak: the Camping World guy had left his 'knee imprints' on the panel near the ribs when he installed the a/c..

overlander63 · 01-22-2008, 05:41 PM

I once thought I had all Bertha's leaks stopped, but i soon recovered from that delusion...

soldiermedic · 01-22-2008, 09:28 PM

Brad...it was Jack who said it was like caulk and not me. I know you think I have all the answers, but I am not the go to guy on such things

Steve

codybear · 01-22-2008, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander63

I once thought I had all Bertha's leaks stopped, but i soon recovered from that delusion...

Well, Terry, tell you what- I've got my fingers and toes crossed and have a couple of tarps permanently on hand in the safari, just in case!!

overlander63 · 01-23-2008, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codybear

Well, Terry, tell you what- I've got my fingers and toes crossed and have a couple of tarps permanently on hand in the safari, just in case!!

We had severe storms here last night, and I woke up to Lake Bertha in the kitchen...

rmpray · 02-09-2008, 07:38 PM

Terry,
Assuming you have bailed out by now, have you had any luck with the leaks? I just finished seperating all my windows to remove the ancient film and are reinstalling, but all need reseal and gaskets. Did find that leks drastically decrease whe the bloody things are open one notch. That is due to water getting in through glass. With windows open it drips outside. I had used a GE ALuminum product on the shell and so far so good, but reckon I will get some Vulcrum for future use. Just was curious if you solved your water problem.

rob