Window gasket placement issue

[TDOW]

Just spent the afternoon replacing a gasket for a small, curb side window. Other than a little elbow grease for cleaning the old, worn gasket off, it went well.

Until...I may have installed it wrong! Should the placement be right up against the frame, or flush with the inside of the frame? I put it up against the frame and when the window is closed, some of the gasket is exposed.

When looking at the other windows, the old, cracked rubber is flush with the frame. But I thought maybe it had totally shrunken away from the frame edge?

[TDOW]

The first photo shows the original placement. Did it shrink away from the edge?

Second photo shows the new gasket. Should I not have placed it so far over?

[dbj216]

Well, I'm in the same boat as you. My old seals were way shot, and I did not notice their position when I cleaned up the frames. Then I stuck the new VTS seals along the frame edge just like you did. I tried to get them way up to the glass bar.

So I have about 25% of my new seals not doing anything. It doesn't seem right. So far in a few rain storms they are not leaking from the seals. I opened one of my windows and was disappointed the new seal stuck to the glass. It actually pulled rubber, not the adhesive tape. I didn't apply any silicone, but even so, I'm not impressed with a rubber seal that sticks to glass. Maybe I should have used an old fashioned D seal.

David

PS Can't post pictures due to inadequate bandwidth at this campground.

[TDOW]

Hey David,

I sent VTS the same photos and will let you know what they have to say.

Thanks, Karen

[dbj216]

Excellent idea. VTS ought to know. Thanks Karen.

[TDOW]

Well David, VTS said it shouldn't matter. Hmm...I moved the gasket two days ago, so that the glass totally covered it. We are expecting 2 1/2" of rain today. That should be a good test!

[dbj216]

Thanks for the feedback.

Well, I think you were wise to engage all the gasket with all the window glass as long as your gasket is supported all the way across.

I remember what an old mechanic taught me years ago. If you want to improve the seal, then reduce the width of the gasket to increase the "clamp" or pressure on the gasket. This was related to cam cover gaskets leaking oil.

So you have more gasket surface in play, and I may have more "clamp" with some of the rubber hanging out beyond the glass.

So far I haven't had any gasket leaks from the windows during rain. I haven't tried spraying them with a hose yet. If they leaked, I imagine the water will pool on the window sill.

David