Sealing battery boxes and doors

[Eugiepayset]

I've tracked a leak at the front of my 85 Excella to failed seals at the battery box. Id appreciate any advice on resealing the battery box - vulkem? How to apply? What to use to gasket the battery door?
Thanks very much!

[Eugiepayset]

Should I remove all this old sealer and replace? Is this originally how Airstream did it? I'm over my head!

[adwriter73]

I would like to know the answer to this question too.

[casa3805]

My oh my these threads can sometimes be soooo timely. Please add me to this one as someone needing answers.

[Top]

Since you've asked for advice, I'll see if I can help. First, remove all the old sealant. I use MEK. It works very well for removing anything that isn't metal. It is a bit hazardous, so use proper PPE. I don't recommend you use any of the foam gasket that AS used originally. I would use some butyl putty tape that is the width of the battery box mounting flange. You should use a good polyurethane sealant like Trempro 636, 3M 540, Sonolast NP1 or Sikka 221. There is some good reading on sealants here.

[overlander63]

Don't put anything around the door itself, that's where it vents the gases. I would avoid MEK or enamel/lacquer thinner, as it will wipe away whatever clearcoat you have. Mineral spirits or cosmoline remover will work as well, and not be as bad for the clearcoat. A bead of Vulkem or butyl tape will work equally well at sealing the frame.