Sunroof leak after removing

[reags8]

Just like the title says.....

I removed the sunroof to paint the cover and when I re-installed it I could hear wind noise when closed so I washed it and sure enough it leaks.

Anyone ever had this happen ? What are the likely causes before I pull the roof again ....

Thanks in advance for the help.

Reags
Green 92 MTX SHO

 

[sperold]

There is usually a gap in the rubber that surrounds the glass panel, and sometimes that gap is dead center at the front of the panel.

In that situation, you will get wind noise. If you put a piece of electricians tape on the gap, the noise goes away.

Your sunroof has no way of keeping water from getting past the glass panel, so in one sense, it always leaks. What happens is the drains that are on all 4 corners of the under panel pan carry the water away, the front ones to your rocker panels and the rear ones to your rear wheel wells. When these drain hoses get clogged, then you have interior leak problems.

All of this is predicated by the notion that your glass panel fits the way it used to before it was removed.

 

[reags8]

Thanks .... I'm assuming there's a write up on cleaning the drains?

 

[sperold]

People have had success with blowing them out with compressed air. There are probably some do's and don'ts using this approach that you would have to get some advice on.

The other method is using something like an old fashioned speedometer cable which is incredibly flexible.

The prevailing theory is the blockage is usually near the beginning of the drain tube.

If you do end up taking the glass out again and decide you want a new seal, you can get a new one from sunroofdoctor dot com, but the price is surprising (maybe $60.00 +).
The other solution requires going to a wrecking yard and finding any Ford sunroof panel, as they all use the same seal. Then you make one seal out of your two using silicone as the joiner.

 

[reags8]

Thanks for all the input; I used compressed air down both front drains then carefully poured a cup of water down each ..... both drained perfectly on the ground. Next step would be to shut it and get some water to it.

Update .....

Came out to the car to find a small puddle on drivers seat, now I still have the trim piece missing between the headliner and the roof that goes around the sunroof. I am guessing that this piece helps provide a channel and with it missing I am pouring too much in pan and its leaking over the sides ? I am going re-install the trim and re-run test.

 

[rubydist]

also be aware that how you adjust the glass will make a big difference on how much it leaks and how much wind noise you get - if the glass is too high or too low compared to the roof opening, both of those get worse. you can adjust where the glass sits when it is closed to adjust that to a better location if needed.

 

[FastCAD]

'94 T'Bird sunroof wind seal is the same as the SHO and is still available just trim to length. The T'Bird sunroof was larger but the same design. About $50-$60.
ps. I use a length of 1/4 diameter braided wire to keep the drain holes clean. The bare end of the braid helps knock out the rust chips and junk that gathers in the drain holes.

How did the sunroof interior cover come out after you refinished it?
How did you smooth out the rough "furry" finish?