2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rear window leak?

[Rhondasway]

Now that it's rainy season I've got a leak! It's coming in at the headliner right at the rear window, mostly driver's side, but also center. My rear seat is wet which is how I discovered it.

Is there any way to tell if it's the third light or the rear window? Just replace the light gasket and see if it works? Do I need to pull the headliner, and if so is it difficult?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Dsul]

That's some good timing, I just repaired my leak last night. I pulled the third brake light assembly out and noticed that the gasket was wet all the way through. Instead of replacing the gasket, I put a small bead of RTV sealent on the gasket and re-installed the assembly. It didn't rain today but I'm pretty sure it's a common problem with these trucks. Have a good one, andy

 

[Michael Hughes]

Did your seat-belt(s) get wet?

 

[Brand-X]

We just pulled my buddies third brake light out today and sealed it with rtv. Installed cab lights last week and with the headliner out you could see the water stains at the top cab seam. Its raining now so he will know if it worked in the Am.

 

[SteveE]

Third brake light leak

I found that the gasket would pass water right through it as it is made out of foam.



Removed foam and replaced with RV window sealer tape that can be had at any RV supply.



Window could be leaking, as I look at the HP you are pumping out and you could be twisting the chassis some.



Soap the outside down and blow air from the inside of cab and see where the bubbles appear.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=1106&width=3



Steve

 

[Rhondasway]

Okay, I replaced the factory gasket (about $9 from Dodge). The old one was kindof squished in there, and definitely wet all the way through. I think the RTV is a great idea, so if this doesn't fix it, I'll try that.

Michael, I have an ext. cab, so it's just the back part of the seat.

Pulling back the headliner, I felt moisture on the wire bundle, so I'm pretty sure it's not the rear window. Although to think my horsepower is so great that it's causing structural integrity failure is kinda flattering...

Thanks guys!

 

[Deezul1]

The 3rd brake light has been a BIG cause of leaks on these trucks. The factory gasket doesnt last very long. The putty tape used on RV windows is a good fix.

 

[jeff95]

That putty tape is just plumbers putty. It is easier to work with the tape than out of a can but, if you don't have an RV dealer nearby, you can use plumbers putty from any hardware store. You can also use buttyl ruber but, it makes a terrible mess. Great stuff though.

Jeff

 

[Joe Mc]

Don't forget the clean up

MHO - All the repairs mentioned are good ones. I replaced the factory gasket and included some RTV sealer on both sides - two years ago. All is high and dry still.



Just thought I'd mention that RTV and paint don't go together very good and can make a mess. Use some WD-40 (or the like) on a soft cloth to clean up afterward - it will remove all the "Yuk" and leave the paint clean.



Joe

 

[paccool]

Hi Ronda



I met you at Piers and got to watch your smoke show!



The first gens have the same problem. Hell, I had water all the way to the front of the cab that I couldn't find the source of and it turned out to be the rear cargo light that is in the same place as the third brake light on your trucks. RTV took care of the problem.



Make sure you check the low area along the sides of the rear cab areas for water. Pull the carpets up and make sure things get dried out good so corrosion doesn't get started.