Water leak in DA40XL

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Johnrschaefer
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Water leak in DA40XL

Post by Johnrschaefer »

My DA40XL has a water leak. After a heavy rain, I find water on the back seat floor, both sides. Plane is not hangared, but always covered. Shop says canopy seals are good, though I question this diagnosis. Thoughts?
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Rich
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Re: Water leak in DA40XL

Post by Rich »

Window seals? If you have access to a wash rack, how about trying to simulate a heavy rainfall and see what you can find out?
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Johnrschaefer
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Re: Water leak in DA40XL

Post by Johnrschaefer »

Good suggestion Rich, but no wash rack where I'm based. I may overestimate the effectiveness of the cover as a first line of defense against rain, or water gets in somewhere that is not covered.
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Rich
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Re: Water leak in DA40XL

Post by Rich »

Thinking a bit more about your description it seems most likely to be coming in from the seam along the top of the rear passenger door. I would focus on that, if only to eliminate it.
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Rick
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Re: Water leak in DA40XL

Post by Rick »

I would also visually inspect the rear window opposite the door from the outside - follow the groove all the way around and make sure there is no missing caulking. I have had 2 different DA40's leak around that window, both soaking the rear floor on the right side. If that's it, the good news is that fixing it is pretty easy!
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Johnrschaefer
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Re: Water leak in DA40XL

Post by Johnrschaefer »

Rick - you may be on to something. Caulking is beginning to show cracks, and pulling away from the window and fuselage. A couple of tiny spots appear missing. Re caulking is worth a try.
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Re: Water leak in DA40XL

Post by Johnrschaefer »

Problem diagnosed to the rear window - thanks for the tip Rick!
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Re: Water leak in DA40XL

Post by Diamond_Dan »

I have some cracks in the caulk around the same rear window. is there a special procedure or material to use? Can any shop do it?
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Re: Water leak in DA40XL

Post by Soareyes »

Current: DA42-V1

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Re: Water leak in DA40XL

Post by smoss »

Dan, are you suggesting using that marine sealant directly over the old caulk to fill in any cracks, or to remove the old caulk and use it entirely as the new sealant?
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