Trickle, trickle...(drips coming down back window)

[mjanderle]

Trying to get the van water tight (re other post : New Feature : wet foot).

My last little leak comes when we see a significant deluge. I'll be laying in the van and trickle, trickle, drops will start coming down the inside of the back window (upper right hand corner). Not a ton, but enough that I'm writing and asking about it.

Thoughts? Hatch seal? Other nefarious Vanagon weakness that I have yet to encounter?

Any input would be great.
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1976 BMW R90/6
1979 Honda XL250
2004 BMW R1150GSA
2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD OR
1987 VW Vanagon Wolfsberg Edition, Westfalia Weekender

Gone but not forgotten, 1976 Toyota Land Crusier FJ40

Déjà-nesia - Having amnesia and déjà vu at the same time. I think I’ve forgotten this s@*t before.

[newfisher]

Take piece of paper 8 1/2 x 11 and stick it in between the hatch and body. Close the hatch and tug the paper. if you can easily pull it, water will intrude. Keep moving it around to check other areas. Should be some resistance to pull it out with a good water tight seal. Replace the 30 year old gasket and or adjust the slammed gate if needed.

Soapy water in a spray bottle applied to the outer window seal, turn Hvac fan on high to pressurize the inside of the van and look for bubbles. If it's bubbling, replace the gasket if old or have the glass pulled and urathane the seal to the glass and the glass to the hatch.

[mjanderle]

[newfisher]

You may also be able to slice the weatherstrip and install round rubber or foam cord if it is hollow, I cant remember on the hatch seal. Use lots of silicone spray to lube both pieces. It will " fluff up" the weatherstrip and increases its ability to make contact. mostly a temporary solution and diagnostic tool, but I have left the rubber cord installed for years in a few older vehicles.

[IdahoDoug]

See if you can tell where its coming in from. The weatherstrip on body/hatch opening would have a drip pattern (puff flour on the area if you want clarity on pattern). If its the upper corner of the rear window seal, that's a different drip pattern (would only be on the inner hatch - doesn't sound like yours).

You can also pull the hatch tighter to the body using the adjustments to get better pressure on the seal up there.
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

[zastrow_qr]

Also check the gutter above the rear hatch.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7441146
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Ryan
'87 Westfalia