On my -7A, in moderate rain, my slider canopy leaks somewhat in 3 places.
At the base of the windshield: A small amount of water will bubble under the windshield onto the glareshield. It seems the forward fuselage deck flexes enough to break adhesion with the formed in place fibreglass fairing. What's a good sealant to stop it? I tried a little silicone under the fibreglass outside. It seemed to slow it down. My plane's unpainted, so how will the presence of some silicone sealant affect the paint in this area?
Around the canopy lock handle: The small drop forms every 30 second or so around the shaft that goes through to the outside handle. Anyone found an o-ring or rubber washer that help would seal better?
Under the top canopy skirt and "doghouse": This area allows a lot more water in. If I hang anything clothing on the canopy rail brace at the top of the aft baggage bulkhead, it will get soaked. I heard the area behind the canopy is a "high pressure" area. What have other's used to better seal this area?
Other than a few leaks, the plane flies just as well in rain as clear air.
Thanks for your help,
Mike
At the base of the windshield: A small amount of water will bubble under the windshield onto the glareshield. It seems the forward fuselage deck flexes enough to break adhesion with the formed in place fibreglass fairing. What's a good sealant to stop it? I tried a little silicone under the fibreglass outside. It seemed to slow it down. My plane's unpainted, so how will the presence of some silicone sealant affect the paint in this area?
Around the canopy lock handle: The small drop forms every 30 second or so around the shaft that goes through to the outside handle. Anyone found an o-ring or rubber washer that help would seal better?
Under the top canopy skirt and "doghouse": This area allows a lot more water in. If I hang anything clothing on the canopy rail brace at the top of the aft baggage bulkhead, it will get soaked. I heard the area behind the canopy is a "high pressure" area. What have other's used to better seal this area?
Other than a few leaks, the plane flies just as well in rain as clear air.
Thanks for your help,
Mike
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