Window leak on 2003 986S

[Jim86]

Hi all,

I've only had the car a few weeks and in that time plenty of problems but I've managed to sort them all so far apart from the leak!

It's coming from the point where the window, screen surround and roof meet. I think it's to do with the seal where the roof meets the screen surround. I can see the water track down the door seal in the doorjamb, or dripping from various points of the top of the window. Quite a lot of it, once it starts

Any ideas? I can try to take some pictures of specific things tomorrow. Right now the door card is stripped off, with a couple of pots catching drips.

[Jim86]

Just searching around, I found a video on Youtube. I think it's something similar to this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLa4FAtqXSg

[paulofto]

My 03 S has exactly the same issue. It only happens on the left side and only if it is a hard driving rain. I’ve learned to live with it by only driving with the top down on sunny days.

[Jim86]

I might be a massive idiot (I wouldn’t be the first to identify this flaw of mine)

I did the mod of spacing the tensioner on the window regulator (if that makes sense) as my window doesn’t quite clear the roof when opening/closing the door.

Am i right that this would cause the window to sit a bit lower in the closed position and therefore not quite make a seal with the roof?

If so, I’m an idiot and I’ll fit a new window regulator

[rexcramer]

The adjustments to get the window in the perfect position, after you X/O a regulator, can be frustrating. There are a bunch of issues that need to be addressed and readdressed as you go. From the placement of the glass in the clamps fore/aft, the bottom of the holder, in/out, etc. After you think you are finished, you then need to reprogram the travel up/down. Then test it and see if the drop is proper. Each adjustment has an effect on the rest. The Bentley manual is really helpful as is the DIY write up on Pelican Parts.

I have tried the bike cable adjuster, cheaper aftermarket regulators, and finally bit the bullet and bought OEM for both sides.

Getting the plastic cover sealed back onto the door is critical to preventing water intrusion.

[Jim86]

Originally Posted by rexcramer

The adjustments to get the window in the perfect position, after you X/O a regulator, can be frustrating. There are a bunch of issues that need to be addressed and readdressed as you go. From the placement of the glass in the clamps fore/aft, the bottom of the holder, in/out, etc. After you think you are finished, you then need to reprogram the travel up/down. Then test it and see if the drop is proper. Each adjustment has an effect on the rest. The Bentley manual is really helpful as is the DIY write up on Pelican Parts.

I have tried the bike cable adjuster, cheaper aftermarket regulators, and finally bit the bullet and bought OEM for both sides.

Getting the plastic cover sealed back onto the door is critical to preventing water intrusion.

Thanks Rex. I haven’t done a window regulator before and I expected as much.

I’ve emailed my local Porsche specialist to see when they can take a look. They have a good reputation and I’ve seen some of their work so I think I’ll just go with what they recommend.

I think a previous owner has had a go and fitted a homemade door seal which looks a bit messy but does seem to work. I sat in it while it rained and the leak is definitely coming from the window. The seal is clear plastic and I can see that it is holding water back. I will probably replace it with OEM for peace of mind though.