Door Seal Repair

[Richard Lanning]

Is it possible to repair a door seal rather than replace it?

Recently I got caught in a heavy rainstorm so I sat on the ground for a bit waiting for it to pass. I quickly discovered my door leaking at the top. Not a steady stream of water but constant drips from two places.

In looking at the door seal I can see a couple of significant nicks so I am presuming these are the source of my leaks. I would rather not tackle replacing the entire door seal if there is some other repair option availalble. According to the logs the door seal was replaced two years ago though in looking at the seal it sure appears older than two years.

Thanks

[Charles Schefer]

I don't know of a method of repair other than perhaps trying to calk any damaged areas? I bought a new seal from Brown's aircraft supply and as we get into the colder months I am going to remove the door, take off the old seal clean it with MEK (lovely stuff) and then put the new seal on with 1300-L. I am also replacing the "pin" that goes into the receiver hole at the upper leading edge of the door which I bought thru Webco. There's also a service manual procedure for rigging the door that must be done without the seal in place to be done properly. Oh... and new roll pins are needed for the hinges when reinstalling the door.

- Charles

[Richard Lanning]

I didn't think this was going to be easy. I guess I better keep a pan on the right seat.

[Charles Schefer]

I don't think it's hard and the parts aren't really expensive either. It just takes some time and patience. Maybe a weekend project. Probably a day for someone experienced.

- Charles

[N3322G]

You might also look at the maintenance manual section on door adjustment in conjunction with the project. Haven't done it but hear it is an iterative process.

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

To keep the water out while parked get a cover...! In all seriousness, sometimes a little bit of stick on weatherstripping from the hardware store is all that is needed to fill a gap without a full replacement of the seal.
-Zach