Windshield access panel sealant & cleaner?

[brownm]

A previous owner of my M20E used some nasty black sealant (RTV silicone?) for the 2 access panels at the base of the windshield. This stuff got onto the cabin cover, and then back onto the panels & cowling. I'm going to be replacing the cabin cover and I want to reseal the panels with something that isn't going to make another mess.

 

What is the spec requirement for sealing these panels, and which sealant has worked well for you?

 

Is there anyway to check that you've sealed the panels adaquately, other that putting enough on to see it ooze out everywhere?

 

Any suggestions on what to use to completely remove the black marks on the white paint? I don't think it's going to come off with any ordinary cleaners or soaps.

 

 

Thanks!

Michael

[takair]

Is the sealant dry to the touch or sticky. If it is RTV then the only way I know to remove it is by hand. I sealed my panel with two strips of 1/4 inch foam weather strip, similar to the the seal on the pilots vent window. I put one on either side of the rain channel. Mine is a 64, so newer ones my be different. It is not 100% water tight, but it is removable. With that and a cover it keeps the radios dry.

[MARZ]

Denatured alcohol is your friend it won't mess up your windows if you happen to spill it and will clean up just about everything off the paint

[N201MKTurbo]

When I bought my F in 84, those panels were sealed with zinc chromate putty. It worked real good. The mechanic I worked with back then had some. I would just gather up all the old putty and roll it into a ball, add some new stuff from my mechanics can, roll it into a snake any press it into the little troughs where the panels go and screw them back on. They never leaked and they were easy to clean and redo.

I have no idea if you can even get the stuff anymore.

[garytex]

At least electrician's putty is grey.  Thats what I use, it never hardens and some does get on the cover.  100LL, available close at hand, takes it right off, and it can be scraped down to the sealed edge with the edge of a credit card to reduce smearing.  Work fine lasta long time.  

[1964-M20E]

On my former plane I used 1/8" x 1" neoprene foam rubber attached it to the removable cover and when you screwed them down kept the water out and I parked outside.

[N601RX]

3M caulkstrip works well for sealing up the numeroius cracks and crevices. Most autoparts stores have it.  It comes in a box of strips about 1/8" in diameter and does not harden.

 

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MMM0/08578.oap?pt=N0481&ppt=C0171

[brownm]

Thanks for all the info & suggestions so far. As I recall, the current black stuff is still sticky, like some sort of putty.

 

Does anyone know what the Mooney manual specifies? I used to have a e-copy of that, but I currently don't have access to the computer it's stored on.

 

Michael

[MB65E]

Older military jets use fuel tank sealant (PRC ) on all the panels. Sealant makes its own gasket when closed. Back side of the panels are coated with vaseline to prevent getting stuck permanently. It's published is some manuals, but I have not tried it myself. I imagine you could use some clear silicone and do the same process. Leave the screws slightly loose while it dries, then full torque when it dries. Wipe up the Vaseline prior to install.

Ours were like a tuna can when we tried to get them off from the first time...Surface area is a crazy thing.

-Matt

[TTaylor]

On my former plane I used 1/8" x 1" neoprene foam rubber attached it to the removable cover and when you screwed them down kept the water out and I parked outside.

 

I second this option.  Works well and does not stick to both sides. Allows easy access with no mess.  Search for "neoprene tape gasket" or "Boat Hatch Seal".  I have not had any leaks and have opened the covers about 20 times this last year.