cracked windscreen

[WULLIE4567]

Hi
I have a 1992 face lift xjs 4.0 ltr. washing my car tonight I noticed my windscreen was cracked across the drivers side bottom corner about five inches long and only in the inside, no crack on the outer glass. wasn't there last week when I used it to my work. funny thing is water has now penetrated inbetween the two pains and started to go the usual white color. has anybody had this happen before? the screen has not been hit with anything, no marks or chips on the outside. could it be body movement whilst driving? any ideas?
will need new screen now anyway.
cheers
wullie w.

[Gordon@1962]

Wullie be careful where you take it to get it repaired.

My screen has been out twice in 2 years.
The first time my local Jaguar dealer did it and they did a great job.
The second time I went to auto windscreens (its a long story as to why) but when I collected the car, the chrome fittings looked abysmal!!
I complained several times to get them to re-do it but they wouldn't.

I now want to take it back to my Jaguar dealer some time to have it put right.

[WULLIE4567]

Hi Gordon
I think I will remove the s/s surround my self then get someone to remove and refit screen. I have had it off before myself (the surround that is) tricky wee job not to damage it but managed with care.
I had a wee water leak coming from the screen area, I found a wee hole where the water sits in at the corner of the screen, bad desgin. I filled it with black silicon that fixed it.
I now have a bigger problem, think the head gaskets gone. I am going to ask some questions in the engine section about this. where's the best place to get the stuff gaskets etc, have a wee look and thanks for your help about the screen. hope you get your s/s surround sorted out.
wullie. .

[ptjs1]

Wullie,

Hi! Good to see you back active on the Bulletin Board. I'd endorse the comment about the surrounds - OK to take off, but not so easy to put back on correctly!

If you're having the screen replaced, I'd definitely allow a time gap between getting someone to take it out and putting in a new one. It's a rare opportunity to really examine the screen body flange and correct any minor corrosion, particularly in the corners. Also a good time to make sure that drain channels down the back of the chromes are clear.

Good Luck

Paul

[WULLIE4567]

Hi Paul
Thanks agian for the info, I will leave time between removing and replacing screen. let you know how I get on with cyl/head job.
cheers wullie.

[greeban]

As Paul knows I had my screen out last month and there was some corrosion - not too bad but I am sure there is more under the chrome that I cannot get to - I dare not rip it all off as it will never go on again without an experienced fitter so I have left alone for now. A job to save up for in a few years when the rust appears again - it is a cr*p design - allowing moisture and more to live in the gap between windscreen and flange. I have sprayed a little wax in to help keep it at bay.

I still have a leak though in the car - windscreen was definately leaking but it is coming in somewhere else - as the rear sill carpets are damp I reakon it is coming in under the side rear windows when my car is parked on a slope possibly allowing water to run down under the rear chrome?
More investigation required!

[dhdove]

Graeme
Rear windows are a known point for leaks but also.........
Check out for damp on inner sill carpets. Door seals fail and water runs down in between the door and body until it finds a way in......then runs down the inner sill in the carpet into the passenger compartment.......
Best Wishes
DH Dove

[greeban]

Thanks for the reply DH - the sill carpets are damp; I had a feeling it might be coming in through the door as the previous owner had put some kind of gum along part of the bottom of the passenger door card to try and stop a leak!
I think the slope on my drive is causing the water to flow into the weak areas so will be putting a cover over the car when in the drive to reduce it. I have not noticed this problem when the car has been parked on the flat.

Anyone got an XJS car cover they wish to sell me??!!

[dhdove]

Graeme
I really do hope you've found the problem, but if it's coming thru the door expect sill carpet to be v. wet, check it's not "wicking up" from the floor into the sill carpet
Ah the joys
DH Dove