Batwing Water Leak

[CA_Traveler]

The batwing has developed a small leak. The maintenance information suggests periodic lubrication to keep seals working and I failed to do this.

Has anyone done after the fact lubrication and stopped a leak or will I likely have to replace the seals? Input appreciated.

[edatlanta]

Mine leaked on my bed twice. After the first leak lubed it, after the second leak I removed it with a different antenna and threw the batwing in the trash. No problems since.

[Bill_Satellite]

The most likely place for it to come from is indeed the shaft itself, assuming it's at the shaft/handle. The leak can often be resolved by removing the shaft form the topside underneath the black plastic nut (5/6 sided?). There are 3 (I think) o-rings on the shaft and they need lube. On a regular basis just a shot of silicone down the shaft will keep things OK. Now when you disassemble you might put a bit of dielectric grease or similar to get a more of a seal and you can use the silicone every 6 months or so after that. Worst case, just replace the o-rings and you should be good to go.

[MFL]

I had a similar leak on a previous FW. I let lube run down the shaft above, to reach the O-ring, moved the antenna all around, and never another leak over several years before trading.

Jerry

[BFL13]

When you said "batwing" I thought you meant the antenna head.

Usual suspect for water inside is the "boot" on the roof part not doing its job where the coax goes down. You can fill the boot with goop so it stays stuck down in place instead of working its way up the coax.

[CA_Traveler]

Had to replace a pinion gear once. And while there were no leaks the axle shafts were worn at the seals so they also got replaced since I was giving the car to a family member.

[Old-Biscuit]

Most likely it is coming from the boot on the coax cable

Check that the boot is DOWN/In Place

Winegard exploded view

[CA_Traveler]

It's a small drip from the crank area which suggests it's the seal. Unlikely to be elsewhere but certainly possible.

My experience with seals in general is that once they leak the best solution is replacement but lubing is quick if it actually works. :@

[ksg5000]

Replace the ring - it's cheap and a DIY job. But understand that this may not fix your water leak .. the actual source of your water leak might not be where it's leaking into your RV.

[BFL13]

I had one apart to see why the amplifier wasn't working (couldn't fix it), but don't remember any sealing needs. How can you tell it is leaking?

[enblethen]

I had small leak. portion came from the small boot that seals the cable entrance. While there I lubricated the gear assembly for raising and lowing. It showed white chlky residue. Looked like aluminum oxidation.