Water Stains on Padded Vinyl Ceiling

sherman12 · 05-20-2015, 12:02 PM

Getting the motor home ready for Memorial Day weekend I noticed a telltale yellowish line across the bedroom ceiling about one foot in from the rear wall. Looking closer, I also noticed a purplish line running across the ceiling about 6-8 inches forward. Pulled the ceiling light and the foam backed vinyl was soaked. Don't know yet where the water came from though I suspect the rear AC, really hard to look around it though. All seams etc. appear in great shape. Any ideas how, if I can, remove the stains from the vinyl ceiling and suggestions on where else to look for water intrusion? Thanks gang!

ramair · 05-20-2015, 10:52 PM

I would look at the rear cap and check the sealant there and then I would look into the ac pan. If you take the grate off from the inside you will see the bolts and they may need to be tighten a little. Do not over tighten them or they can loose there sealing. Also when you check the back end cap see if there is a water mark on the roof. That's the only places I can think off where water can enter, but I could be wrong. Let us know what you find out.

sherman12 · 05-21-2015, 08:17 AM

ramair, Thanks for the suggestions. I ruled out the rear cap seal for two reasons, one my MH sits in the driveway with a rearward slope to it and I did check the caulked seal all around the cap and it looks perfect. Your suggestion on the rear AC has got my interest and that will be the first project after Memorial Day weekend.

sherman12 · 05-21-2015, 08:19 AM

ramair, Re-reading your post I did take off the AC grate from the inside looking for water or signs of it. Did not notice any bolts but when I get home from work today that will be the first thing I do before I even go into the house.

carluv · 05-21-2015, 01:09 PM

sherman,
I have the same problem, except just forward of my front ac. Did anyone suggest how to get the yellow mark out?

ramair · 05-21-2015, 11:58 PM

To get the stain out I would check with a cleaning specialist and see what they recommend. Can't use bleach I think would be too strong unless diluted in water, but again check with someone that cleans fabric for a living.

Witch Doctor · 05-22-2015, 04:05 AM

You might try OXYClean. It doesn't have bleach in it, I used some to clean some stains off my dining room seats in the house. Took them right off and they are white. Just try a little area that is not easily seen.

sherman12 · 05-22-2015, 08:15 AM

ramair, I did tighten the ac bolts when I got home yesterday. With out experience its hard to know just how tight they should be, they seemed loose to me but didn't know how far I should go. I did try OxyClean on the ceiling to no avail. It did work on my previous rig with the mouse hair ceiling material to perfection. Must be something with the vinyl. If need be, once I source and seal the leak I would look into getting the bedroom ceiling re-done because you can't sell a RV with water stains on the ceiling.

kurtm · 07-12-2015, 03:25 PM

been chasing a bunch of leaks in my 2010 337ds. tried everything on the stains .......

nada!!

what does work though is KRYLON FUSION OR RUST OLIUM X2. they both say for plastic also..................VINYL is plastic ...........right?? has covered very well and sticks like glue. I used FLAT WHITE. use light coats or it will take weeks to dry.

Kurt

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