Winegard Sensar Antenna Wizards.. Help

[Adony]

Today I started helping a friend to restore the Winegard Sensar Antenna on used 5th wheel he recently bought. From the outset, the antenna would not receive anything when raised (turning / aiming antenna will be discussed next)... We found that the wall mounted amplifier power (12vdc) was disconnected along with the antenna input and 2 tv outputs). The external cable connection was connected directly to the TV. We reconnected the 12 vdc power, cable and antenna inputs / tv outputs, turned the amplifier on, raised the antenna and immediately received several stations.. I can only assume that the previous owner always used the cable input and never the roof mounted antenna. NOW FOR THE PROBLEM... we were unable to rotate the antenna to see what else we could receive... it WOULD NOT TURN... upon investigation on the roof we discovered that the entire antenna base / rotating gear assy was covered in some kind of sealant and basically glued in storage position. To fix this, we plan to carefully cut away the sealant from the rotating gear assy, remove it and replace the o-ring and reassemble it assuming there is no corrosion. Before we do any cutting removing, is there anything we are overlooking or should be aware of before we start the endeavor. We have the procedures (instructions) on how to remove the plate and want to have all the parts needed in hand. Picture shows what I am talking about.

[TURBS]

I have to wonder if there was an underlying problem that they sealed it up that way .
that being said as long as you have any and all replacement parts to repair anything you might find as you cut away the sealant you should be ok .
with the obvious being that you be careful not to cut into the roof membrane .
good luck !
post pics as you go .... I am sure everyone would like to see your process .

[Herk7769]

If he was always hooked to cable (I agree with your assessment), sealing up the antenna would be the next logical step to prevent leaks from the never used roof penetration.

My concern would be WHAT he used for sealant and how to get it off.
It does not "look" like Dicor.

Be extremely careful with your removal tool. A roof tear around that antenna base will be very difficult to repair even with Eternabond.

[Adony]

The sealant used is a soft clear sealant and can be cut easily.. We intend to go no where near the edge of the mounting plateto remove sealant where it attaches to the rubber roof.. If it gets to the point of where the base plate is damaged or corroded and must be replaced, we will let the professionals do it...