Slight damp patches : top corners of the bellows and roof fabric

[JP senior]

I have a Cali Ocean 204, new registration June 2023. When not in use, van sits on the drive (not covered). When the weather looks set fair & not blowing a gale, I raise the pop up - just for an 'airing' and clean around the top of the van as leaf mold can build up in the 'gutters'.
Last two occasions, I have noticed slight damp patches in the both top corners of the front end; damp is on the bellows fabric but also the spongy roof fabric.
Never had this problem when the roof has been up even in quite rainy conditions. So, there appears to be some water ingress when the roof is down.
Any ideas? Still under warranty but don't want to resort to that if this is easily fixed.
many thanks

 

[Perfectos]

Front roof drains clear and flowing freely ?

Recently checked my roof drains and rear was blocked with leaf debris (very small pieces) syringe with water cleared the issue immediately, checked front drains whilst at it and all OK. The drains do get blocked with detritus and do need clearing out a couple of times a year

 

[Corradobrit]

Front roof drains clear and flowing freely ?

Recently checked my roof drains and rear was blocked with leaf debris (very small pieces) syringe with water cleared the issue immediately, checked front drains whilst at it and all OK. The drains do get blocked with detritus and do need clearing out a couple of times a year

Is it better to backflush in case the block is high up the drain system?

 

[Perfectos]

Back flush from where ?
The front drains exit into the scuttle via rubber grommet / valve.
The rear are a short tube.
Back flushing may work for the rears , but the detritus will immediately flush into the tube again , I can't see back flushing the front as being viable without a load of phaff

 

[Corradobrit]

Might have to be done at one of the t-connectors from inside. So like you say a total pfaff.

 

[Perfectos]

t-connectors

Where and what are the T connectors?

 

[Corradobrit]

Where and what are the T connectors?

Yes you're right, no 'T's. Must have had memories of another vehicle. Appears some have success using a big syringe to suck out debris. Also be aware some have had kinks in the drain tube causing a constriction.

 

[pchmlk]

Worth checking the front end of the roof bar slide route too - have heard stories of failure of the seal here leaking down.

 

[Resfeber]

I have a Cali Ocean 204, new registration June 2023. When not in use, van sits on the drive (not covered). When the weather looks set fair & not blowing a gale, I raise the pop up - just for an 'airing' and clean around the top of the van as leaf mold can build up in the 'gutters'.
Last two occasions, I have noticed slight damp patches in the both top corners of the front end; damp is on the bellows fabric but also the spongy roof fabric.
Never had this problem when the roof has been up even in quite rainy conditions. So, there appears to be some water ingress when the roof is down.
Any ideas? Still under warranty but don't want to resort to that if this is easily fixed.
many thanks

Thread 'Pop-up roof headlining'
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/pop-up-roof-headlining.57243/

This post seems to have a very similar issue to yours?

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

I have a Cali Ocean 204, new registration June 2023. When not in use, van sits on the drive (not covered). When the weather looks set fair & not blowing a gale, I raise the pop up - just for an 'airing' and clean around the top of the van as leaf mold can build up in the 'gutters'.
Last two occasions, I have noticed slight damp patches in the both top corners of the front end; damp is on the bellows fabric but also the spongy roof fabric.
Never had this problem when the roof has been up even in quite rainy conditions. So, there appears to be some water ingress when the roof is down.
Any ideas? Still under warranty but don't want to resort to that if this is easily fixed.
many thanks

Did you look at the other thread? Lots of pictures there.

As an added thought, could the front rubber seal be the cause and water ingress happening whilst traveling?