Water in the rudder is a fairly common occurrence. Usually it comes in where the post enters the rudder body unless there is some impact damage somewhere else. One way to fix it is: 1, sand/grind it down to bare glass and inspect for cracks/damage. 2. Drill a few holes, ½ should do, at the top and bottom. You will probably have water coming out of the bottom. 3. Let it drain. This may take a while (days maybe longer). If you can, hang it in a somewhat climate controlled environment. I did one in the laundry room in my house once. Once its dry or you run out of time/patience, fix the holes and repaint.
If you really want to get carried away, vacuum bag it Not to sound like a doom sayer but if left to run its eventual course, the water will cause the rudder to delaminate and fail but that could take years if not decades. Its more of a problem if youre in a place with a freeze/thaw cycle. Good luck and happy grinding Mark, Gratis n(6115) From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of sbayless Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 8:15 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [IC27A] Rudder leakage Folks: Noticed an issue when I put "Liebchen" on her jack stands last fall. I have water weeping out of some tiny cracks in the rudder. I'm not sure where the water is coming from, but it could be either a crack around the rudder post at the top of the rudder, or those small cracks I mentioned. Any ideas as to finding the culprit, and/or eliminating the water leak(s) without replacing the rudder? Thanks!! Steve Bayless 1977 #3491 "Liebchen" Port Huron, MI
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