Chris Prack

A few years ago I replaced my sunroof seal to stop a water leak. I bought a new seal from Porsche and I have never been able to make it fit worth a damn. It makes the sunroof sit slightly higher than the roof itself.

Anyone have any suggestions? NOONE has been able to give me a solution though many have offered.

Bri Bro

Are you sure you purchased the correct seal? The seal is available from several Pcar part suppliers. I would suggest you purchase another one and see if it works better...must look a little odd having the sunroof sticking up above the roof.

951Tom

There was a seal change and I think it was based on VIN #. You may have been given the wrong seal.

Perry 951

I have the same problem. Mine sits about 1/4 inch too high, but I have not messed with it a whole lot.

Tom - you have any more info on the seal channge with the vin? Any idea on the cutoff point?

I'd hate to have to buy another, them bitches ain't cheap!!

Bri Bro

The base number is 944-564-114-0x. The series (fill in the x with this number) goes from 1-5. This may be the problem, wrong series number.

951Tom

Perry,
Guess I should have looked it up first. According to my parts & technical reference catalog, starting with 944 vin# 94 GN458670 & 951 vin# 95 GN154953 got the newer seal. Change occured sometime in the 86 model year so you guys should have the newer seal.

Chris Prack

I'm sure that I have the correct seal. I have ordered another seal in the past and it is the same as the one that I already have.

There are no options for this seal. You can only order one number. The last number in the part number is changed based on updates on the part.
They usually start out with 0 then as the "improve" the part they change the last number to 1,2,3 and so on. Once the next improvement is released the old number automatically superseeds to the improved number.

I wish that I had saved the old one. I guess I'm going to have to wait for the next "improvement"!

Bri Bro

Porsche Parts & technical Reference Catalog shows two numbers.
1977-86 944 564 114 01
(up to VIN 95 GN154952(944T)

1986-88 944 564 114 04 041 (From VIN 95 GN154953 (944T)

Vertex shows two numbers.
944 564 114 01 Through 1986-1/2
944 564 114 05 1986-1/2 On

Tweeks shows two numbers
401-892 944,944T 83-86
401-890 944,944T 87-88

Chris Prack

That's early and late chassis. I have an 89 and there is only one option. Agreed?

The good thing (I think) is with two feet of snow on the car I can't see the sunroof. Oh well.....

StanUK951

I bought a new seal a few weeks back and it sits proud at the back for whatever reason... Had hoped the seal would compress and sit flusher but not yet...

Surely everyone who has bought a new seal has a similar problem? Will it settle eventually??

pikey7

The numbers are not due to a different seal section, the length is actually different between old and new cars! The older seals are about 2" too short (I know from experience here!).

As with all seals, they just need time to soften up.

Try soaking it in a mixture of washing-up liquid and water for a few hours, and then refit. Close the sunroof, and then lean on it to force it right home. Leave that for a few days, and then do it again. The soap should soften the seal a bit, and allow it to fit (and also 'slide' past the body!), then the 'fitting' of the seal will in effect force it into shape.

ELLSSUU

Interesting discussion. Today I rec'd the Vertex 86.5 and on seals (felt and decorative). BTW they came in original Porsche packaging with Porsche parts numbers. The guy on the phone didn't request a vin and told me that since it was a turbo it had to be the later seals. Are you guys sure that you're pushing down all the way. I took a soft touch and a rubber mallet to properly seat the new hatch seal.

Now where's that Dawn soap that I bought for the Zaino treatment?

Perry 951

I used some rubber lube and a rubber mallet on mine. Jason87-924S replaced his seal as well, and for a few weeks it would push the sunroof up about 1/4 inch. After a few hot days in the sun and operating the sunroof, it is fine now.

Hope that is the case with mine.