That's pretty funny. I thought I was the only one who had a drawer full of red straws in the toolbox.

 

Way back when I was a wee lad, I bought a can of spray-paint to paint an old rusty hand-me-down bicycle.

I used maybe 10% of the paint, set the can down, and turned my back for maybe a second.

Some worthless heathen picked up my paint-can and managed to knock the little push-button thingie somewhere into oblivion, never to be seen again.

Since that day, I pop off and keep all those little spray-buttons too; you just never know when something will come in handy.

 

I see the black plastic vent-thingie you speak of.

How does one go about removing it without breaking it ??

When time/weather allows, I am going to entirely remove the whole latch assembly, clean and lube, as ofcmarc suggests, but I thought I might be able to possibly get some lube through that access hole to help things until that day arrives.

Thanks.

 

After learning this, I gave it a try.

It sure made those old seals look shiny-new.

Since the application, we have had two freezing downpours and lots of sleet.

Nights have been in the low teens, with a few in the single digits.

The silicone has worked wonderfully.

Now, how often will I need repeat the application ??

Is this a once per winter thing; or, need I re-apply periodically ??

Thanks.

 

To remove the vent use a putty knife and from the top of the vent slide between the door and the vent and puch down two retainer clips, the top will lean out and just lift out of the way.

 

BK-
I typically apply the silicone to the door seals every fall and don't sweat it for the rest of the year. That sId, I don't see a lot of freezing rain during the winter that might effect how often it needs done.

 

Maybe your latch mechanism is dirty. dried up grease, dirt, paint etc.
I removed my latches and let them soak in a container of laquer thinner.
Thinner will dissolve the grease and crap down inside, blow it all out with air
then relube and install.