White powder on new rubber windshield seals - clean it or leave it?

[schickm]

I got a new set of oem windshield seals for my w115. Inside of all of the nooks and crannies is a white powder. Now all of the howto's online mention cleaning the glass and metal frame as much as possible before install, but I've never read anything about this white powder on the seal.

Should I try and clean it all off as much as possible? It's kinda hard to get to as it's underneath the flaps of the seal.

I've already put in the front window, so no turning back there...just wondering before I rope-pull in the back.

[Left Coast]

It's a release agent used in the molding process. Most likely just cornstarch.
I usually try to rinse off as much as possible, but it doesn't hurt anything.

[schickm]

Well that's good to hear. I'm mostly worried that it'll prevent the sealant from really bonding to the rubber. I'll try and clean under the installed front seal as best possible, and clean out that rear seal before install.

[Left Coast]

What are you using for sealant? Where are you putting it?

[ejboyd5]

Originally Posted by Left Coast

Most likely just cornstarch.

Or anthrax, or cocaine.

[schickm]

I was planning on putting it underneath where the glass contacts the rubber seal, and where the rubber seal contacts the car body. However I leak tested both the front and rear windshields last night by dumping buckets of water on them - no leaks!

I have a tube of 3M 08509, which was what everyone seemed to recommend.

Some people say to use no sealant at all, some people say to use it for fixing leaks, some people say seal it pre-emptively. So I figured pre-emptively was a good idea. But I'm still open to opinions!