Don't let this happen to you!!!



I found a new product that I hadn't heard about before clearing my headlights. It's called "Flowable Silicone," and it's made by Permatex. I found it at Pep Boys.



I think it is the best product available for resealing the headlights, to protect the casings from moisture intrusion. On the back of the package, is an illustration of a person installing and sealing a taillight lens with the product.

It's kind of a PITA to use, because it has the consistency of honey, and it's necessary to keep wiping up the overflow, but it's not too bad, if you seal just a few inches at a time. It definitely seeps down into the seams, forming a good seal.

The downside of using any kind of silicone sealer, is that if you ever want to split the same headlight again, it 's probably not possible to get all of the silicone off/out of the casing.

-Pete

 

Pete, you posted somewhere about the plastic tabs on the back of the housing that need to be removed before you bake the headlight. Can you post a pic? Thanks.

 

This problem may have nothing to do with the sealant you use. If you do the installation in a humid, warm environment (like the inside of many homes) you will trap moisture in the assemblies, which will condense into water droplets when the assemblies go into a colder environment outside.

So you have to make sure you do the assembly in a humidity free or dry environment.

Of course, the sealant has to be leak free, but that photo shows clear evidence of condensation and probably isn't a leak.

 

It is important to get a good seal after clearing the lights, so that water does not leak in.

I also agree with Rick on the issue of not introducing moisture into the casings during the clearing process.

To accomplish this, I chose not to follow the subscribed technique of using the wet towel. Instead, I used a DRY towel, and carefully monitored it for signs of burning.

I used the same towel 6 times, with no adverse effects, other than a slight scorching/color change around the edges.

I couldn't find any clamps that I thought would be appropriate, so I bound them tightly with 3/8 inch cotton sash cord, after protecting them with a cotton pillow case, and some padding:


Hope these tips help!

-Pete

 

Sorry, but I didn't get a pic before the headlights went back on the car.

I am referring to the (2) clear, 1 inch diameter, plastic caps that are on the back of each headlight. Inside of each cap (4 total) is a small piece of gray foam padding. These caps are made of softer plastic than the rest of the headlight casing, and they will slightly melt and deform, if not removed before baking.

-Pete

 

pretty much common sense,
any good silicon sealant would do the job.

there's also a method of getting rid of moisture already trapped inside
the lamp assembly- hair drier.
actually, you should have already gotten rid of moisture trapped inside
before you put the light assembly back onto your car...

 

i got moisture in one headlights and no matter what i do it comes by, i resealed it like 3 times and the water keeps coming back, i wanna kill it

 

TeamRedlineS2k

There is a gasket between the HID ballast and the headlight assy. There gaskets on the marker and turn signal can leak as well. This is how the stock untouched headlights get water inside. I would check them and apply so Shi-su (spelling) grease to them. Also the HID and Highbeam have gaskets as well.

See here. Number 7,10 and 12.

 

does anyone know how to install the gasket (#7) for the hid ballasts.... i recently purchased jdm's and my gaskets are missing.... also....does anyone know how to remove the two wires stuck on the hid ballasts.....the big wire is not a prob but the small one is difficult....it feels like im going to break something....thanks...

 

I used 3M windshield adhesive. I've never had any water inside the headlights. Might be a better idea to use a few pot holders instead of a dry towel. (don't want to see anyones home go up in flames)

IMO