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View Full Version : Moisture in Headlights


Coldsong
03-20-2011, 05:48 PM
OK so I Have some JDM HID's for my BE and one of them has quite a bit of moisture in it. There are no visible cracks or damage to the light and so there must be an issue with the seal. So I am going to bake the light and try to re-seal it. My question is, is there any special type of silicone or rtv that I should use for this case?

Ps I bake @250 for 6-10 mins right?

Thanks
-Matt
anothernord
03-20-2011, 06:54 PM
Not sure about the sealant, but 6-10 minutes @ 250 is about right. Set the headlights on a piece of cardboard so the oven rack doesn't melt the housings. It will stink a bit, so make sure your SO is informed. Or if you're a bachelor that doesn't care, just do it!
d1giPhux
03-21-2011, 02:32 PM
I have heard that 'Permatex - Flowable Silicone - Windshield & Glass sealer' is the best for re-sealing headlights. You need a FLOWABLE silicone.. that is the important part. It allows it to seep into the crack very well, and makes the best seal for this type of situation. Same with windows. Permatex item # 81730. You can buy it at like advance, or autozone, or places like that. Most can get permatex stuff as well, so just give them the number if they dont have it in stock.
httrdd
03-21-2011, 02:53 PM
At least I am not the only one!
Coldsong
03-21-2011, 07:54 PM
The smell from baking them will go away correct? I dont feel like buying a new oven lol.
Huffer
03-22-2011, 03:54 PM
Just open some windows and leave the oven open once you're done.

Another alternative is a heat lamp on a workbench in the garage.
httrdd
03-22-2011, 04:34 PM
Do share! How long would you need to position it for?
Huffer
03-22-2011, 04:44 PM
About the same amount of time as the oven - maybe a little more. It's dependent on how hot the lamps get and how much heat escapes around it. Ovens work well because they keep the majority of the heat in, and they heat evenly. A headlight is relatively small though so you could get away with just a couple of lamps.

It's just like leaving the car outside during the summer, and then pulling the taillights out. The mastic sealer is pretty soft by then.
httrdd
03-22-2011, 04:53 PM
Nice. I need to do this so I guess this is my only option. Unless the oven smell is not too bad, but I doubt it. I think my friend has a powdercoat oven I can use.