Water in the rear lights

[mole42]

How do you stop rain getting into the rear lights? I can see it sloshing about behind the lenses.
I have new gaskets in them.
I usually pull the outer lens off every once in a while and empty them out but I'd rather not have water in there!

Richard

[Jeff]

.

[38rover]

Bed the lenses in clear silicon also the rubber gasket that the light fitting sits on

[1959terry]

.

Jeff, seen a lot of posts from you recently with just a full stop? Am i missing something?
Terry

[Kevin Garrod]

Jeff, seen a lot of posts from you recently with just a full stop? Am i missing something?
Terry

He's just having a quiet period.


I'll get me coat.

[Jeff]

How do you stop rain getting into the rear lights? I can see it sloshing about behind the lenses.
I have new gaskets in them.
I usually pull the outer lens off every once in a while and empty them out but I'd rather not have water in there!

Richard

There used to be a type of silicon used to seal around windows for draught proofing but I can't remember what it was called. The advantage was it could easily be pulled off if and when necessary.

Trouble with modern silicone is the opposite, once it's on, it's on.

Jeff.

[Jeff]

Jeff, seen a lot of posts from you recently with just a full stop? Am i missing something?
Terry

Hi Terry,

They are posts I try to delete but will not let me when I realise I have not read the question properly, so I just delete the words but have to put something in as it won't allow a blank page.

Jeff.

[Jeff]

Hi Al,

.

[kev100]

Trouble with modern silicone is the opposite, once it's on, it's on.

Jeff.

There is some very good silicone remover these days, just cut off the bulk of the silicone with a stanley knife, and apply the silicone remover to the remainder and it just melts away, and with a bit of rubbing with a cloth should all come off .. How it reacts with plastic I dont know, so a test area should be done first.

Of course this method may not help if you cant separate the 2 pieces because of the silicone acting like glue

Another thing you could try is to cover the male part of the light fitting in cling film, apply the silicone to the female side, fix it together .. when its dry take it apart and remove the cling film carefully, and you should have a ready made perfect fit silicone gasket which will allow you to remove the light fitting when necessary, Used that method several times in the building trade.

I think the silicone method is a last resort though and try find a more conventional solution.

[Jeff]

Great tip with the clingfilm Kev, like it.

Jeff.

[kev100]

Great tip with the clingfilm Kev, like it.

Jeff.

Cheers Jeff

The theory is sound .. the application in different circumstances though might be a hit and miss affair .. I have used it successfully several times .. but never on a light cluster .. so it remains to be seen ...

And tips are great .. they alleviate all manner of frustration, I welcome any tip, no matter how crazy it sounds .. it might just work

[1959terry]

Hi Terry,

They are posts I try to delete but will not let me when I realise I have not read the question properly, so I just delete the words but have to put something in as it won't allow a blank page.

Jeff.

Thanks Jeff, i did wonder. They do say the only silly question is the one you dont ask. Now i know

Terry

[Jeff]

And if you don't ask, you'll never know.

Jeff.

[DJT]

The question is "How is the water getting into the rear lights?"

If the light cluster is sealed to the rear panel with a decent rubber seal (new SOCTFL ones are available) and the clear lenses are fitted properly with the foam gaskets, there shouldn't be any water getting into the lights. That is all I've used in over 26 years and never suffered water ingress into the lights, even in the heaviest of rain. Silicon sealant shouldn't be required. Leave that for the bathroom.

[mole42]

Thanks Dave, that question is exactly what I'm wondering. I replaced the light-to-body rubber seals, and replaced the lens-to-fitting foam gaskets (both from the fraternal parts suppliers) but I'm still gettting water in the lenses.
I have considered drilling small holes in the bottom of the lenses to allow some sort of flood control.
Is it all due to global warming?

Richard