Headlights full of water

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MhairiG
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Headlights full of water

Post by MhairiG » Thu Apr 08, 2021 11:53 pm

I have a lot of water in my headlights. One is almost a third full. My mechanic recommended I order some on ebay to replace them but I wondered if it was possible to drain them somehow and repair the seals? They seem very expensive for old headlights that may also have the same problem. Any ideas appreciated. Thanks
Bob
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Re: Headlights full of water

Post by Bob » Fri Apr 09, 2021 8:26 am

If the silver reflector is still in good shape you might get away with drilling a small hole in the bottom of the light.
MhairiG
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Re: Headlights full of water

Post by MhairiG » Fri Apr 09, 2021 9:30 am

Ooh....interesting idea....would you remove the light and drill the floor of it? Or leave it in and try making the hole on the front?
Bob
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Re: Headlights full of water

Post by Bob » Fri Apr 09, 2021 9:37 am

If you make a hole in the front you will increase the amount of water entering the light, and likely fail MoT.

You need to remove it and drill a small hole, say 3/16”, in the bottom so water can drain out.
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g8dhe
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Re: Headlights full of water

Post by g8dhe » Fri Apr 09, 2021 10:26 am

Check the rubber seal which goes over the lamp itself at the rear, it has a drainage hole in it, if its put back on incorrectly it allows water in rather than out of the headlights!
Geoff
2001 Aero V6, AFT, full side conversion.
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MhairiG
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Re: Headlights full of water

Post by MhairiG » Wed May 05, 2021 2:47 pm

Thanks for this...I've not managed to find time to get the lights out yet but will update when I do. Appreciate the advice not to drill the front!
soto2003
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Re: Headlights full of water

Post by soto2003 » Tue May 25, 2021 3:59 pm

I’ve got the same issue with the rear lights. There is about 2-3cms of water swishing about in them. Tempted to drill the smallest hole possible at the base then fil with something once drained. Has anyone else done this?

Thanks
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g8dhe
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Re: Headlights full of water

Post by g8dhe » Tue May 25, 2021 8:53 pm

Geoff
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soto2003
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Re: Headlights full of water

Post by soto2003 » Tue May 25, 2021 11:01 pm

Cheers Geoff
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