quattro digest, Vol 1 #5233 - 13 msgs

[Larry C Leung]

Doyt,

Since the backs of the lamps are protected from driving rain (either
naturally driven by wind and gravity, or from driving forwards into it)
I doubt the entrance of water is from the boot in the lamp. So, the
leak, sorry to say, is probably from the seam of the lens to the
reflector, if not some yet to be noticed hole in the lens from a rock.
If it's the seam, I'd take a shot of using clear silicone, if it's a hole
in the lens, and it's small (say 1 mm or less), seriously, try the
toluene based (hard to find nowadays) plastic modelling cement
(the non-toxic doesn't work, nor does Duco, ask me how I know).
Fill the hole with a largish dollop, and try to keep it in the hole.
Helps
to keep the surface of the lens level, although surface tension seems
to hold things in place. Done this to my A2 GTi with E-code factory
type lamps (not 7" replacements) which are EXPENSIVE. Works
quite well for long periods of time, and it dries quite clear and doesn't

yellow. I have found the Tester's brand works best (orange and white
label). I've never tried to use it to seal a seam, IMHO, if the seam
doesn't seal with silicone, replace the lamp, I think you're fighting a
losing battle.

HTH,

LL - NY




> Date: Sun, 03 Aug 2003 10:05:17 -0400
> To: quattro at audifans.com
> From: "Doyt W. Echelberger" <Doyt at buckeye-express.com>
> Subject: E-code Headlight leaks water
> Cc: "Nicholas  Lawrence" <nick at beol.net>
>
> I have the quad rectangular headlight system (E-code lamps) from
> Nick
> Lawrence's 1985 5000 on my 87 5ktq, and the outboard low beam on the
> driver
> side leaks water somewhere. The glass units were new, from Daniel
> Stern.
> Outboards are Stanley-made 165mm x 100mm (6.5" x 4") H4 high/low
> beam
> headlamps). Inboard high beams are Cibie.
>