Tampa 928s

I have a haze inside of my Euro H-4's that I can't get rid of or access to clean. I used an orange cleaner and the same results. Has anyone had this problem or can suggest a chemical to clean these.

VehiGAZ

Huh? Inside the H4 bulb itself? Or inside the headlight lens?

Fogey1

Soapy water and rice or beans swirled around?

dr bob

The reflector is silvered so most of the 'orange cleaners' will destroy it in short order. You can use an alcohol-based cleaner to wash the inside of the glass, holding the assembly with the lens facing straight up to dry. The crud/fog/whatever on the glass will run down the reflector and there isn't anything you can do about it, unfortunately. Almost anything you do to try and try and clean the reflector will cause the silver to peel off or turn blue/brown if you try to rub on it. If the lens is otherwise a loss, you might try Will's suggestion with the rice, but don't use any common soap that might fog the silver worse.

As much as we like to downrate the H-5 housings, there's a reason why the US specs those sealed housings instead of the H-4's. They don't last forever, but the supposedly sealed glass envelope will last longer before contamination fogs them up.

Tampa 928s

It's the front inside glass its self not the reflector, the reflector sits in front on the bulb looks like a bowl. Rice and beans Humm!

Brad W

Try CLR. It has worked in the shower so it should work for you as well.
Thanks

Tom. M

I used some dishwashing powder mixed in with hot water. Mixed it in the sink, and dunked the assembly in there. Lifted it out, and left some solution in there ...swished around ..dumped..repeated a few times. Make sure the water is nice and hot..I then tipped upside down on a rag to drain all the remnants of the water...and put the whole assembly in the oven..very low heat just to warm it up..and then pulled them out and let it sit out so the water vapor could escape. Only a couple water spots on the reflector part..and the lens was nice and clean..

Angel84-928

They're ruined. I'll take the pair off your hands & give you my US headlights because I'm such a great guy.

jon928se

As Tom M said - hot water and dishwashing soap. rinse in hot water with a drop or two of dishwashing rinse agent added.

If the clouding is stubborn you can remove the metal shield inside the headlight ( long nose angled pliers - but you will destroy it in the process, doesn't seem to affect the beam pattern much with it gone) then make a "sponge on a stick" to attack the inside face of the glass.

Alan

Sheesh - I'm glad you don't drive around here with those "low" beams. It makes all the difference in the world if you ask me.

I do think it should be possible to improve this.. however why did it/they get fogged in the first place? (is it both lights or just one?) did a bulb shatter in the fixture? is the rubber seal ring compromised? or was it not clipped in correctly?

See if there is something else you need to do to ensure it doen't happen again...

Alan

jon928se

The H4 bulbs fitted have an integrated shield/reflector on the end of the bulb (end of bulb "painted" silver) which makes the headlight shield redundant - I have occasionally seen H4 bulbs without the integrated reflector which could cause odd beam patterns if the headlight shield is missing.

Tampa 928s

Well with all the other things out order on this car should you expect anything less. Remember this is the up and down dancing headlamp with bad relay, bad diode in the motor and today found the washer hose pinched causing it to move up very slow.
I used some of my wifes electric dishwasher soap but its a small hard cube it melted but may not work as good. I did as suggested put it in the oven even basted it with good gravy and it still is hazy. The Clr sounds interesting, before I try to explain to my family why I am baking my headlights again any other options or should I head out for some Clr tonight.

Tom. M

It might be hard water (calcium) deposits. I wouldn't try the CLR just yet..it's pretty strong..try some white vinegar..pour it in and let it sit for a bit. If that doesn't do it..go for the CLR..and if that doesn't work..you obviously have a bigger prob..

Brad W

Good idea Tom, White Vinegar before CLR.

Marine Blue

Isn't the haze similar to something you see on the inside of your windsheild? With time the heat may be generating this haze and I imagine it would come off easily if you could actually reach it. alternatively you can try the soap and rinse and then use a blow dryer or if you have an air compressor us the air to dry the lense quickly.