Notices
928 Forum 1978-1995
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: 928 Specialists

Light Film Inside Headlight Assembly

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-09-2014, 02:28 PM
  #1  
Texan
7th Gear
Thread Starter
 
Texan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Light Film Inside Headlight Assembly

I recently purchased an '87 928 S4 with one headlight that has what appears to be a light film inside the headlight. It does not affect the way the light is distributed, it is simply looks bad when the lights are retracted.

Being that they are sealed there is really no way to clean it. There are no signs of water intrusion like moisture or rust.

Has anyone experienced this issue? Any ideas other than replacing the assembly?
Old 08-09-2014, 04:16 PM
  #2  
Alan
Electron Wrangler
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
 
Alan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 13,432
Received 429 Likes on 292 Posts
Default

They aren't sealed. Remove the bulb - then the lamp from the car, wash out the lens and dry it well before reassembly.

Alan
Old 08-09-2014, 07:20 PM
  #3  
Texan
7th Gear
Thread Starter
 
Texan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Alan
They aren't sealed. Remove the bulb - then the lamp from the car, wash out the lens and dry it well before reassembly.

Alan
Thanks, Alan. It worked great! Had to clean the other one to balance them out.

It's best to used distilled or heavily filter water to prevent spotting on the reflector.

Thanks again!
Old 08-09-2014, 07:30 PM
  #4  
Tails
Burning Brakes
 
Tails's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

Hi Alan,
Wash with clean water or with an additive?

It appears that the Aluminium oxide from the hood over the light has deposited aluminium oxide dust on the reflector. Have you experienced this and will the washing remove it?

Thanks,
Old 08-09-2014, 07:47 PM
  #5  
Alan
Electron Wrangler
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
 
Alan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 13,432
Received 429 Likes on 292 Posts
Default

I would use some kind of mild degreasing cleaner in DI filtered, distilled or softened water.

Honestly I have never needed to do this myself - So I'd really defer to others on what has worked best for them on the reflectors.

Whatever you use flush out really well with more treated water before drying really well - I'd use a low oven (~140F) for a good bake
(...while your wife is out works best)

Alan
Old 08-10-2014, 06:58 PM
  #6  
Tails
Burning Brakes
 
Tails's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

Thanks Alan.
No problems with the oven as now single.
Old 08-10-2014, 08:51 PM
  #7  
dr bob
Chronic Tool Dropper
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
 
dr bob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Bend, Oregon
Posts: 20,506
Received 549 Likes on 412 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Tails
Thanks Alan.
No problems with the oven as now single.
So, [tongue firmly in cheek...], are the two related?




I have a tired but serviceable toaster oven for just such emergencies. I'm not sure I could get a whole H-5 assembly in there though. After that it's a solar oven of some sort, or just let them dry on the bench with a towel over them.


FWIW, I need to do this at some point, so any guidance on detergents to use would be helpfull. I was thinking that the liquid "invisible glass" might be the easy 'solution'.



Quick Reply: Light Film Inside Headlight Assembly



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 06:41 PM.