Zirconocene

Hi all-

I'm working through the install of some H4 lamps on my S4 and there are a couple of things I'd like to understand.

So far, I've only installed one lamp and I find that it collects a significant amount of condensation, much more than the stock US lamp housing, which shows no condensation.

Questions:

- What's the best way to seal the housing?
- Related, where is the condensation likely coming from?
- It really seems like the right choice for the system is to have airflow; both the stock cover and the Protizmo cover offer reed valves to help mediate pressure, so can someone clarify what the path flow is? Looking at the housing, the bulb is inserted and fits snugly, but is certainly not airtight against the opening; there is no gasket or o ring for the bulb/housing interface. Does pressure equalization rely on that (somewhat) poor seal to enable pressure equalization?

On the uninstalled lamp, I sealed the glass/reflector interface with Capt. Tolley's sealer, so I really hope that improves the water management within the lamp. I plan to install that today and will monitor performance compared to the previous install.

As always, any help and insight is appreciated.

Cheers

76FJ55

Do you have the rear grey cover for the H4 assembly?



Classic Euro Parts has a few good pics of the assembly showing just the bulb installed and also with the cover installed

Zirconocene

That's a good point, I do, though I can't really vouch for how good the gasket still is on the cover.

However, I still wonder about the reed valve that's on the grey cover. The cover in your post makes a pretty good seal around the perimeter, with the rubber gasket, so I'm wondering what the path is supposed to be from the interior of the bulb housing to the integral reed valve.

Thanks

jschiller

Have you determined just what is condensing? Water vapor or something else? Does it dry out and disappear if the bulb and holder are removed for a while?
After installing LEDs, I had a serious fogging problem that was definitely not water vapor.

Zirconocene

Hmmm, I hadn't considered that. I'm going to replace it with the part I just worked on, so I'll bring it inside and see what happens over a few days.

Thanks

Alan

If you trap most air in the headlamp before sealing it - it may condense on interior surfaces when the ambient temperature gets low enough. Make sure you have low humidity when you seal it up. The breathable element in the seal is intended to equalize pressure without allowing moisture ingression, however it will also not allow moisture out...

Alan