Headlamp alignment

[mt308]

I am suffering the common issue to the front light enclosures getting full of water when driving in the wet. I have purchased some lead flashing tape as suggested by someone elsewhere on the forum.

However I will need to first remove the lights from the car so I can clean away the residue before sealing them.

When I remove the light units will I have to reset the alignment? If so, how do I check the alignment is correct - sorry if an obvious question, I have never done headlight alignment before.

Many thanks
Mark

[Steve_D]

To do it correctly you will need a headlight alignment machine.

However, if they are currently correctly set then you may get away with standing a piece of board in front of the car and drawing the headlight pattern onto it. Then, without moving the car, strip and rebuild the lights. You can then adjust the lights back to your earlier marks.

Steve

[mt308]

Steve_D said:

To do it correctly you will need a headlight alignment machine.

However, if they are currently correctly set then you may get away with standing a piece of board in front of the car and drawing the headlight pattern onto it. Then, without moving the car, strip and rebuild the lights. You can then adjust the lights back to your earlier marks.

Steve

Thanks Steve

I will do what you suggest with the board in front, assuming current alignment is OK (I've not adjusted it since the IVA though I guess it might move on its own over time).

My bitumen tape can be cut out if required it is just slightly more of a pain than just unscrewing the units. The car will be due its first MOT in April so I will either do it very soon, or wait until it passes first if I don't get round to it for a little while.

I think 99% (or maybe even 100%) of the ingress is coming from behind. Hopefully this will create a seal and hopefully heat dissipation will not be an issue...

Mark

[Steve_D]

I think fully sealing it will still not solve the issue as any damp air now trapped inside will condensate each time the lights are put on.
I don't have any fogging with my fans fitted.

Steve

[confusionhunter]

I bought some rechargable silica crystals to absorb any left over moisture..... havent tried them yet though

[mt308]

I assume the water is coming mainly from the top as the direction of wheel rotation will be flicking the water onto the covers in this direction.

Therefore if I seal the tops and sides but not the bottom I wonder if it will do the job.

Am having a go at this tomorrow.

Mark

[UltimaCH]

Steve_D said:

I think fully sealing it will still not solve the issue as any damp air now trapped inside will condensate each time the lights are put on.
I don't have any fogging with my fans fitted.

Steve

Interesting solution Steve. Any pics or further details or is it protected data?

[AndreasW]

I have fully sealed my covers with bitumen tape and since then have no more condensation (and dirt).
Applying the adhesive tape is a bit fiddly (first time). I recommend the tape with one-sided reflector film (have no other tried) and the adhesive surfaces as large as possible and without tension. I think I have already posted a pic, but not sure.

[mt308]

I have removed headlamps and cleaned it out. Alignment seemed to hardly move - and I couldnt work out how to adjust anyway.

I have sealed the tops and 3/4 of each side with bitumen tape leaving it unsealed at the bottom which should let air in.

Time will tell!

Mark

[V8Dom]

i removed my covers.
they are now held in place by 4 small screws
air and water get in from top but air gets in from bottom, so like windscreen when i drive no water instead as its blown out..

seal it and water can get in from the wheel side

[mt308]

V8Dom said:

i removed my covers.
they are now held in place by 4 small screws
air and water get in from top but air gets in from bottom, so like windscreen when i drive no water instead as its blown out..

seal it and water can get in from the wheel side

Already sealed at the front, its the wheel side I am sealing. Its better but not perfect. Will extend the seal a little lower - I am leaving an air gap at the bottom to allow a bit of ventilation.

Mark