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Author Topic: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?  (Read 4122 times)

Offline winrya

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Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
« on: February 10, 2013, 04:09:40 pm »
Hi Guys,

Getting sick of this now.  I replaced the outer drivers side rear cluster around 12 months ago because it suddenly started filling with water.  I tried a couple of times to dry it out and try again but after the inside became stained I purchased another light.

Within a few weeks it had filled with water again.  I concluded maybe it wasn't secured tight enough and dried it out and tried again.  I've done this a few times now and today I can see I have a cluster a quarter full of rain water again. 

I can believe the original seal failed but I'm struggling to believe this cluster is failing due to me purchasing a faulty light?  Is that possible or is there something I'm missing.

I'd really appreciate any tips as I don't want to purchase another cluster and be in the same position again.

Cheers,

Ryan
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Offline apples12

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Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2013, 05:21:20 pm »
are you 1000000000000000000000000% sure the bulb panel on the rear is clipped in and sealed properly?...
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Offline winrya

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Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2013, 05:31:39 pm »
Quote from: apples12 on February 10, 2013, 05:21:20 pm
are you 1000000000000000000000000% sure the bulb panel on the rear is clipped in and sealed properly?...

Yep, 100% when its put on the car.  When i remove it its always still all clipped together properly too but it always seems there is water around the lower edge of it?
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Offline zooms3

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Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
« Reply #3 on: February 10, 2013, 05:34:26 pm »
Only one thing for it.......Silcone sealant...  :happy2:
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Offline winrya

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Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
« Reply #4 on: February 10, 2013, 05:56:18 pm »
Quote from: zooms3 on February 10, 2013, 05:34:26 pm
Only one thing for it.......Silcone sealant...  :happy2:

What, a bead all the way round the indented section that it sits in?

If a bulb goes will it come apart okay?

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Offline zooms3

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Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
« Reply #5 on: February 10, 2013, 06:15:15 pm »
Oh thought you mean it was leaking from elsewhere on the cluster.

hmmm, wouldnt advise a bead there then.



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Offline winrya

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Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
« Reply #6 on: February 10, 2013, 06:21:59 pm »
Quote from: zooms3 on February 10, 2013, 06:15:15 pm
Oh thought you mean it was leaking from elsewhere on the cluster.

hmmm, wouldnt advise a bead there then.





I'm starting to think other than replacing the light again, maybe a line of sealent might be the only choice.  I've googled it and butyl sealant is often used for these type of issues  :confused:
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Offline zooms3

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Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
« Reply #7 on: February 10, 2013, 06:29:27 pm »
If any sealant is used it needs to be allowed to dry first, but still remain very "squidgy" (<---very technical term) so it forms a nice seal when you push it back together after changing a bulb for example.

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Offline zooms3

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Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
« Reply #8 on: February 10, 2013, 06:36:15 pm »
just googled that stuff myself, and yes i think that would be ideal, its the sorta stuff that you stick on the inner bits of the door cards etc.

Like it, worth a pop i think.
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Offline SRC

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Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
« Reply #9 on: February 11, 2013, 05:04:23 pm »
Seem to remember advice (here or another forum - not sure) that it doesn't hurt to drill a small drain hole in the bottom of the unit, nearest the body where it won't show.  If you can't stop the water getting in, at least it'll come out again!
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Offline brough74

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Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
« Reply #10 on: February 11, 2013, 07:52:30 pm »
I had this trouble on a rear light, i tried silicone sealent which did not work.

Ive now fitted a new light unit and drill a hole in the bottom just in case.

I was like you the bulb holder was tight and they were securly fastned, but somehow water got in, sorry i cant suggest anything. I use normal silicone which was a pain to get off when i put a new cluster in.
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Offline winrya

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Re: Why does my tail light keep filling with water?
« Reply #11 on: February 11, 2013, 10:07:39 pm »
Well I've removed it this evening and drilled a hole to drain the water and dried it out with a hair dryer.

I've applied a sealant along the ridge where the bulb holder clips into the cluster. If it leaks now it must be faulty and will waste another £60 on a third unit. Fingers crossed, I'm almost scared to look at the cluster through fear of seeing water.
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