Resealing tail lights

[Tangoman]

After a thorough washing yesterday, I noticed condensation in my left tail light. Right hand light does not seem to have any.

Now, the taillight is in perfect condition other than that, so I do not want to replace it. I want to see if I can figure out where the leak is, and re-seal it - condensation in tail lights is a pet peeve of mine.

In people's experience, is it normally just the rubber grommets for the light bulbs or is it the seal between the plastic and the backing plate itself? I can always silicone that up after I dry out the inside...

Thanks in advance.

 

[PHOEN$X]

If you perform a search for 'tail light condensation', you will find a gold mine of information on this topic, including the following threads:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118270
http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96532
http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79562
http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62413
http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54682
http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51601
http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51130

 

[Tangoman]

Good deal sir. I always forget about that fancy search function The last forum I was on had such a poor search function I just stopped using it, perhaps I should start back up again!

 

[BATMANs]

I used GE Silicon caulk and it worked

 

[cmthomson]

All those threads, and none with a photo of the gaskets involved.

My 92 gets fog in the left backup lens after washing, and dribbles on the bumper leaving streaks just below it. Where should I look for the leak?

 

[PHOEN$X]

All those threads, and none with a photo of the gaskets involved.

My 92 gets fog in the left backup lens after washing, and dribbles on the bumper leaving streaks just below it. Where should I look for the leak?

I have the gaskets new in package. I'll take a photo and post it when I get home tonight.

 

[shawn110975]

after new gaskets are installed correctly

you will have no more water in the lights till the next 20 years/

buy OEM dont buy caulk, and greese and putty

OEM only in my book

 

[PHOEN$X]

I have the gaskets new in package. I'll take a photo and post it when I get home tonight.

As promised, here's what I have. Looks like I'm missing 33505-SL0-A01 so I will have to order that. If anyone wants larger pics feel free to PM me.

33555-SL0-A01

33503-SL0-A01
33553-SL0-A01

75528-SD4-003
75523-SD4-003

 

[PHOEN$X]

http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php?t=103369&highlight=tail+light+removal

5 years later, I never had any problem of water in my taillights: Cool:

Thanks for sharing. Looks like some of the photos are missing, or the links are wrong. If you could update them, that would be appreciated.

 

[PHOEN$X]

It's strange, I see all the images when I click on the link, try again and if it goes wrong, I will make a new thread

You do? I'm getting "404 Not Found" for the following images:

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/3644/1000640hh4.jpg
http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/7926/1000642ao9.jpg
http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/9671/1000646cu1.jpg
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/3808/1000648bu5.jpg

Am I the only one?

 

[Tangoman]

the seal at the back of boxes does not protect from condensation between the two sides of transparent plastic, it protects only the infiltration of water between the bodywork and the pellets bulbs and electrical connectors, condensation behind the plastic red is another problem, this is a cause of imperfect sealing glue oem, even with good joints, you will have condensation inside

Yes, from what I can tell I'm not getting any condensation in my trunk from having bad seals. I can visually see that the glass is pulling apart at the top - I will likely take out the taillight and seal it back up.

 

[Tangoman]

Sorry, but your take on this problem is wrong.
I have repaired this problem on scores of NSX's and I have not found a factory sealed, unmolested tail lamp to leak at the top letting water in that way. Of course there may be an exception but I have not seen one yet.

Ah, I do understand now. There was conflicting information flying around there. I will get some new gaskets (only the LH side has this issue) and I will report back after I fix it.

Thanks!

 

[shawn110975]

and dont just get the bad one replaced do all 4

get it done and do it right.

 

[LJSB]

Tangoman,

If you want any advice or help with this call me at the shop.M-F 8-5 est. 845-454-3220

 

[Tangoman]

I get the feeling that the water must be coming in through the heat vents - the condensation disappears in about 36 hours, and if it were the actual seals within the tail light itself, it would take quite a bit more time.

I have an NSX brunch and drive to do this weekend, I will work on it once I get parts in and I'll post back.

 

[Jerry@Mobile]

I just ordered a complete set of gaskets. The larger gaskets now cost $48each and the smaller now cost $28 each. The dealer said they are getting price increases almost monthly. Jerry

 

[Tangoman]

I will order some in the near future.

Thanks everyone.

 

[NSX GT]

I just put a long strip of blue painters tape across the top of tail lights when washing. I dont drive in the rain.

 

[PHOEN$X]

I just ordered a complete set of gaskets. The larger gaskets now cost $48each and the smaller now cost $28 each. The dealer said they are getting price increases almost monthly. Jerry

Interesting. Yesterday I picked up 2 large gaskets and 2 small gaskets from Acura of Peoria (same vendor as http://www.oemacuraparts.com/ ) and the total came out to $96.05 including 9% AZ sales tax. Also, my buddy Lance at Acura of Peoria says they've increased their internet discount from 25% to 28%.