Ellipsoid Sealant

[scottinAZ]

Just a heads up to those out there with US ellipsoids. Your lenses MAY NOT be sealed to the housing as well as you would think.

I was changing the lenses on two of mine (one busted lens, one busted housing, make one good) and BOTH lenses were sealed by only a small section at the top of the lens. (see pics)





These housings came from separate cars, on separate sides of the country, so weather should be able to be discounted.

Moral of this story is, after 20+ years the sealant may have failed. Admittedly I have a small sample pool here, but I am still seeing 100% failures in the sealant, and in approximately the same area of the lens. if you see water in your lens, it may be too late for the reflectors (oxidation). I WILL be resealing my other lenses after seeing this.

[kennyvb]

Good looking out. What about those with "sealed" beams :)

[scottinAZ]

Good looking out. What about those with "sealed" beams :)

being as they are supposedly a sealed glass vessel, there should be no problems. Get a set of ellipsoids, and have fun with the rest of us....

[MR 325]

True story on not being sealed well. I've had a set where I was trying to change the rings and just that slight pull popped the high beam lenses off as well! It's always good to check if your lenses are loose since they're easy to silicone back on for a nice fresh seal. :)