A week in to having my new baby there is some condensation in the r/h lens. The rubber seal for the plastic viewing chamber seems good. Looking back over the receipts I was given with the car the previous owner had a new sealed unit fitted (at a cost of £700 / $1050) around 18 months ago. The l/h unit appears to be fine.

I sure as heck don't want to fork out that much so soon after spending lots on hte purchase, so is there anything I could do to sort this without having to go to local Jag dealer?

Cheers
Jules

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...nsation-51141/
Vector

 

Nice one Vector, thanks.
Try that Redeye and see how you go.......

 

Jules,

You do get around and will be having a very busy weekend with all those other jobs on the car and a new baby.

This condensation is a common issue on the XK8's from the early 4.0 litre right through to the 2005 Final Series 4.2 litres. Check this link:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...p+condensation

If you can grab a few spare minutes, go to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST to introduce yourself and your XKR to the full membership.

Graham

 

Hi Jules,
I too had the same problem with my headlights. I had heard of a modification done by Jaguar of fitting rubber tubes in the inboard sides of the units called "elephants trunks". I had this done by a jaguar dealer at just a few pounds and so far I've no more problems.
This is also a job that can easily be done yourself. Maybe worth a try.

 

Thanks for all the advice.

Only had the Jag a couple of weeks (and yes Graham have one or two other little issues to also sort this w/e), but this one is baffling me - and potentially the most expensive.

When I bought the car I knew there was some condensation in that light, and it had no ventilation. From looking through posts on various forums I drilled 3 x 8mm holes in the top of the plastic cover on top the viewing cover. There seemed to be no difference at all over the next 4 or 5 days and if anything it seems to be pooling a little at the bottom now. I haven't driven it for a week - we've had rubbish weather - which maybe hasn't helped, what with loads of moisture in the air.

Decided then to dry the light out completely via a gentle use of the Mrs hairdryer, then taped over the holes, but the last 2 days has seen the moisture return as bad as before.

What baffles me is if you drive in a rainy country, with loads of moisture in the air most of the time, surely if you open the lid of the plastic cover/drill holes/put ventilation tubes in or whatever, you allow that moisture ridden air to enter the unit and then when you drive the engine will warm that air and with the external air temp hitting the lens extremely lower, then isn't it bound to fog up inside the unit??

 

In our relatively moderate climate, removing the two plastic oval hatches that allow access to the bulbs, then parking the vehicle in the sun for a few hours always clears up the condensation. After the condensation has evaporated, I clean the rubber seals on the oval hatches and re-install them. I haven't had to do this in several months now, including during our current muggy and humid summer weather....

 

Sometimes I'm glad I live in Arizona, then I think more and wonder if no condensation in the lights is enough.

 

In the past year there was a post be a member who claimed to have eliminated the condensation problem by sealing the seam of the lens with silicone seal. does that sound familiar to anyone?
RJ_____________
97 XK8 85K mi

 

I haven't drilled mine but condensation is definitely minimised by ensuring the plastic covers are properly located.

The fix referred to by jimbov8 in post #5 is described in Jaguar TSB (Technical Service Bulletin 417-05:

417-05 - Headlamp Misting.pdf

It looks a simple procedure to install these. The part number for the tubes is LJE4133AA.

Graham

 

I've drilled an apx 1'' hole in the top corner of each of the clear bulb access covers, which definitely seems to help the issue. I found this listed as a common remedy on a jag uk site. Living in Vancouver we get quite a bit of rain, but with the holes in place it's usually gone the next day (or after a bit of driving with the HID's on) where it used to take several days before the mod.

 

Just in case you haven't got enough already here is another thread on the subject.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...adlamps-71940/

 

I have noticed your posts on a UK site. You seem to have been a little unlucky with your purchase.

Welcome to this forum, you will find it much better here!!!
With the people/information available here you will soon get it all sorted!

 

I thought others might like to see what you've had to contend with in Devon this year:



That's the road under 5ft of water. Headlamp condensation must have gone down the priority list!

Graham

 

Why didn't they close the gate?

 

Good pic! Its normally up to 9' so we've had a dry year really!!

It's not that I've had bad luck with the car (its a 2003 with only 24k on the clock) and is immaculate in terms of body work and mechanics, there's just a couple of irritating little things to sort; no locking net key, handbrake not really holding and the condensation issue. Apart from that its a peach!

The UK forum is good but this one seems to be more active and have a lot more contribution/information. As I said in my New Member Intro, I'm hoping soon to give a little back in terms of knowledge & experience.

Jules

 

I hope you touched wood when you said that!

 

Which part of Devon you from Stumpy?

 

Looks like the pessimistic part.

Graham

 

The other coast to you. On the outskirts of Exeter.

Ssshh! Apart from a recent intercooler pump everything has been fine. Pure enjoyment for the 20 months of ownership.