Working on 97 and one of the items I need to locate for the exterior restoration are the gaskets in the headlights. At least I assume that is what used to act as a round rubber filler between headlight and fender.

Where does a person find them?

Is there a on a roll type of gasket seal that can be used?

I did do several forum searches before posting but if the info is out there please slap me in the face with the link

 

Does anyone have part of one they can take a photo and measure so I can try to find some type of replacement?

 

Hi Tex,

The gasket is not round. It is more like a tear drop shape and measures approximately 5mm in diameter. I see plenty of headlamps with the seal online, but not just the seal itself. I would be checking with the breakers yards.

Then again, something like this could be made to work: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/240-4mm-x...kAAOSwFMZWq4aU


Cheers,

Stu

 

Thanks for reply, i was thunking it must be something like what the seal industry calls a P seal where shaped like a capital P letter where lower part is peel and stick to one surface of housing then is compressed between surfaces as snap lens on. I am guessing leaking begins aas the round part starts ripping loose from leg. Plan to pull headlights and reseal if I can find the right seal. My guess would be even 2006 headlight from breaker would be ready to fail soon. Hopefully someone on forum has new one not yet installed and can share new details

 

Download the SNG Barratt catalog for the XK8. Page 125 illustrates the seal for the headlight assembly. Check with them they will have what you need. I think the seal is glue front/rear for the lens.

 

Hi Vern,
SNG does not sell seal. Was worth a try.
Don't see online Jag dealer parts either.

Anyone? Seems silly only wat to get it is complete assembly.

 

Check your local auto suppl for vacuum hoses. I believe you can find one the right size and attach with RTV. I did that to fill the gap on the bottom of mine.

 

I don't think it is just the ovalish part that rips loose and hangs, let me find picture of P seal then maybe someone that has seen a new one can confirm I am on the right track.

 

I ended up siliconing mine on as they kept coming loose. Check the lenses as its just a thin foam gasket holding the glass lens on and after this much time they can be rotted. I was backing out of the driveway and one fell off. I was lucky and it didn't break and it didn't fall off doing 60. So I gave the other one a light tug and it came right off in my hand. I used clear RTV to glue them back and left a 1/2" gap at the bottom for so moisture could get out. That was over a year ago and no problem with condensation in the lens at all. They used a foam gasket to make it "Breathable" but you can't get the gasket without buying the headlight and its real thin and would not be easy to make one. Do NOT touch the silvering reflective coating as it will come right off.


Dave

 

So I thought it was something that looked like this with self adhesive peel and stick on it that you would stick to one side at the mating surface.

Lots of different styles of similar concept that are available. Some solid, some hollow, different shapes but same general design.


Google "P seal"

Dave did you think it was two different pieces in yours, one between mating surfaces and a roundish one that fill the gap to the fender.

If I continue the restoration with a new paint job was thinking it would be a nice finishing touch around headlights, just don't want to buy new headlights that cost almost half as much as I paid for the car.

 

The gasket between the glass lens and plastic headlight basket was separate from the one that fills in the gap.


Dave

 

Well can someone that bought new confirm two gaskets?
That would be easier to find seal for water, not sure how well a D shape will stay stuck at 70 mph regularly.

 

The gasket between the glass lens and plastic basket fits in a groove and was basically a thin piece of double faced foam tape. They wanted it to be breathable so you wouldn't get condensation under the glass. Thats all that was holding the glass on. The black trim was completely separate and is nothing but a trim piece to hide the gap.
So if that foam tape gasket gives way the glass lens will only be held on by gravity and will fall off eventually.
It seems when you buy the headlight assembly the glass lens is already factory secured so you never see that gasket until the lens comes off. The black trim is a continuos "P" shaped piece thats is separate.







Dave

 

Thanks Dave,
I was seeing all these pictures for replacement that show a single seal and over thought it. Probably get both these at Grainger or something like them. Being a simple flat and D shape is much easier to find.

 

They don't show the lens gasket because they come already installed and not available separately.
You might want to lightly pull up on your lenses and see if they are secure. Mine sure weren't. Better to find out now than when doing 60.




Dave

 

We recently had first good days of rain since purchase and seemed to have more than just condensation, dried out quickly as well, probably coming out for paint soon. But will be sure to test them like you suggested