Pretreat New Tail Light Gaskets?

Just got my new set of tail light (and center section) gaskets (or packing as Subaru calls them) and I wonder if I should treat them with anything special prior to installation. Silicone, Dr. Pepper, tar, prayer...

I also want to clean the inside of the lenses as they have had water/moisture leak into them from above (I could see exactly where the old gaskets failed). Has anyone done this with any satisfaction? I know they cannot be taken apart, so I was thinking of using a solution of uncooked rice and soapy water for a quick internal scrub (and much rinsing).

I'd be happy to substitute something for the rice if anyone can think of something small like that which would act as a scrubber without being stronger than the plastic.

Jerry

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by Skinwrangler
Just got my new set of tail light (and center section) gaskets (or packing as Subaru calls them) and I wonder if I should treat them with anything special prior to installation. Silicone, Dr. Pepper, tar, prayer...

I also want to clean the inside of the lenses as they have had water/moisture leak into them from above (I could see exactly where the old gaskets failed). Has anyone done this with any satisfaction? I know they cannot be taken apart, so I was thinking of using a solution of uncooked rice and soapy water for a quick internal scrub (and much rinsing).

I'd be happy to substitute something for the rice if anyone can think of something small like that which would act as a scrubber without being stronger than the plastic.

Jerry

Do a search on the screen name "Svxch." He used electronics cleaner to clean the inside of his front lenses, with good effect.

[WestCoastSVX]

I have new gaskets on the way too! (wow subaruparts.com has been busy, You, Earl, me, all ordering new gaskets in the last couple weeks! ) I eagerly await any advice as well....

Also I was wondering, will the new gaskets fix the problem, or should something be done to seal around the edges of the lenses too? You know where the red and black are joined together? It seems like I can almost see through the cracks where the clips are, but all I've ever heard on here is new gaskets. Is that enough?

[Aredubjay]

Once I replaced the gaskets on the tail lights, I've had "zero" problems with condensation. I need to replace the center panel gasket, though (wasn't condensing when I bought the others). I did not treat the gaskets with anything. Just make sure you don't tighten them too much, or you'll cut them like cookies. Of course, some have placed electrical tape around the seams -- others have used silicone sealer. You may need nothing. I'd replace the gaskets, then, IF condensation begins to return, I'd treat the seams with some silicone sealer, but, that's just me.

[SHISVX]

Originally posted by Skinwrangler

I also want to clean the inside of the lenses as they have had water/moisture leak into them from above (I could see exactly where the old gaskets failed). Has anyone done this with any satisfaction? I know they cannot be taken apart, so I was thinking of using a solution of uncooked rice and soapy water for a quick internal scrub (and much rinsing).


Jerry

about the leakage in your lights, putting holes in the bottom for drainage works great. i had that done and what is left of the moisture is evaporated from the heat of the lights. you can't see the holes. hopefully this won't cause a problem later, but for right now, it works great!

Kelli

[mohrds]

<<about the leakage in your lights, putting holes in the bottom for drainage works great. i had that done and what is left of the moisture is evaporated from the heat of the lights. you can't see the holes. hopefully this won't cause a problem later, but for right now, it works great!>>

I did that about 6 years ago when I thought I was the only person with an SVX (Pre Yahoo club days). It worked great, but after a few years, you will have to clean out the holes because they get dust caught in them, then it gets damp and it turns to mud and eventually plugs the holes.

Last summer I threw away the stock gaskets and cleaned the lights and trunk panel. Then I applied Silicone to the lights in place of the gasket and installed them. That has cleared up the problem for now.

I also cleaned the weep holes I made years ago so they will function again.

Doug

[ensteele]

I got new gaskets, cleaned the lights, and put them back on. The car was dirty, so I washed it and - yep - had water in the lights again. I took them off of the car, and the water poured out of them, so it wasn't just a little like condensation. I have dried them, and put them back on and will see what happens next. I have come to the conclusion that if I keep the car in the garage and drive it only on sunny days, I won't have as many problems with water. ha I tried not tightening the nuts as much this time, and if this does not work, I might use the old gasket and new gasket together and see what happens.
Earl (looking for my California duster)

So I put the new gaskets, or "packing" as Subaru calls them. I replaced rear left and right and center lens gaskets. I could clearly see where the water had been coming through on both tail lights and in the center section. I cleaned the all the surfaces and reinstalled everything. Much tighter with new gaskets.

I also noticed I only had used two screws to put my license plate on with, and wondered if the bottom two holes would let water in while I was high pressure spraying it. While doing that I see that the license plate lights have no gaskets where they join the body. Yep, they just free float there. There is a rubber gasket, but it is to seal the light, not the body. I am going to replace both the lights and then seal it with silicone from the inside.

I guess I should have looked at the LED brake lamp gasket while I was doing all this. If it has a gasket, anyone have the part #.

I am going to give it the carwash test tomorrow (since it is supposed to rain soon).


Jerry

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by Skinwrangler
So I put the new gaskets, or "packing" as Subaru calls them. I replaced rear left and right and center lens gaskets. I could clearly see where the water had been coming through on both tail lights and in the center section. I cleaned the all the surfaces and reinstalled everything. Much tighter with new gaskets.

I also noticed I only had used two screws to put my license plate on with, and wondered if the bottom two holes would let water in while I was high pressure spraying it. While doing that I see that the license plate lights have no gaskets where they join the body. Yep, they just free float there. There is a rubber gasket, but it is to seal the light, not the body. I am going to replace both the lights and then seal it with silicone from the inside.

I guess I should have looked at the LED brake lamp gasket while I was doing all this. If it has a gasket, anyone have the part #.

I am going to give it the carwash test tomorrow (since it is supposed to rain soon).


Jerry

Jerry,
The parts book lists upper and lower gaskets for the assy.


Upper -- 84940PA090

Lower -- 84940PA100

Hey Randy

Thanks for the numbers. Those little units are more expensive than four of the other larger gaskets. What kind of a world are we living in? $30 for those, I think I'll see if they leak. But I'll have to wait a few days as it is snowing right now.

Thanks again for the numbers,

Jerry

[Aredubjay]

Originally posted by Skinwrangler
Hey Randy

Thanks for the numbers. Those little units are more expensive than four of the other larger gaskets. What kind of a world are we living in? $30 for those, I think I'll see if they leak. But I'll have to wait a few days as it is snowing right now.

Thanks again for the numbers,

Jerry

Happy to help.

Yeah, those little gasket dealies are rather expensive. I'm considering buying up old wet suits and using my old gaskets as patterns to cut new ones. I could sell at half the price and still make some darned good money, dontcha think?