Rear light misting any cure.

Useful hints, tips that you think will help other drivers and owners. (No questions)
User avatar
Squeel
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 7
Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2014 11:21 pm
Has thanked: 0
Been thanked: 0

Rear light misting any cure.

Post by Squeel »

My rear lights have condensation any cure. :thumright:
User avatar
Aido 8
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 612
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2013 9:57 pm
RX-8: 13B 6-port
Colour: Galaxy Grey
Location: Sligo,Ireland
Has thanked: 23 times
Been thanked: 11 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by Aido 8 »

Yah some silicone seal will prevent the water seeping throught that causes the mist up :)
Hayward stage 2 Port,Full RB Exhaust, RB L-Flywheel,Michelin Pilot Super Sport,Bola B1, Aero Kit,Light weight Pulleys,More To Come :thumleft:
User avatar
scitmon
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 982
Joined: Tue Oct 23, 2007 5:07 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Brilliant Black
Location: Lancashire
Has thanked: 5 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by scitmon »

User avatar
ChrisHolmes
Club Member
Club Member
Posts: 28253
Joined: Sun Jan 29, 2006 10:04 pm
Location: Cheltenham
Has thanked: 9680 times
Been thanked: 4892 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by ChrisHolmes »

If you think ahead do you really want to silicone seal your lights to the car?
I "cured" the misting by simply cutting out the gasket section between the light housings, directly blow the boot gutter drain channel. I then ran a fillet of non setting roof/gutter sealant from each side of the channel down the rear boot pane to guide the water. Then I applied the same non setting sealer to the gasket and replaced the lights. There was still some condensation inside but this cleared in a couple of days and they have been clear ever since.
Rotary History;

Sep 2005-Aug 2006 EO55 XOL VR 231 New
Oct 2014-Mar 2019 OE06 EWJ VR 231
Jan 2019-Jun 2020 T200 CAD Orange SC 231
Feb 2020-May 2023 RR54 AJR VR 231 Modified for Track
Oct 2020-Mar 2021 YA56 EUE Copper Red Nemesis
Jun 2022-Apr 2023 TN07 JHD KURO Resurrected
Jun 2023-Jan2024 OV09 BFF Sparkling Black R3
Avatar courtesy of my grandson Cameron
clive59
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 1270
Joined: Thu Jul 08, 2010 10:45 am
RX-8: 192
Colour: Brilliant Black
Location: Chesterfield
Has thanked: 0
Been thanked: 6 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by clive59 »

I silicon sealed mine in with no joy. I now have new gaskets and am preparing a final assault on the misting problem. I'm struggling to get the old silicon off. Any ideas how to remove it? Do any of the sealant remover remedies work?
User avatar
Elv73
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 336
Joined: Sun Dec 28, 2014 10:47 am
Location: Cupar, Fife
Has thanked: 0
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by Elv73 »

I sealed mine with silicone after thoroughly drying them out and all seemed well for a few weeks but now its back! :cry:
LEE

2004 Velocity Red 231.
Rotary Revs Gold Engine Rebuild Jan 2015 / D585 ignition coils / Magnecor leads / Decat/ 6000k Cree LED Sidelights / 6000k HID's /20mm Super GT Wheel Spacers / XCarlink aux input & bluetooth / Oil Catch Can / Sohn Adapter / Partial Aero Kit

Premix & Sohn - Millers KR-2T
Engine - Millers Nanodrive EE 10W-40

NOW GONE BUT THINKING OF GETTING ANOTHER!
User avatar
Deadbeat
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 911
Joined: Fri Jan 21, 2011 9:26 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Titanium Grey
Location: Birmingham
Has thanked: 3 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by Deadbeat »

Ah, the great silicone debate! Personally, I recommend taking the cluster off, drilling some tiny holes in the bottom of it, drying it out thoroughly and refitting. This allows the atmosphere inside the cluster to equalise with the atmosphere outside. Without differences in temperature and humidity within/without there is no reason for the water vapour in the air to condense. I did this on my right cluster 2 years ago, no probs since. My left has just started to get water in, I'll be doing the same soon. Using silicone you'll always be fighting to keep it sealed. This method seems more long lasting and elegant.
Bryan

"For £100 I can tell your fortune, predict your lottery numbers and make beautiful people love you.
For £10 I can beat you 'till you think that's what happened."
clive59
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 1270
Joined: Thu Jul 08, 2010 10:45 am
RX-8: 192
Colour: Brilliant Black
Location: Chesterfield
Has thanked: 0
Been thanked: 6 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by clive59 »

I have holes in one of my lights and I must confess that that one mists up less than the one without. I plan to use non setting gasket sealant on the gaskets this time as well.
User avatar
Phil Bate
Spin Doctor
Spin Doctor
Posts: 9429
Joined: Thu Mar 22, 2012 12:49 am
RX-8: Kuro
Colour: Sparkling Black
Location: Cotswolds
Has thanked: 52 times
Been thanked: 221 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by Phil Bate »

The rear lights are designed so that the foam seal isolates the inside of the cluster from the outside air. The bulb holders are not sealed so that the insides of the clusters are connected to the inside cabin space, which should contain relatively dry air.

Once the seals are compromised, damp air can enter the cluster and condensation forms on the inside. Further to this, a build up of dirt around the seal can catch rain water and let it in to the cluster, causing the fish bowl effect.

The best way to address either issue is to buy or make new seals and fit them after cleaning up the cluster and clearing the path for rain water.

I made a set of seals out of 4mm self adhesive neoprene foam:
WP_20141222_007.jpg
As you can see I made them two-piece and cut so that water can quickly run down between them, and stuck them to the body instead of the clusters. I've had no problems since :)
These users thanked the author Phil Bate for the post:
fishywick (Sun Jan 14, 2018 12:54 pm)
Phil's subtle sunlight silver - stronger, faster, with added red bits and stuff engine donor!
Operation Mint - Kuro preservation project
The pimped out Glacier White XE - quintessential British motoring from Jaguar
User avatar
Elv73
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 336
Joined: Sun Dec 28, 2014 10:47 am
Location: Cupar, Fife
Has thanked: 0
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by Elv73 »

Im so stealing that idea Phil! (after ive cleaned all the silicon off :( )

Where did you get the foam from?
LEE

2004 Velocity Red 231.
Rotary Revs Gold Engine Rebuild Jan 2015 / D585 ignition coils / Magnecor leads / Decat/ 6000k Cree LED Sidelights / 6000k HID's /20mm Super GT Wheel Spacers / XCarlink aux input & bluetooth / Oil Catch Can / Sohn Adapter / Partial Aero Kit

Premix & Sohn - Millers KR-2T
Engine - Millers Nanodrive EE 10W-40

NOW GONE BUT THINKING OF GETTING ANOTHER!
User avatar
Squeel
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 7
Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2014 11:21 pm
Has thanked: 0
Been thanked: 0

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by Squeel »

Sounds like a plan Phil.
User avatar
SteveD
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 5585
Joined: Sun Aug 08, 2010 12:35 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Velocity Red
Location: Waltham Abbey
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 4 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by SteveD »

I chucked a bag of silica gel crystals in mine after clearing out the channel and cutting out the middle of the gasket. Worked a treat :)
Had a rebuild? Not needed one? Please vote in the Engine Survey thread
User avatar
minisaki
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 1933
Joined: Thu Apr 17, 2014 2:02 pm
RX-8: 192
Colour: Brilliant Black
Location: Paisley, Scotland
Has thanked: 161 times
Been thanked: 171 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by minisaki »

I got some upgraded gaskets but could only get them from America. They did solve the problem though :thumleft:
Brilliant black 192.
Carbon fibre vented bonnet, carbon fibre boot, carbon fibre Mazdaspeed spoiler, carbon fibre eyebrows, carbon fibre strakes, carbon fibre b-pillers, carbon fibre mirrors, K-Sport 8 pots, Japan Racing Wheels, Meister R CRD+, 10w50 fully synthetic, Castrol 2t racing pre mix and sohn Fed. red lined like she should be. :thumleft: :thumleft:
User avatar
Sakeiru
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 986
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 9:09 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Winning Blue
Location: Normanton, West Yorkshire
Has thanked: 0
Been thanked: 5 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by Sakeiru »

minisaki wrote:I got some upgraded gaskets but could only get them from America. They did solve the problem though :thumleft:
How much were they? I'll need to do this on mine too I believe. :D
Otherwise known as Joshua

Proud owner of a Winning Blue 231.

298/1000 miles - Third failure, third rebuild, third time's a charm.
Rotary Revs Half-Bridge Port - ClimAir Wind Deflectors - HELPurple Braided Clutch Line - Morimoto XB LED Fog lights - TRS Clear Lenses - GROM Bluetooth/Aux Module - BHR Blue D585 Ignition - 20MM Spacers - Bilstein B8/H&R Suspension - RB Oil Pressure Regulator
User avatar
minisaki
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 1933
Joined: Thu Apr 17, 2014 2:02 pm
RX-8: 192
Colour: Brilliant Black
Location: Paisley, Scotland
Has thanked: 161 times
Been thanked: 171 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by minisaki »

I think they were about £25 from eBay :thumleft:
Brilliant black 192.
Carbon fibre vented bonnet, carbon fibre boot, carbon fibre Mazdaspeed spoiler, carbon fibre eyebrows, carbon fibre strakes, carbon fibre b-pillers, carbon fibre mirrors, K-Sport 8 pots, Japan Racing Wheels, Meister R CRD+, 10w50 fully synthetic, Castrol 2t racing pre mix and sohn Fed. red lined like she should be. :thumleft: :thumleft:
User avatar
Sakeiru
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 986
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 9:09 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Winning Blue
Location: Normanton, West Yorkshire
Has thanked: 0
Been thanked: 5 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by Sakeiru »

A fraction of the price of genuine Mazda ones! I must order some on payday. 8)
Otherwise known as Joshua

Proud owner of a Winning Blue 231.

298/1000 miles - Third failure, third rebuild, third time's a charm.
Rotary Revs Half-Bridge Port - ClimAir Wind Deflectors - HELPurple Braided Clutch Line - Morimoto XB LED Fog lights - TRS Clear Lenses - GROM Bluetooth/Aux Module - BHR Blue D585 Ignition - 20MM Spacers - Bilstein B8/H&R Suspension - RB Oil Pressure Regulator
clive59
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 1270
Joined: Thu Jul 08, 2010 10:45 am
RX-8: 192
Colour: Brilliant Black
Location: Chesterfield
Has thanked: 0
Been thanked: 6 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by clive59 »

Phil Bate wrote:The rear lights are designed so that the foam seal isolates the inside of the cluster from the outside air. The bulb holders are not sealed so that the insides of the clusters are connected to the inside cabin space, which should contain relatively dry air.

Once the seals are compromised, damp air can enter the cluster and condensation forms on the inside. Further to this, a build up of dirt around the seal can catch rain water and let it in to the cluster, causing the fish bowl effect.

The best way to address either issue is to buy or make new seals and fit them after cleaning up the cluster and clearing the path for rain water.

I made a set of seals out of 4mm self adhesive neoprene foam:
WP_20141222_007.jpg
As you can see I made them two-piece and cut so that water can quickly run down between them, and stuck them to the body instead of the clusters. I've had no problems since :)
So, no holes drilled in the lights Phil? My head spins with this problem.
User avatar
Phil Bate
Spin Doctor
Spin Doctor
Posts: 9429
Joined: Thu Mar 22, 2012 12:49 am
RX-8: Kuro
Colour: Sparkling Black
Location: Cotswolds
Has thanked: 52 times
Been thanked: 221 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by Phil Bate »

I did drill one of them years ago, guess which one suffers with condensation now ;)

This is only after a damp night and it very quickly evaporates, but led me to work out what was going on.
Phil's subtle sunlight silver - stronger, faster, with added red bits and stuff engine donor!
Operation Mint - Kuro preservation project
The pimped out Glacier White XE - quintessential British motoring from Jaguar
whirlowguy
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 579
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2014 8:02 pm
RX-8: Evolve
Colour: Copper Red
Location: Sheffield
Has thanked: 0
Been thanked: 2 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by whirlowguy »

My rear lights misted. but not much. Stuck a really big bag of silica gel crystals in the boot (can't remember the make now, but they were from Amazon) and not had any problem since. Also put a big bag of silica gel in the rear footwell and had no misting of windows inside the car throughout our chilly winter :-)
Freeman38
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 792
Joined: Thu Sep 10, 2009 2:01 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Custom
Location: Aylesbury
Has thanked: 4 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by Freeman38 »

The cause is the original gaskets collapse, and remain compressed. New ones work for a while, and then suffer the same fate. I used a P shaped household excluder which I stuck to the light cluster so that the top of the P shape laid along the matting face of the light cluster. This was 5 years ago and no repeat of the problem.
●2004 Custom Blue ● Full Body kit and Carbon Fibre Mazdaspeed style Spoiler
● Polybush Full Kit● XYZ Coilovers● Hotchkis Front ARB's
● Pettit ANP Remap and EFIDUDE Logger●D514A Coil Packs Setup
● K&N Panel Filter● Racing Beat CAT Back Exhaust● ToyoSport HiFlo CAT
●Dimpled and Grooved Discs●EBC Yellowstuff pads●HEL Brake/Clutch Lines
●XXR 550 Wheels 8.75J ET36●Nankang NS2-R●R3 Differential
dpbayly
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 121
Joined: Wed Oct 15, 2014 9:27 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Custom
Location: Litlington Nr Cambridge
Has thanked: 0
Been thanked: 0

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by dpbayly »

Mine had the misting up problem but not a concern anymore after I tinted them:

Image
User avatar
Squeel
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 7
Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2014 11:21 pm
Has thanked: 0
Been thanked: 0

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by Squeel »

What's the best way to get the clips off the rear panel so access to the lights can be gained. Cheers
User avatar
phoenix11
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 470
Joined: Sat Sep 13, 2014 11:29 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Titanium Grey
Location: Manchester
Has thanked: 4 times
Been thanked: 33 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by phoenix11 »

Jeez you are a fast worker, its took you 6 month to open the boot :shock:
Steve.
2004 Titanium Grey 231
'The meek shall inherit the Earth'
User avatar
Squeel
Former Member
Former Member
Posts: 7
Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2014 11:21 pm
Has thanked: 0
Been thanked: 0

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by Squeel »

Been a busy bee :?
User avatar
Essex Rotary
Former Trader
Former Trader
Posts: 378
Joined: Sat Jul 27, 2013 5:28 pm
RX-8: 231
Colour: Brilliant Black
Location: South Ockendon
Has thanked: 0
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: Rear light misting any cure.

Post by Essex Rotary »

This is a common issue with the RX-8
we just wanted to let everybody know that we now have our new Essex Rotary rear light gaskets available.
follow the link and scroll down to the bottom of the page
LINK TO Essex ROTARY SHOP

These are currently in stock and have free shipping.

Image

They come with full detailed installation instructions.
Essex Rotary
Bringing Black Halo Racing Original Parts to the masses of Europe
Bringing you Idemitsu Racing Rotary Oils
Royal Purple Premix and Oils Stockist
Whatever you need we got it covered
Aston@EssexRotary.Co.Uk
Post Reply

Return to “RX8 Hints and Tips”