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 Slightly OT, caulking that is safe for plastic		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts
Initially Posted - 11/08/2014 :  15:47:07  Show Profile
Purchased aftermarket plastic lenses for the tow vehicle and one of them filled with water - while sitting parked in the rain. Need to caulk seam where front and rear halves join.

Has anyone researched caulking that is safe for plastic? I'm thinking I might just push butyl tape into it . . .
Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts
Response Posted - 11/08/2014 :  16:10:47  Show Profile  Visit delliottg's Homepage
I was thinking "I'd bet butyl would work...", but have nothing to back that up.
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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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4382 Posts
Response Posted - 11/08/2014 :  16:41:29  Show Profile
Miss glass sealed beam headlamps . . . form over function I guess
Edited by - OJ on 11/08/2014 16:42:05
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islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4018 Posts
Response Posted - 11/08/2014 :  19:44:06  Show Profile
Had the same problem with one of my headlights. Kept getting moisture inside. I pulled the bulb out of the back and pointed a hairdrier into the shell to dry it out then ran some BOATLIFE Life Seal (good for plastics and is clear) that I had around the seam where the front joins to the back and the lens has stayed dry and clear ever since. That was over 3ys ago.
Edited by - islander on 11/08/2014 19:46:38
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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts
Response Posted - 11/08/2014 :  19:59:12  Show Profile
Found a Mercedes Benz mechanic on YouTube that recommended this for sealing leaky headlight assemblies:

http://caulktech.com/airtite-siliconized-acrylic-caulk.html
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9076 Posts
Response Posted - 11/09/2014 :  08:48:43  Show Profile
Second the Life Seal--it's a urethane-silicone hybrid that's specifically compatible with plastics and has worked well for me. WM and others should have it.
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islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4018 Posts
Response Posted - 11/09/2014 :  15:46:30  Show Profile
quote:
I might just push butyl tape into it .

Might work but what happens to that tape when the light gets it hot...Does it melt, Soft and runny/gooey?
Edited by - islander on 11/09/2014 15:47:00
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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts
Response Posted - 11/09/2014 :  16:44:42  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by islander

quote:
I might just push butyl tape into it .

Might work but what happens to that tape when the light gets it hot...Does it melt, Soft and runny/gooey?


Excellent point Scott, thx.

Here's the video that introduced the Dupont acrylic silicone (the guy is pretty long winded . . . he talks about the product at the 8:50 mark.) A Mercedes Benz with moisture in the headlight!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGi0oumxeM8

I couldn't find the Dupont product in any local stores - so I settled for DAP clear.

http://www.dap.com/product_details.aspx?BrandID=12&SubcatID=3
Edited by - OJ on 11/09/2014 17:01:46
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TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2272 Posts
Response Posted - 11/09/2014 :  19:35:44  Show Profile
quote:
Originally posted by islander

quote:
I might just push butyl tape into it .

Might work but what happens to that tape when the light gets it hot...Does it melt, Soft and runny/gooey?

The cheap stuff from the RV store gets runny.

The good marine stuff from the guy in Maine does not.

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/rebedding_hardware

I've used both - I speak from experience.
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