oldsaw
UltimaDork
6/8/17 8:32 p.m.
So, I'm going through a systems check on my Prelude and discover the RF combo signal/side marker light assembly has a bad bulb; normally, not a big deal. When I remove the lens I discover the PO had applied something in an apparent attempt to prevent moisture entering the bulb socket and causing early burn-out.
It's not pliable; it may have been at one point but I can't know since this is first time in 16+ years I've removed this lens cover. I guess there is solace in that this stuff helped keep the bulb alive for a long, long, long time.
Any ideas on what the compound may be and what may be a good alternative choice for sealing the lens to the housing?
What color is it? If it's a dull gray/brown my first guess is plumber's putty. Perhaps a clear silicone would work as a replacement?
Maybe something like white lithium grease?
Dielectric grease?
If the lens cover leaks I've used RTV Sealer/ Adhesive
oldsaw
UltimaDork
6/8/17 9:15 p.m.
In reply to ECM: It's a dull gray in color. I presume that's the original coloring as it surrounds a small bulb that's only engaged when the lights (or the turn signals) are used; not a lot of heat generated by the bulb(s).
Clear silicone is the likely tool to be used to seal the lens to the housing. First, I've got to figure how to remove this stuff without compromising the 30+ year-old plastic it has bonded to. After years of attack by direct Georgia sunlight and heat, it's kinda brittle.
In reply to noddaz: White lithium grease is a great consideration once the crap (that is there now) is removed. I can't say that's what the stuff was originally. I don't know what becomes of the grease after years of exposure to sunlight and heat but this stuff seems to have been carefully applied in an attempt to completely seal the socket from any moisture at all. One of the issues I'm facing is that this mystery compound seems to have bonded to the housing AND the bulb. I'm looking at trying to break the bond without damaging the housing or how the bulb and socket connect.
Just part of owning an 80's era Honda with lots of plastic bits, I guess.
Dull gray + automotive = JB Weld?
The Samurai had similar stuff around all the tail light bulbs. I assumed it was a factory goo that had set up over the last 30 years. I replaced it with dielectric grease.
