Deteriorating rubber seal/gasket on headlamp? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Boxtaboy · 12-01-2016, 06:55 AM

Anyone have a good solution to the rubber seal around the headlamp that turns to goo? One of my litronic headlamp's seal is deteriorating (the black rubber seal that fits between the headlamp and fender), and it looks like Porsche doesn't sell a replacement gasket/seal for the 986 headlamps. I searched and noticed some people replacing with foam tape, but wanted a more OEM look (eg. rubber gasket material). Anyone find a good solution? Thanks.

Mark_T · 12-02-2016, 02:15 PM

I got a new pair of seals from a wrecker a few years ago. I don't remember exactly how much I paid but they weren't cheap.

Boxtaboy · 12-02-2016, 02:47 PM

It's cool that you found a replacement. I just think that it's ridiculous that there isn't a better solution.

PaulE · 12-02-2016, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

It's cool that you found a replacement. I just think that it's ridiculous that there isn't a better solution.

If mine go, I will start googling for places like these to see what I can find that might work -

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=extruded+rubber+seals

Rubber Parts, Molded Rubber, Extruded Rubber and Die Cut Rubber Products - Your source for rubber extrusions, rubber molding industrial rubber, rubber gaskets, silicone rubber, rubber grommets, rubber sheets, rubber mats, custom rubber, black rubber,

Stock Extruded Rubber Seals, Automotive Hose, Springs, Gaskets & Trim | Clean Seal, Inc. is #1

Hopefully I'll find a place that will sell only 10 feet!

Boxtaboy · 12-02-2016, 03:07 PM

Those look promising. I like that they are rubber. I saw the post about the foam tape being used, but not crazy about it not being rounded like the OEM seal, as well as the foam absorbing water when it rains or being washed. I only have one small area that is affected and don't need to replace yet, but will soon. Thanks for those links. May have to try it!

particlewave · 12-02-2016, 11:47 PM

Find a cheap used set of headlights on eBay with good gaskets, swap the good gaskets with yours, then re-sell the headlights. If you do it right, your final cost for good used gaskets will be free-$50.

Boxtaboy · 12-03-2016, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by particlewave

Find a cheap used set of headlights on eBay with good gaskets, swap the good gaskets with yours, then re-sell the headlights. If you do it right, your final cost for good used gaskets will be free-$50.

Yeah, this is a crapshoot though, as you can't really tell from eBay photos if the whole seal is not deteriorating. My seal below in pics...you can't really tell where the seal is mushy cause it's still all intact, for example. Also, most of those headlights are just as old or older than mine, so they're bound to turn to mush too probably. There's got to be a cheaper solution to this problem. I'm thinking even if there was a product like a rubber O-ring (but not formed as an O) would work, as it is rounded and rubber which looks like the factory seal.

PaulE · 12-03-2016, 04:47 AM

With the Boxster turning 20 and being celebrated at the next Werks reunion , I also think
it's conceivable that Porsche Classic or some entrepreneur will approach Hella or one of the other manufacturers of these lights to sell just the rubber gaskets, but they won't be cheap!

Boxtaboy · 12-03-2016, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulE

With the Boxster turning 20 and being celebrated at the next Werks reunion , I also think
it's conceivable that Porsche Classic or some entrepreneur will approach Hella or one of the other manufacturers of these lights to sell just the rubber gaskets, but they won't be cheap!

I hope so. It's frustrating that Porsche sells the gasket replacement for the Cayenne and 981 Boxster, but not ours which need them the most since they're the oldest.

particlewave · 12-03-2016, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

Yeah, this is a crapshoot though, as you can't really tell from eBay photos if the whole seal is not deteriorating. My seal below in pics...you can't really tell where the seal is mushy cause it's still all intact, for example. Also, most of those headlights are just as old or older than mine, so they're bound to turn to mush too probably.

Just ask the seller for more photos and a close inspection. I've done it a dozen times for both myself and other forum members

It's not age that kills them, it's how you take care of them. Mine look and feel brand new, but they're not. I've seen literally hundreds of these headlights and I think the 2 biggest killers are sun exposure and car wax (cars with yellowed headlights from UV exposure always have the worst seals).

A set I worked on had non-OEM rubber seals that were a very good fit and close to original, but the owner didn't know where they came from. So, there is a better solution than foam rubber tape out there, but it may take some searching.

Boxtaboy · 12-03-2016, 08:25 AM

Thanks. I'm just not too keen on taking the chance on a used headlamp that might have had the good seal taken off and then replaced with a mushy one to then resell to me.

I'm thinking this might work..even tho it looks like foam?...
Steele Rubber Products - Peel-N-Stick Small Hollow Half Round with Lip

particlewave · 12-03-2016, 08:50 AM

Nice jab. That's why you ask for a detailed description and photos.

I always take closeup pictures and describe seal condition if I sell a set.

Another issue is that the seal width varies. The headlight to fender gap is wider at the top and more narrow above the fog light and outside edge.

Good luck.

Boxtaboy · 12-03-2016, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by particlewave

Nice jab. That's why you ask for a detailed description and photos.

I always take closeup pictures and describe seal condition if I sell a set.

Another issue is that the seal width varies. The headlight to fender gap is wider at the top and more narrow above the fog light and outside edge.

Good luck.

Lol, all in good fun, and no offense meant.

I also wrote Hella who made these original headlamps, and asked them if they could sell replacement gaskets. I know the answer will be no, but figured I'd try anyway. Will post answer if given.