Fogging DEPOT Sport Headlights?

[Patriot Diesel]

Morning Everyone,



Is anyone else having problems with their DEPOT Brand Sport Headlights?



I did the upgrade about a year ago and I am about to replace my third passenger side headlight. I was told by the company I bought them from that they were of at least OEM quality. What a load of bull that was.



Gonna call them this morning for my third replacement...



Jeff

 

[y-knot]

You can keep calling them and keep replacing lamps, but to get rid of the condensation that forms inside the housing, you just need two drill a small hole in the bottom corners of the housing. Mine did the same and I kept replacing lamps like you. Since I drilled the two holes they stay clear and lamps stay lit.

 

[Patriot Diesel]

Originally posted by y-knot

You can keep calling them and keep replacing lamps, but to get rid of the condensation that forms inside the housing, you just need two drill a small hole in the bottom corners of the housing. Mine did the same and I kept replacing lamps like you. Since I drilled the two holes they stay clear and lamps stay lit.

Please explain... I thought the holes (leaks) are what causes the condensation...

 

[C.MILLER]

Jeff,

I sealed my Depot headlite with some clear- auto/marine silicone. There's a small gap running completely around the entire headlite (where the black casing meets the clear) that i filled with this stuff. That cured my condensing/fogging problem with the headlites. Hope that helps.



Chris

 

[Thomas]

The headlamps have a vent (P/N 4805147 VENT, Headlamp) located on the outboard, upper corner. The vent is two pieces of plastic snapped together. It has an 'O' ring for sealing the junction between the vent and the lamp. I haven't taken one apart to figure out its function.



I've had no problems with the DEPO brand lamps other than the cheap Asian rubber welt. I've had them for over a year. I burn all four filaments in each lamp on high beam—that may be your solution.

 

[Patriot Diesel]

Thanks guys... but now I am more confused... one person says drill some holes the other says seal it up... hhhhmmmm

 

[y-knot]

my lights had a condensation problem since I bought the truck new, never could stop it. Then when you turn on the head lights, the vibration from driving would knock some moisture on the hot lamp and out it goes. I finally got feed up and ordered all new front housings, complete. Same problem. I was always told the problem was a leak, crack some where letting air in, not that does not seem to be the case. After the second lights did the same, no worse I had 1" of water in the lense. I drilled two small holes in the bottoms of both sides, in the corners. It has been 8 months and I have not had one lens with a condensation problem. Finnally I can see at night.

 

[JR2]

One of the sport lights in my Sport model truck gets condensation in it so its not just the DEPO lights, but stockers too.





JR2

 

[02diesel]

Hey Guys, Well I did the conversion about 8 months ago. I was the best thing I ever did to the truck. Just this week my pass side light starting fogging up in the cold weather. What is the consensus, Pull the housing and attempt to reseal it or Drill the holes? If I drill the holes is it two per lens? Do hey need to be drilled towards the front of the lens or the back?



Thanks

Frank

 

[Thomas]

FWIW the OEM Sport and non-Sport headlamps have a vent as do the Depo brand. I can't help you with the function of the vent but you can see the vent on the non-Sport lamps you removed if they're still available. The vent is a small plastic piece about a half inch in diameter that is snapped into the back of each lamp.

 

[02diesel]

Hi Thomas, Yes I do still have the origional housings. I will dig them out and check into the vent. I wonder if it is possible that this vent on the sport housing could be plugged and causing the problem?



Frank

 

[Thomas]

I actually have a few of the vents in my shop. I've never given them a close look. I'll take a look in the morning, if I can find them. My Depo lamps have been fine for two years.

 

[juicedcummins]

I had trouble with my 99 from new. Drilled a small hole in the bottom corner of each and no more problems.

 

[02diesel]

Well, If the rain ever lets up here in sunny southern California I am going to go out and see what I can do wit this? Ill let ou all know when I am through. Thanks for all the suggestions.



Frank :{

 

[02diesel]

Well I worked on the headlight yesterday and this is what I found. Thomas I did find the little vent on the housing. Removed the cap and there is a little o ring that seals it in the housing. I was unable to determine if it was working correctly or not. I drilled the small hole in the bottom as suggested. I then noticed there was water inbetween the lens and the housing suggesting that there was a problem with the seal. I pried the lens off the housing. I was held in with a rubberlike gasket. I put a little clear silicon seal on it and reinstalled it. We will see if it holds up now.



Frank

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Looks like *2* different approaches to the same end result - either attempt to totally seal the assembly to avoid moisture intrusion to start with, OR, drill small drain holes to let the moisture OUT when it does get in...



I figure on a sportslite upgrade on my '02 - so will likely do BOTH - first carefully seal any gaps, then check for drains, or provide them if they're missing...