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MG MGF Technical - Light Cluster Gaskets

Fitted new gaskets 2 the rear light clusters about 4 weeks ago and today they are leaking again! i bought these from MGOC Spares,surely they should last longer than this!

Does anyone know if there are better ones available?

Gary.
Gary

Are you absolutely sure that that is where the leak originates?
George B.

Gaz, are these the latest spec items? There are two types available - what was the attached part number?
Rob Bell

I had a look at my boot leak at the weekend and as I thought the problem was not the light cluster but the metal joint round the light cluster where 2 bits are held together to form the shape of where the light cluster locates. I did years ago use the famous silicon sealant as a temporary job but since I did it previously I have invested in some seam sealer so have plastered this over the joint on both the inside and outside of the car.

All I need to do is check that the leak has gone and paint the sealer.

Tom
Tom Randell

<<seam sealer>>

Tom, can you advise what make you used, and if it was any good ;-)

really need to get this done soon.

thanks

paul

paul weatherill

Gaz, just spotted that I provided you with the latest version part numbers when you asked before! LOL

>>"Gasket-Lamp Ass" part # XFH100440 x2 @ £6.62 ex VAT each<<

As Tom suggests, it is probably worth your while to check where else water could be entering the boot:
1. Has the new gaskets sealed the rear light cluster properly? Some petroleum jelly or some silicone could help here.
2. Look for evidence of other areas where water could be entering nearby - I found a gap in the panel seam on my car, which I blocked up with some silicone sealant.
3. Is water actually entering the boot from elsewhere? Particularly water can enter through the boot lid itself, as well as seaping in through the panel seams adjeacent to the boot opening.

The suggestion on the MGOC site is a good one: remove the boot carpet (good idea anyway, to allow the material to dry)- and then see where the water is dripping into the boot (easier to see on metal - you could sprinkle a thin layer of talc over the metal to see where the water is dripping and running from).

Good luck!
Rob Bell

Yeah its definately coming in through the right hand side light cluster, when i pour water down the side of the lights you can see a dribble of water at the top of the gasket and it builds up on that bottom ledge and then it spills over into the bottom right corner of boot.

This is doin my head in and i hear theres loads of rain on the way. Could i coat the gaskets in some kind of sealant or something?

I did have a bad seam which i have managed 2 cure and ive had the boot carpet out of the boot 4 some time so that i could check. :(
Gary

Paul,

Not sure what make it is but got it from a small car accessory shop, but have seen similar stuff in halfords. If I remeber I will look tonight to see the make.

It is a brushable seam sealer and so far have had no problems with it.

Tom
Tom Randell

The gasket really shouldn't be that porous Gary. It's odd that it is if the bodywork and lamp cluster were clean, and gasket correctly assembled and the retaining nuts evenly nipped up. I guess you've been through this process more than once!!!

Two alternatives.
1. Reject the faulty gasket and get another replacement.
2. Make do with the present one, but apply silicone sealant to seal it properly.

My preference would be for option (1) - it's less of a "bodge," if you know what I mean.

Just another quick question: water isn't entering the lens itself is it? On some cars, the boot lid was poorly adjusted allowing the lens to be damaged. The ensuing crack is not water tight - and allows another water path into the boot. This hasn't happened on your car has it Gary?
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 11/11/2002 and 12/11/2002

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