Squishy taillight gasket

[scoobydrvr]

I'm trying to bake some water out of my taillight and, as it came off, the gasket couldn't decide which to stick to: the car or the light. My question is: was this supposed to be adhesive at one point or is it just sandwiched between the two pieces? Additionally, is there a better way to get moisture out of a taillight? Baking seems to be working but the wife has her apprehensions about car parts in the oven and it is going very slowly.

[ensteele]

There is no adhesive that is on the gaskets, they are just old and stick to the surface. I usually just take the light off and use a hair dryer which moves the moist air out of it. New gaskets are available, but don't tighten them too tight. Just snug is fine. If over tightened, they will leak. Good luck.

[scoobydrvr]

Thanks for the pointer on the gasket. I went ahead and buttoned the nuts all the way down when I put it in yesterday. I'll be sure to go loosen them a smidge tonight.

[flamestone]

After I dried my lights out, I found it easier to make my own replacement seals. Just a sheet of 4mm neoprene, some scissors, and a bit of careful tracing...

Hope that helps.

[Marcus]

Hi, I reused the old gaskets b cleaning them and filling the grooves with silicon. More importandly I sealed the gap between taillight housing and body with silicon, too (as recommended by an other member of the forum). Cheapest repair and works like a charm for years now.