fog in my headlamps....

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Ed - 30 Mar 2006 22:47 GMT

I have an 88 240 with the large plastic lens covers, I notice a lot of
condensation in there, anyone got an idea for a fix?

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doc@nospam.org - 31 Mar 2006 00:41 GMT

>I have an 88 240 with the large plastic lens covers, I notice a lot of
>condensation in there, anyone got an idea for a fix?

Hello Ed:

This is a common issue with 240's

The plastic headlight covers are glued on. With patience, a razor
knife and a thin screwdriver you should be able to get them off after
removing the headlamp asembly from the car.

Then it's simply a matter of cleaning the reflectors (do this
carefully,) cleaning the lens and gluing it back together--and using
silicone sealer around any seams.

You might want to get a used unit from a junker to practice on.

Your only other option is to buy new headlamp assemblies. If I recall
correctly they are about $160 USD each at a dealer, but at a place
like lampsandlenses.com they run about $68 each (lenses alone are
about $25 each.)

Note that I've read reviews ranging from mixed to bad on aftermarket
lenses--regardless of the supplier. Seems the plastic is not even
close to OEM quality, but I really have had no personal experience
with the aftermarket units.

Good Luck,

Doc

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Michael Pardee - 01 Apr 2006 04:32 GMT

>>I have an 88 240 with the large plastic lens covers, I notice a lot of
>>condensation in there, anyone got an idea for a fix?
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
>
> Doc

I've also heard of drilling a small hole at the very bottom of the lens to
let moisture drain out. Haven't had the occasion to try it myself, though.

Mike

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mdrawson - 01 Apr 2006 14:58 GMT

I've found the best solution is simply to get new lens covers. If you go to
www.lampsandlenses.com, you'll find them for your car for about $25/each.
These are glass OEM quality, and you get the entire kit (grommet, etc., with
guaranteed return if you're unhappy). Despite what a dealer will tell you,
it's not necessary to replace the entuire headlight assembly. I've had very
good luck with this outfit, and even put my mechanic onto them as a source
for his Volvo parts.

>>>I have an 88 240 with the large plastic lens covers, I notice a lot of
>>>condensation in there, anyone got an idea for a fix?
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
>
> Mike

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James Sweet - 01 Apr 2006 21:20 GMT

> I've found the best solution is simply to get new lens covers. If you go to
> www.lampsandlenses.com, you'll find them for your car for about $25/each.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> good luck with this outfit, and even put my mechanic onto them as a source
> for his Volvo parts.

First you have to have glass headlamps, the plastic junk on the North
American market has permanently bonded non replaceable lenses, it's the
law, for some silly reason. An upgrade to glass E-code lamps is a very
good investment.

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