XKR Headlight misting

[aramco62630]

The N/S Headlight of my 2001 XKR quickly mists-up in damp weather and is worse when driven in rain. I was told recently that it is possible to have the unit repaired/resealed; does anyone know of, or provide, this service? Currently I can disperse the condensation with a gently applied hot air gun, but it would be nice to resolve the problem once and for all - without spending a small fortune on a replacement @ £480 plus VAT.
Any help or advice would be much appreciated.
John.

[mike020150]

Hi,
If you type 'headlamp misting' into the search facility for the XK8 section of the bulletin board, you will see from the responses there that this problem has been with the XK8 since its launch. There are some palliatives but none I would suggest is a complete cure. Mike.

[aramco62630]

Thanks for your prompt response Mike. I'll take a look.
Regards.
John

[painter]

I used to get misting on both headlamps, very annoying. I took the caps off, pinched some stockings from my wife and cut to shape/fitted over the hole and have had no problems since. This has been through one winter now and only rare occasions get a hint of mist but doesn't last long.

[aramco62630]

Thanks for that, sounds like some basic ventilation is required although when it happens it is so severe there would appear to be a leak. I'll give it a try though.
Regards.
John.

[jagss100]

There was an article/letter in the JEC magazine a while ago which put forward a resolution to the moisture in the XK head lights. I have done the modification and it works
Take the plastic cover off the top of the HL unit and drill approx. 2 x 1 inch (25mm in new money) holes in the top and then stick a piece of modern breathable roof membrane over the holes.
Breathable roof membrane is what we all used to call roof felt and is laid under roof tiles. The modern breathable membrane allows moisture to pass through it but only in one direction. As the moisture warms up in the head lamp from the heat of the bulb it vaporises and passes through the membrane and out of the HL unit but water cannot pass the other way
The membrane I used was VP 300 PROTECT - Vapour Permeable Underlay made by Glidevale.
If you google the name all is explained. There are a number of similar products on the market.
You just need to find a friendly roofer!
I am thinking of trying to do the same to my rear lights though they are no where near as bad as my head lights
A word of warning about trying to remove moisture from your head lights using any sort of heater I used a cheap hair dryer and cracked the glass!
PLEASE does anyone know if it is possible to change just the glass on the HL unit and if so where I might purchase the glass

[mike020150]

Headlamp glasses used to be available from Jaguar. However, unless you can find some old stock, that's no longer the case. If you do manage to find one or take one from another headlamp, ensure it is identical to your old one. There are several versions to choose from. Mike.

[Zennan101]

I cleared the misting from my XK8 headlights using silica gel packs (the type of small packets you get with electrical goods, cameras etc when you buy them) bought off EBay for around £5. The packs need holding in a some form of breathable bag. An old pair of socks did the trick. Lift the plastic covers judge how many sachets you can fit in the rolled up sock....make up your packet, place in space under the plastic cover and replace the cover.
24 hours later the misting was gone and hasn't returned. Not the most technical solution but cheap and effective.
Worth a go.......