Small crack in headlight

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Spininprop
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Small crack in headlight

Post by Spininprop »

2016 year but i assume it doesnt matter. Did a quick wash and found a small dent and small crack in the headlight lens. Feels like a pin head size and almost like one side is pushed in.

For thise with the same issue what have you done to seal it? Or isnt it necessary? Havent noticed water but this may have happened today going to or from work. Dont really want water i side.

Clear dab of nail polish? Not aure what that would do though.
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Re: Small crack in headlight

Post by FJRoss »

I would definitely want to seal it. (Have you priced out a replacement headlight assembly for a Gen 4?)
You might be able to cover with a 3M (or other) self-adhesive vinyl headlight film. This will seal against water ingress as well as provide some protection from small gravel/grit in the future. Otherwise, something like clear nail polish MIGHT be OK although I would be concerned that it might break down with long-term exposure to the UV in sunlight.


i.e. https://www.motorcycleinnovations.ca/pr ... m023cl.htm
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Re: Small crack in headlight

Post by raYzerman »

I vote the 3M film... don't know if TankSlapper has a kit for Gen3 or not. If you fill it, just use Krazy Glue and skim it later with a razor blade if you left a high spot. The more you mess with it the worse it will look. You don't want to damage the hard coating on the lenses, so no nail polish.
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Re: Small crack in headlight

Post by FJRoss »

Trouble with Krazy Glue is that it can cause clear acrylics or polycarbonate to fog. (not sure what the FJR headlight lenses are made from) In any case, the film should keep moisture out and will not damage the plastic.
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Re: Small crack in headlight

Post by bigjohnsd »

Why not try a Windshield Crack/Chip Repair Kit
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Re: Small crack in headlight

Post by Spininprop »

Ill look into the repait kit. Also thought anout clear silicon. Its very small so not much to cover but im concerned the crack will grow not that silicon will stop the crack. At least it's sealed.

Funny thing is i have the kit from tankslapper and i think it includes the headlights. Just didn't take time to put it on...
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Re: Small crack in headlight

Post by FJRoss »

If you use the RTV silicone, you probably won't be able to use any other sort of sealant on it if it doesn't work perfectly - nothing much will stick to it. I would probably use the kit bigjohnsd suggests that is specifically meant for headlight repair. I would then install the protection film; especially since you already have it. It really works well to prevent damage from small stones and grit blasting. (You will need a heavy Lexan or polycarbonate cover to deflect anything larger than a very small pebble.)

FYI, the headlight assembly for an "A" model is $852 from a discount place. $1100 for the ES one. Moisture ingress would likely ruin the LEDs.
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Re: Small crack in headlight

Post by CollingsBob »

I’ve used this to repair cracks, join pieces back together..it’s very strong when fully cured..


https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/bond ... 1446p.html
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Re: Small crack in headlight

Post by Spininprop »

Ill look into a chip repair thanks.
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Re: Small crack in headlight

Post by bungie4 »

Spininprop wrote: Mon May 20, 2019 8:54 pm Ill look into the repait kit. Also thought anout clear silicon. Its very small so not much to cover but im concerned the crack will grow not that silicon will stop the crack. At least it's sealed.

Funny thing is i have the kit from tankslapper and i think it includes the headlights. Just didn't take time to put it on...
Don't even try. Well, unless you have a heat gun. I've got the full 3M kit and the only pieces that were impossible to put on nicely, because of compound curves, were the forward face of the mirrors, and the headlight covers. Of course, if your just looking to seal it, you don't need put on the entire piece.
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Re: Small crack in headlight

Post by FJRoss »

I have had the "film" protection on both my FJRs. I am not sure which brand and I did not do the installation but they were smooth - no wrinkles and no edges lifting. It was on the mirrors, headlights, front of fairing and the "chin" behind the front wheel.
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Re: Small crack in headlight

Post by Spininprop »

I have some weldon4 on the way to seal the crack. I think putting it in with toothpick will work as i should only need a hint of the stuff since the crack isnt that big.

Ill let it dry for a while then wash and apply the film i should have before the riding season opened.
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