M.A.94
Active Member
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2016
- Messages
- 307
- Location
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Car
- 2001 Mercedes E320 CDI (W210) OM613
Right so a bit of background as to what is going on, my friend has a VW Passat and has recently got a hold of some W8 headlights (rare + expensive) for free.
The only issue is that the xenon headlights are not giving out enough light and its been identified that the problem is that the inside of the projectors are dirty. After some google searches and looking on VW forums it seemed the solution to clean the projectors was using ammonia and distilled water. So we brought some ammonia + distilled water and felt that the little google research qualified us enough to carry out the job.
Because I've never used ammonia or haven't really came across it in the past I thought ammonia is ammonia and didn't really think of there being different strengths. Turns out I brought some industrial stuff and immediately it ripped off the reflective material from the projector (also almost had me knocked out with the strong smell, glad I was wearing gloves).
Since i need to replace that projector, I thought I might as well get a pair and not have to repeat the same process for the other side however the lights also have streaks and marks on the inside of the clear lenses. Ideally I would like to clean the inside to make them streak free without taking them apart which means the only access is through the bulb holes, it was suggested on the VW forum to again use ammonia and distilled water as this would leave a streak free finish however this time I either need to make sure I have the right strength ammonia or an alternative solution?
Before anyone suggests buying a new pair of lights, the genuine W8 headlights are apparently pretty sought after and its not really feasible for my friend to buy a new pair so its either make these ones work or live with the standard lights.
The only issue is that the xenon headlights are not giving out enough light and its been identified that the problem is that the inside of the projectors are dirty. After some google searches and looking on VW forums it seemed the solution to clean the projectors was using ammonia and distilled water. So we brought some ammonia + distilled water and felt that the little google research qualified us enough to carry out the job.
Because I've never used ammonia or haven't really came across it in the past I thought ammonia is ammonia and didn't really think of there being different strengths. Turns out I brought some industrial stuff and immediately it ripped off the reflective material from the projector (also almost had me knocked out with the strong smell, glad I was wearing gloves).
Since i need to replace that projector, I thought I might as well get a pair and not have to repeat the same process for the other side however the lights also have streaks and marks on the inside of the clear lenses. Ideally I would like to clean the inside to make them streak free without taking them apart which means the only access is through the bulb holes, it was suggested on the VW forum to again use ammonia and distilled water as this would leave a streak free finish however this time I either need to make sure I have the right strength ammonia or an alternative solution?
Before anyone suggests buying a new pair of lights, the genuine W8 headlights are apparently pretty sought after and its not really feasible for my friend to buy a new pair so its either make these ones work or live with the standard lights.