is this a headlight gear problem....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: bristol
is this a headlight gear problem....
hello there, ive seen the numerous threads on these troublsesome lights. mine was fine when i bought it, now the passenger side headlight when i turn the on wont open fully, it sort of swings half way, if you help it by hand it works. but when i turn them off they close fine.
is that what happens when the plastic gears wear down? if so will buy some brass ones. thanks
is that what happens when the plastic gears wear down? if so will buy some brass ones. thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,816
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From: :45 minutes from everywhere / E-I-E-I-O
Some tech writers advise against brass for two reasons...
You prefer to have plastic gears strip instead of brass rippin the motor when stuff starts to wear down.
And, the motor is a tiny motor to turn the entire assembly. Brass gears weigh more than plastic.
You prefer to have plastic gears strip instead of brass rippin the motor when stuff starts to wear down.
And, the motor is a tiny motor to turn the entire assembly. Brass gears weigh more than plastic.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,783
Likes: 15
From: Northern California
I already replaced the plastic gears and bushings a year before so, I knew it couldn't be that.
I bought a rebuilt headlight motor assembly from Ecklers which solved the problem.
Last edited by GKK; Jul 4, 2008 at 12:01 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 8
From: Tampa Florida
Take 2 of these and call me in the morning:
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...4&dept_id=1476
I've been running these for about 7 years with no propblems.
Good Luck!
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...4&dept_id=1476
I've been running these for about 7 years with no propblems.
Good Luck!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
84-87 motors are different than the 88 and up.
Since you have a model later than 88,the most common cause is the bushings failing,as 65Z already stated.
You still have to open the motor up and see if the head light gears have stripped or not,have broken tooths on the gears etc.That being said,check the conditions of the bushings.No need to buy brass gears if the stock gears are fine.Check it all first.
Since you have a model later than 88,the most common cause is the bushings failing,as 65Z already stated.
You still have to open the motor up and see if the head light gears have stripped or not,have broken tooths on the gears etc.That being said,check the conditions of the bushings.No need to buy brass gears if the stock gears are fine.Check it all first.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,816
Likes: 0
From: :45 minutes from everywhere / E-I-E-I-O
If they were both the same price, I would choose plastic (IF, I needed gears).
In any mechanical system, you always put in a weak link that wears out, and is easy replacement - fuses, washing machine belt, plastic gears (delrin bushings!), etc.
Which is easier? Which is cheaper? Fuse/harness, belt/wash machine motor, gears/headlight motor???
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