H Retractable headlight problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 218
Likes: 4
From: Durham NC
H Retractable headlight problem
The left headlight on my 85 begins to open and then stops about midway. I can push it open the remaining portion of the way with the motor helping a bit. What problem do you think I have? Bad motor or bad gears? The white gear was replaced about 6 years ago (maybe less). The black gear was not replaced at that time.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 579
Likes: 2
From: High Bridge New Jersey
My guess
The left headlight on my 85 begins to open and then stops about midway. I can push it open the remaining portion of the way with the motor helping a bit. What problem do you think I have? Bad motor or bad gears? The white gear was replaced about 6 years ago (maybe less). The black gear was not replaced at that time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
^^Not Necessarily, if there is no grinding occuring (which you seem to know enough about the gears) I'd say you have motor that is getting tired. It happens ya know.
Look in the old part of your town, you may find a guy that rewinds electrical motors.
You may also inspect the wiring, it may be corroding 'causing a low voltage situation
Look in the old part of your town, you may find a guy that rewinds electrical motors.
You may also inspect the wiring, it may be corroding 'causing a low voltage situation
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
I had a similar problem with my headlight (89 model) and was told it might be the bushings. I found this great article on Corvette Fever --
Make Your C4 See Well
Five Bucks Can Cure Your C4’s Lazy Eye
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/33098/index.html
Also, I see in the article they do call out gears for 84-87.
Make Your C4 See Well
Five Bucks Can Cure Your C4’s Lazy Eye
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/33098/index.html
Also, I see in the article they do call out gears for 84-87.
Last edited by Red C4 n VA; Nov 3, 2009 at 07:26 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Franklin TN
You may want to try watching it closely with the hood up while it flips too. I noticed one of the arms hitting the motor and getting stuck. It turns out one of the mounting screws had fallen out and was allowing flexing of the assembly.
I also had to replace the bushings (mine has them) the first time around. My old trans am needed new gears... What is wrong with GM and headlights?
I also had to replace the bushings (mine has them) the first time around. My old trans am needed new gears... What is wrong with GM and headlights?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
J H, if you do not hear any grinding or clicking....why would you go after the gears??
To the "others" the "bushing" replacement is for the later years. The early years grind down the gears.....be careful when you advise someone to replace bushings when they have an earlier C4.......What year did they switch?? Search button is your friend.
J H, look for binding as well. The Bucket can freeze up to one side and it binds a bit. Not sure why...but my left one did that...I just spray lubed it on the none motor side of the pivot point and it stopped binding.
To the "others" the "bushing" replacement is for the later years. The early years grind down the gears.....be careful when you advise someone to replace bushings when they have an earlier C4.......What year did they switch?? Search button is your friend.
J H, look for binding as well. The Bucket can freeze up to one side and it binds a bit. Not sure why...but my left one did that...I just spray lubed it on the none motor side of the pivot point and it stopped binding.
Last edited by jhammons01; Nov 5, 2009 at 12:15 PM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 218
Likes: 4
From: Durham NC
I just finished replacing the gears. When I opened the motor it was obvious that the gears were not the problem. But since I was already in there, I replaced then anyway. I put everything back together and still the same problem. It really sounds like the motor is bad or not getting proper current flow. I did have a broken wire which I fixed, but still little rotation. The light will sometimes go about 1/2 way open and stop. WHen I turn the lights off, it closes as it is supposed to do. I now think the motor might be bad. I'll keep researching this until I get to the real solution.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
This may be off base but have you moved anything in the "headlight well" lately? When I inadvertently left the radiator overflow hose in the way of the headlight I had the same issue you are describing, although the other side. Like I said this could be off base but it's a thought???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 218
Likes: 4
From: Durham NC
Thanks, but there are no obstructions, etc. It seems like now there is not enough torque to raise the lamps all the way up. I do hear the motor "straining", but no movement after a certain point.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 218
Likes: 4
From: Durham NC
Yes, I did lube the pivot points. I worked with it a long time this morning and found that the motor is just worn out. The brushes are worn to the point where they are not making good contact. If I touch the brushes and pish them in a bit, the motor runs good and strong. For not I have both lights in the up position. I am looking for the best deal on a replacement motor. The best I have seen so far has been the rebuilt motors that Ecklers sells for $159.00 after the core has been turned in.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
Try someone that rewinds Motors....here is one near you.
Southern Electric Motor Co Inc
602 N Mangum St, Durham, NC
(919) 688-7879
Central Electric Motor Co
Durham Fwy, Durham, NC
(919) 644-1180
Pull that motor out and take it over there. I promise you, if they know their craft they'll fix you up in no time.
Here is one:
Jims Electric Motor Repair
3601 Carpenter Pond Rd
Durham, NC 27703
Jims Electric Motor Repair Business Information
Jims Electric Motor Repair is a private company categorized under Armatures-Repair and Rewinding and located in Durham, NC. Current estimates show this company has an annual revenue of $54,000 and employs a staff of approximately 1.
Southern Electric Motor Co Inc
602 N Mangum St, Durham, NC
(919) 688-7879
Central Electric Motor Co
Durham Fwy, Durham, NC
(919) 644-1180
Pull that motor out and take it over there. I promise you, if they know their craft they'll fix you up in no time.
Here is one:
Jims Electric Motor Repair
3601 Carpenter Pond Rd
Durham, NC 27703
Jims Electric Motor Repair Business Information
Jims Electric Motor Repair is a private company categorized under Armatures-Repair and Rewinding and located in Durham, NC. Current estimates show this company has an annual revenue of $54,000 and employs a staff of approximately 1.
Last edited by jhammons01; Nov 5, 2009 at 02:47 PM.
