ok I tried to search the forum but no luck. Any ideas why a head light bucket will fail to roll open about 70% of the time when the engine is not running but will work 100% of the time with the engine on? I thought perhaps worn motors but just had both rebuilt. I have charged the battery and it is fully charged... any ideas?
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Re: c2 headlight bucket
Place a volt meter across the battery. Measure the voltage before and during the headlight bucket rotation with and without the engine running. If the voltage drops significantly (less than 12v) when the engine is NOT running then you have a faulty battery (cell) -
Re: c2 headlight bucket
Does the bucket rotate smoothly with little resistance when the motor is disconnected? If it does, and you have at least 12.6 volts at the battery when it's fully charged, then I would remove the offending motor and check it to make sure it's running smoothly. I went through the same thing with my '67 - motors were freshly rebuilt, but some dust had gotten into the motor bearing, and it wasn't running at full speed. I disassembled the motor, cleaned the bearing surfaces again, and problem solved.
BobComment
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Re: c2 headlight bucket
The grease in your headlight motor could be (most likely is) very old, thick, and sticky. If you live in a cold climate, the artic winter most of the country endured probably didn't help. When the engine is on, the heat in the engine compartment may help "unstick" the grease just enough for it to start working. I have a similar issue with one of my headlight motors. If I go out for an evening cruise, I spin the little wheel on the motor a few times and she's good-to-go for the night... or if I let the engine warm up a bit, it usually starts working on its own. Of course, if your problem is strictly based on the engine running or not running (not a warm-up heat issue), then it is most likely electrical as mentioned by Stephen and Robert. Good luck, RogerComment
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Re: c2 headlight bucket
I've been spinning the little wheel on one of my headlight motors almost every time I open them. I automatically do this before I start up, specially when out at a cruise in which concludes after dark. With mine, it acts as though the wheel has tightened up and I have to loosen it (CCW) before the motor will spin. I've studied the information/drawings, but it is a low priority for me now as I rarely go out after dark due to eye sight. The folks that see me reach down there before start up probably think I am turning off an alarm or some thing.
Stu FoxComment
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Re: c2 headlight bucket
Ronald,
More than likely your rebuilder did not change the large pot metal gear in the motor to a nice new shiney one. He rotated it 180 degrees to the non worn side and shipped the motor back to you. There were some gears on the market a few years ago that did not have the proper gear set and would lock up after a few rotations. Could be one of those. Anyway it's in the motor!
JRComment
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Re: c2 headlight bucket
thanks for the advice. With Bloomington this weekend perhaps I can find a good working replacement in time for nationals in 2 weeks.Comment
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