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EFV-8 Club Forum / 1940 Ford Discussion / Weak Headlights:

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Discussion Topic: Weak Headlights:

fortyford

07-28-2019 @ 8:01 PM

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My stock 6 volt 40 has some weak headlights.I checked the voltage at the headlight plug and getting 5 volts with car running at fast idle?Is this normal?I clened the grounds on both headlight bucket wiring and got no difference.New dimmer switch installed and made no difference?I did notice that the headlight switch wires are super hot where they plug into main harness with lights on.Is this normal?What else can I check?Sorry,I just realized I have brought this existing problem up in the past in an much earlier thread.I don't drive much at night but I do think lights should be better?

This message was edited by fortyford on 7-28-19 @ 8:13 PM

TomO

07-29-2019 @ 7:49 AM

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You need at least 6 volts at the lights to get normal brightness.

The connections should not be hot. If they are you have a high resistance due to a poor connection. Separate the connectors that get hot and clean the bullets by rubbing them on a rubber eraser. I like the red pencil eraser like this:

https://www.officesupply.com/school-supplies/student-teacher-supplies/basic-school-supplies/pencil-erasers/integra-pencil-eraser/p45678.html?ref=pla&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o2&scid=scplp45678&sc_intid=45678&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsvrpBRCsARIsAKBR_0JYfmjXv4Xdv-eJ0XHNxND5vwffm07JvU2RbjQAVM4zwVVK0-n-ce8aAgNcEALw_wcB

Next use a light coat of conductive grease to help make a good connection and reconnect the wires. Make sure that both wires are seated in the connector. Turn on the lights and check the voltage again. Check all light connectors for hot spots.

Here is the grease that I use now:
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/sure-connect-5182/chemicals---fluids-16461/maintenance-chemicals-16867/grease---lube-16582/bulb-grease-19848/4ae1afc6f9bc/versachem-sure-connect-grease/15319/4776698?pos=4

I used to use Koppershield sold by Eastwood, but the bulb grease is available at local stores and works very well.

If you still have low voltage at the lights, let us know.

If your lights are getting 6 volts or more and are still dim, it may be time for new bulbs.

Tom

40 Coupe

07-30-2019 @ 5:13 AM

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The grease suggested is NON-conductive. This means it has an insulating value. It typically does not improve electrical connections. It does lubricate the connections allowing conductors to rub together better and this improves the electrical connection. It also lubricates electrical contact points to allow them to be disassembled after being exposed to road moisture. The grease can be used to lubricate 120.V electrical connections, such as outdoor spot lights, allowing the light bulb to screw in and out of the base with ease, even after years of outdoor service. The grease will aid to assemble push together electrical connections (like the early Fords) so a little bit on each connection is a great idea.

TomO

07-30-2019 @ 7:51 AM

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Thanks, 40 Coupe, for correcting my post. The bulb grease is not conductive, but does help in making a good connection and retarding corrosion. I still recommend using it.

Tom

37RAGTOPMAN

07-30-2019 @ 8:48 AM

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is this all of sudden the lights are DIM
you can try running a temp ground wire from the back of headlight bulb to the engine or directly to the battery,
if it is brighter the ground from the bulb holder to the fender has issues. creating a resistance
maybe rust from fender to frame, how are the bolts, corroded or loose,
make sure they are 6 volt bulbs,

MY 2 cents 37 RAGTOPMAN

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