1967 Headlights will not turn

[Richard M.]

Re: 1967 Headlights will not turn

Joe,

Did you get similar results when bench testing? If so, the gears may be binding in one direction on the 11 second motor, or the motor could be weak.

If you didn't bench test, try it for comparison.

Rich

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1967 Headlights will not turn

Just removed the motor and tested it. It does run faster in one direction than the other. Since the motor direction is just based on the voltage it should run the same in both directions I would think. But it is a very simple gear set up - so why bind in one direction and not the other? Looks like I will have to take it apart again.
Strange.
Joe

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1967 Headlights will not turn

I just repacked the motor and put the cover on a little less tight - still firm but not tight - runs close in both directions on the bench - reinstalled on the car and both open in about 5 seconds now and are pretty symmetric - right light is a little slower on closing but they are within a second of each other - around 5 seconds on the left and 6 on the right. Probably good enough (the enemy of good is better as they say).
thanks for all of the help.
BTW - there seems to be around a 1 inch separation between the bracket and the retaining spring clip on the post that positions the headlight motor (parallel to the turning post that the headlight motor gear fits into) which seems like a lot but I cannot find any reference to a spacer in this location - just the way they were built? And what is the purpose of that spring clip - doesn't seem to hold anything in place. Just curious.
Joe

[Richard M.]

Re: 1967 Headlights will not turn

Recall my post about shaving the big gear. I had to do that due to it binding. Like you if I loosened the housing screws slightly it helped, but I opted to shave the gear. I tried compressing those big conical washers(under the gear) but they always would spring back to the previous shape. Tough hardened steel.

The spring clip prevents the motor from backing away off of the shaft. The motor bracket is mounted to the upper reinforcement and is held with just a rubber grommet at the top. To me the spring clip seems redundant. Many fall off over time or are left off deliberately.

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[Joseph U.]

Re: 1967 Headlights will not turn

Thanks RIchard,
I do remember your post and now I understand it. I also thought about the conical washer but opted against that - and thought about replacing it with a new one but finally opted to back off the screws a little bit -= not much but just a little worked - I really have no way to shave the big gear down (I suppose I could try rubbing on a flat surface with emery cloth on it - might work - may try that or just leave it as it is - the housing is firm - just not as tight as I could make it. Again the enemy of good is better. Thanks for the info on the "spring clip" - I agree seems redundant to me - the spacing on my car is a little larger than yours but I am pretty sure there are no pieces left out.
Will think about that gear.
Thanks,
Joe

[Dale M.]

Re: 1967 Headlights will not turn

A one second difference between headlight buckets is "normal". I believe that this is from the windings in the motors or even some connection that produces a lilttle morre resistance in the circuit. I would also suggest that the conical washers may not provide the same pressure and/or the clearances on the big gear. There are just many different components that can affect the speed of the headlight buckets.

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1967 Headlights will not turn

Thanks for all your help Dale,
Think I will just leave it as it is and put the hood back on the car.
Time to drive (at night).
Joe

[Dale M.]

Re: 1967 Headlights will not turn

I believe its all within specs and you are ready for some night driving. I am glad that I can add something to help someone else, I have gotten a lot of help myself. Its interesting that this all started when I needed to rebuild my headlight motors/buckets. Some of our member came over and helped me through it and we made it into a Technical Session for our club. Others like yourself have added information and additional details. My goal is to help anyone working on their cars. I am getting ready to do an article on the vacuum headlights. Those cars have more issues that the earlier cars. Dale

[Joseph U.]

Re: 1967 Headlights will not turn

Thanks Dale,
Could not have done it without the help of all the NCRS.
Joe