Headlight woes

[donjuan5858]

Purchased my first corvette, 85 very good shape. First night, left headlight wouldn't go up. Got home, shut down, clicking sound comming from headlight. Next day, manually turned knob a little and "wallaugh" headlight went up but when I tried to shut off, at closed position a terrible clattering sound comming from light. Gears stripping each other? Hope not. Why at closed position would it still be giving a signal to operate? Great website people, will be much appreciated!!

 

[Daryllawman]

Hi and Welcome to the Corvette Action Center.......I don't have the answer for you, but someone will be along to help soon.....

 

[Edmond]

Is the light moving at all? Is it coming at least half or 1/4 way up?

 

[BigRed]

Sounds like your drive gear/bushings are stripped VERY common since they are made out of nylon....

Ecklers sells a upgraded kit with instruction they're gears are made out of brass.

www.ecklers.com

BTW welcome to the CAC!

 

[tyrel]

I tend to think it's the bushings rather than the gears, as bushing failure is far more common.

 

[Edmond]

You can also check eBay for those bushings. There's a guy on there who sells them for $5.00 a set.

 

[terrykrueger]

85 Would not have bushings. The armature 'shifts' forward or backward when an extreme force is put on the gears (it is really pretty cool) and if it is not shifting it will stay engaged in one, or both directions. The shifting moves electrical contacts that turn the motor clockwise or counter clockwise (essentially breaking the circuit). This is how the motor 'knows' when to shut off. Push the thing you turn it a bit. It should be spring loaded and only move a fraction of an inch.

 

[RonJ]

Sounds like the gears to me. There is a large and a small gear, the large gear is most likely stripped.

Ecklers is a good a source as any!

Ron

 

[donjuan5858]

Is the light moving at all? Is it coming at least half or 1/4 way up?

thanks for reply--Yes light moves but, when at closed position it makes a nasty rattling sound untill I disconnect power to it.