headlight bulb

Electrical issues
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PanPal
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headlight bulb

#1

Post by PanPal »

I'm running a stock 59 FLH with the stock 6 volt system. My passing lights seem brighter than my headlight. The headlight is a orange glow on the street. I just feel like even though it's 6 volt, it should be brighter than it is now. I haven't had any battery or charging issues. What is the correct bulb number for it and amps for high and low beam? Could it be a wiring issue causing it to be extra dim?
At work I wear these safety glasses with bifocals for reading small print. Last ride home in the dark I found myself tilting my head back like I was reading though the bifocals due to the dim light trying to see better. A couple years ago I had a cop pull out of a side road in front of me and I saw him fine. he shrunk down in his seat and sped up when he got out all the way and saw me in his rear view.
james
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Re: headlight bulb

#2

Post by james »

An orange glow or poor lighting is a result of a bad ground.
Check your wiring and ground connections.
Jim M
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Re: headlight bulb

#3

Post by Buddhahoodvatoloco »

Good to know, did not know, orange glow, bad ground. Can not help but admire the empirical wisdom here.
PanPal
Senior Member
Posts: 1500
Joined: Wed May 09, 2001 11:02 pm
Bikes: 50 EL chopper
44 U that looks like a 37.
60 FLH (Sold)
59 FLH (Sold)
58 FL (Sold)
08 CVO Road King
Location: Maryland
Has thanked: 241 times
Been thanked: 137 times

Re: headlight bulb

#4

Post by PanPal »

Thanks James! Inside the headlight. The ground to the bucket is missing several strands and needs service. Should make a difference.
1951 adam
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Re: headlight bulb

#5

Post by 1951 adam »

The stock lamp is #4021 6v . It is 32cp hi /low , glad you found the problem.

Adam
PanPal
Senior Member
Posts: 1500
Joined: Wed May 09, 2001 11:02 pm
Bikes: 50 EL chopper
44 U that looks like a 37.
60 FLH (Sold)
59 FLH (Sold)
58 FL (Sold)
08 CVO Road King
Location: Maryland
Has thanked: 241 times
Been thanked: 137 times

Re: headlight bulb

#6

Post by PanPal »

Unbelievable difference! This bike had a new wiring harness installed when I restored it. The headlight wires were not in the kit. I cut the old ring connector off, stripped back 1/2 of good wire. crimped a flag connector on and soldered the end coming out of the connector. Sanded the inside of the headlight bucket and put bulb grease on the connector and the 3 tabs on my headlight. 20 minute job made a world of difference. Nice bright white light I haven't had since I've owned the bike! It sure pays off to ask the question here! Thank you.
After finding the strands missing I forgot to check what Bulb I have while I was in there.
1951 adam
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Re: headlight bulb

#7

Post by 1951 adam »

Good deal panpal!

Adam
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