C2 1966 Headlight Motor Problems

[Frank E.]

I've just rebuilt the headlight motors on my '66 with mixed results. I elected not to go into the motor section since the shaft turned freely on both motors and no binding was felt. The gear box was another story and required both pot metal gears in the motors to be replaced. After doing this, the left one works like a champ but the right one is still slow. I'll need to go into the motor and thats the reason for this post. What should I be looking for that would make the motor run slow or is this just natural with an original motor? Any advice, tips, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks...

Frank

[Tom D.]

Re: C2 1966 Headlight Motor Problems

Check the archives. Seems like I've seen lots of discussion on this topic in the past year.

[Frank E.]

Re: C2 1966 Headlight Motor Problems

Thanks for your input Tom, I've seen alot about the HL issue but nothing I thought would address my question. However, in going back through my old Restorer's, in the Fall 1988 issue, Chuck Breigermann has written an article that explains the detail of diagnosing and rebuilding the motor I was looking for. From his article, I suspect that the armature bushing is probably the problem. My guess is that it's spinning in the housing which will slow the motor. I'll find out once I get it apart.

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: C2 1966 Headlight Motor Problems

Frank,

--------Have you checked the end play of the slow motor? You can do this out of the car with a spare battery and a couple of wires with alligator clips. The negative wire should go to the case as a ground and the posative to either one of the spades (forward or backward). Look on the end of the gearcase and you will find a slotted screw with a nut holding it tight. Loosen the nut and then turn the screw in and out while the motor is turning (either way). When you turn the screw out you should notice the motor run faster. When turning the screw in you will reach a point when the motor slows perceptably. Back the screw just out far enough for the motor to get back to full revs, and tighten the nut. You can also time the motors to run the same speed very effectivly this way.
--------If this doesnt do the job you have other problems dragging the motor down. Hope this helps!........Bill S

[Frank E.]

Re: C2 1966 Headlight Motor Problems

Bill...

Thanks for the idea. I've taken the motor apart and polished up the shaft, bushing and commutator. I ohmed out the comm and all is fine, no shorts. I have about 1/32 end play in the shaft but I'll try adjusting it and see if that increases the motor speed. I reassembled and applied power to it and it seems to be running just fine. I did have to drive out the shaft from the bushing (used lots of oil) ever so carefully so that might have been a possible source of the problem. I didn't bench run it before I tore it down so I don't know if I improved it or not. I'll measure the time it takes to rotate about 120 degrees and then try your idea on it.

Thanks for your input......

Frank