T-3 Headlamps, Originals Burn Out?

[William B.]

I found a bunch of old origional T-3 lamps at a friends garage. I was cleaning them and identifying the different styles and started to check them. The first 3 I hooked up started to have a white smoke inside and burned out. I hooked them up directly to a battery with clip leads. Did I do something wrong or are thease old and is this what happens?

[mike mccagh]

Re: T-3 Headlamps, Originals Burn Out?

they're just old. you didn't kill em. i've heard that they loose their negative pressue, suck air and smoke themselves. always intended to try sealing the area where the metal spades exit the back of the t-3. thought about using silicone or the Right Stuff. why don't you try it on the rest of your catch. let us know if it works.mike

[Tracy C.]

Re: T-3 Headlamps, Originals Burn Out?

"they loose their negative pressue, suck air and smoke themselves"

they say it takes one to know one...

tc

[Craig S.]

Re: T-3 Headlamps, Originals Burn Out?

Mike - I would think if the air has entered, it's already too late. I would test them first, then, if they hold, go ahead and seal the terminals to prevent future air entering if the seal were to fail down the road....Craig

[Donald B.]

Been There, Done That ! *NM*

[William B.]

Re: T-3 Headlamps, Originals Burn Out?

The burned out headlights, Throw out? No value or Repairs?

[Jimmy J.]

Re: T-3 Headlamps, Originals Burn Out?

Bill, I pile them up on a shop light and heat them for 24 hours to dry them out and I get almost no burn outs. Jimmy

[Jack H.]

Residual value = zero... *NM*