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Can someone tell me how long it takes their headlights to open and to close? When I rebuilt my headlights, I used a Cenex multi-purpose grease. I should have used white lithium grease. It is lighter in density. By the way, the headlight gears are new. The headlights are assembled in the body. With the body still off the chassis it would be easier to redo it now. I used a battery charger on the 12volt/40 Amp scale to run the motors. My headlights operate fine, but seem slow to me. I went over to a friend of mine with a 66 Top Flite car to watch his, they appeared quicker. Would the 66 headlights running off it's battery run quicker than mine off a charger? I cannot remember the voltage output of the charger, but remember it was not an issue. The charger is fine. Thanks DG
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Re: C2 Headlight operating speed
I'd say about 3 to 4 seconds, and they should both be about the same speed. Since system voltage with the engine running is a little higher than battery voltage (even with a small charger attached) they might be a little slower on just the battery.
Any general purpose NGLI #2 grease should be okay on the balls and in the gearbox, but it should be used sparingly - not packed full like the steering gear.
Nowadays I would recommend a synthetic, since is will probably not dry out as fast as white lithium or any other mineral oil-based grease.
Duke -
Re: C2 Headlight operating speed
Don,
I bought a nice upper & lower box w/ ball beaing drawers from Lowes (Kobalt) & I really like it, Then I saw a set (bigger & nicer) from Harbor Freight Tools (harborfreight.com) at a lower price. Check them out, they often have free shipping deals & are starting to open stores accross the country.
AnthonyComment
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Re: C2 Headlight operating speed
Thanks for the reply Duke. I didn't overgrease the gearbox. When I opened them up the first time, there was almost no grease, just a residue of some yellowish streaks. Thanks DGComment
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Re: C2 Headlight operating speed
One other thing. It's been a long time since I overhauled my headlight gearboxes, but I recall that there is some kind of adjustment on the armature/worm end play, and you don't want it too tight or things could bind. Maybe someone can confirm.
The residue you found was the solid remainder of the grease. The oil portion probably evaporated long before you took them apart.
DukeComment
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Re: C2 Headlight operating speed
dick, if you can measure the apmerage it will indicate if they are working correctly. a high current draw would indicate that something is slowing them down, like wrong lubricant or friction somewhere. about all the ones i've saw are pretty slow, much slower than the later vacuum operators.Comment
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Re: C2 Headlight operating speed
Dick,,, Its entirely possible to adjust the speed of the motors by turning in or out the adjustment stud with the slot in it. First, loosen the nut that holds it tight. All this would be better handled with the motors on the bench. You can actually run the stud in and out while the motor is running and watch the speed variation. It doesnt take much adjustment to make a difference........Bill SComment
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