PV tolerance for headlight motors?

[Chris E.]

My headlight motors both work, but the one side is a little slow. It takes another second or two for that slow motor to catch up.

I read through the comment in the PV book about having an "acceptable" window for that. If a couple seconds OK?

[Tim E.]

Re: PV tolerance for headlight motors?

Chris - I've been told that "reasonably synchronized" for PV is defined as both motors operate within 1 second of each other. They also need to operate smoothly both opening and closing.

My motors operate right at 1 second apart and that has been acceptable both times I've attempted the PV (the car failed on other items both times and my 3rd attempt is coming up). I still worry about it and wish they were closer but have not been able to get them adjusted any better. Tim

[Chris E.]

Re: PV tolerance for headlight motors?

It'll probably be best if I post a video of it.

Any thoughts on cost to rebuild two headlight motors?

[Tim E.]

Re: PV tolerance for headlight motors?

I bought the new aluminum gears and did the motors myself. My motors were seriously seized which presented some additional problems but I was pretty happy with the results.

There are many places that provide professional services on the motors and as I recall, they run around $150 each. Search the archives for references and you can do some internet searches to gather a list.

[Chris E.]

Re: PV tolerance for headlight motors?

Well, that's the thing. I pulled the GEARS apart on mine, completely cleaned them out, and put new synthetic grease back in. I also have new ball pivots installed in the buckets that are greased.

I'm thinking the issue is with the motor, and not the gears.

[Gene M.]

Re: PV tolerance for headlight motors?

Chris, You are correct much of the problem is the motor. The rear swivel bearing has an issue of gumming up. Those prongs in the motor case get loose and sloppy allowing the bearing to slop around. Also the brushes length gets too short and brushes don't sit straight. The brush spring tension gets out of wack. Also check the over load points.

But most of the problem is the back lash clearance of the motor shaft. If too tight causes slow rpm and too loose causes poor gear tooth contact. Even worse with bearing wear.

Old original grease needs to be cleaned out and good grease added on the gears and bearings.

I think the motors do not have enough latitude designed in to last as they wear with age. Surely not intended to last 40 years.

I modified a set of head lite motors to accept ball bearings at both ends. Made a world of difference. That was 18 years ago. They once in a while don't run up together today. I guess it is from lack of use. But if I cycle them a couple times all is well again. Those original aluminum gears are a bad design, should be steel or Delrin. The aluminum gear should have some sort bearing, aluminum is not good bearing surface.

[Howard W.]

Re: PV tolerance for headlight motors?

Corvette Specialties of Maryland will rebuild them for $109 each and can do them in one week turn around for a small expediting fee

[Chris E.]

Re: PV tolerance for headlight motors?

Corvette Specialties of Maryland will rebuild them for $109 each and can do them in one week turn around for a small expediting fee

Thanks Howard! Does that price include just the motor rebuild, or a complete rebuild with new gears?

[Howard W.]

Re: PV tolerance for headlight motors?

Chris;

This is what they do:
Rebuild and cosmetic including new main drive gear.
* Base cost $109.00
* Field and or Bushing repairs extra
* New headlight motors available see Restoration Products for pricing. Core credit can be applied, by trading in your cores.

You can contact them directly at
410-795-3180

www.corvettespecialtiesofmd.com

1912 Liberty road, Eldersburg, Maryland 21784

I have had several motors restored by them and have been pleased with their service both product and delivery. If in a hurry you get expedited service for a small increase in cost.

Howard

[Harry S.]

Re: PV tolerance for headlight motors?

Don't forget about the bronze bushing that the armature shaft rides in at the bottom of the motor. This busing very rarely needs to be replaced, but in my case it was the cause of the slow turn time. It's a $10.00 part from LIC. Best I can tell you need special parts to extract the old bushing and install the new, therefore I sent it out to be replaced.