Lighting problem

[steveh]

Well.. having a little problem with the lights on a Zip 50Cat, it seems to be that after a few mins (maybe 5) low beam dies, and also the rear light (brake light still works) if you swtich it onto main beam sits very dull doesnt get brighter on higher revs (of the dynamo)

If you swtich the lights off completely for around 5 seconds it comes back on again, then dies, Ive looked at all the switches and they seem to be in order.

Some help would be greatfull


Steve.
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Current : 06 Zx10r, 07 Wr450f SM, 74 850 norton commando, 63 bsa b40, 1962 Triton 650, 67 Triumph Tr6r, 1955 Triton 750, 1978 TY250E.

[Symon]

Sounds to me like an earthing problem. It may be that the front and rear lighting circuit is having to find an alternative earth as a result of the primary earth connection containing too much resistance. As a result, it's quite easy for an "alternative" earth to reduce in conductivity as a result of the electrical current heating the connection - or it may be that an alternative earthing circuit is acting as a capacitor - reducing the potentail difference between the earth and the +ve circuit for the lights. This capacitance would discharge when you switch the lights off and would then start to re-charge when the lights are switched back on again.

If you have access to a multimeter - check for continuity between the -ve terminal on the light plug and a good earth on the bike (or the battery -ve terminal). You could also try making an alternative earth connection from the lights -ve terminal to the battery -ve terminal. This would only be for the purposes of fault finding and identifying if the earthing circuit is to blame. If it is - you would be best to isolate the actual fault and correct it (removing earthing connnections - cleaning them up with a bit of high grade sand-paper and re-connecting).

Best of luck,
Sy.
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VFR 750 (1994) - Anyone good with plastics?

[zorgman]

the front and rear lights use the alternator to supply them thats why lights dont work unless scoots running. on the back try this. take out the back bulb and see what happens if nothing replace it, take out the front bulb/s and see if the rear one is bright and stays bright. sounds as tho ypuve got a earthing out problem or the connection/s to the resistor pack is going tits up. the brake light circuit is nothing to do with the main lighting as all that works with the battery are. starter,indicators,horn and brake light

[steveh]

Dont mean to bump up a dead thread, but ive stripped the bike down and i just cant find the problem

Any more suggestions guys?


Steve.
____________________
Current : 06 Zx10r, 07 Wr450f SM, 74 850 norton commando, 63 bsa b40, 1962 Triton 650, 67 Triumph Tr6r, 1955 Triton 750, 1978 TY250E.