1157 Taillight bulb

[jep_800]

I've been starting and warming up my 800 every so often to keep things free and operating well, which includes my electrical system. I turn on the headlight to make sure things are functioning as they should. I've noticed that I'm burning out the 1157 taillight bulb more frequently than it should. Think I've replaced the bulb 3 times in the past 8 months. Am I just experiencing a bad batch of bulbs, is this fairly normal, or is there an issue with my electrical? They should probably operate on fairly low volts. I haven't put a tester to it to see what I'm getting while the light is on, which will be my next step. If it is getting higher than normal volts, would this be caused by the voltage regulator?

jep_800

[harleysportster]

Proper voltage, 12 to 15 volts. Any higher I would replace the regulator.

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[AirborneX4Special]

X2

[400brian]

That'a weird, I've blown a number of headlights over the years due to bad V-regs, but the smaller bulbs were OK.

BTW, it is really cool when you are riding along and the headlight suddenly becomes like a searchlight! It is AWESOME, but it doesn't last long!

[JDT]

Just a reminder that a voltage regulator needs to e properly grounded to function correctly.

A VR with a single lead wire is actually grounded through the heat sink via the mounting screw.
So there needs to be a clean rust/paint free connection to the chassis to provide heat transfer and a path to chassis ground.

A VR with two or more leads will have a ground wire that needs to be solidly attached to chassis ground. This wire is usually black with a ring terminal.
The physical connection under the ring should be directly to metal.

Larger capacity VR's have heat sinks on them that need air space around them to dissipate the heat build up. Don't mount them in a tight corner which limits air flow.

Also be sure and check the connections to the main harness to ensure that there is not corrosion on the terminals.

The suggested 12-15 volts would be expected at cruising RPM's. At idle the measured voltage may be 9-12 volts.

[jep_800]

Thanks for the help guys. I will check the voltage to see where I'm at. Todd, I will check the ground to make sure it is getting solid metal to metal surface.

Brian, I bet that is cool having the search light effect, until everything goes dark. Probably not good if you're navigating woods, and 10 miles to your destination.

jep_800

[RAT540]

I USE IGITION GREASE ON ALL ELECTICAL CONNECTIONS ONMY SLEDS AND SO FAR NEVER HAD ANY CORROSION PROBLEMS.

[sledhead16]

All great responses, diddos