Date:         Sun, 16 May 2010 09:34:47 -0400
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Headlight wiring for 80/100 bulbs
Comments: To: dvdclarksn@AOL.COM
In-Reply-To:  <8CCC2664091994F-B98-A3F2@webmail-m068.sysops.aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

The higher wattage bulbs really only provide an incremental improvement. The
relays are nice as they bypass some of the switches and other wiring but
most are not looking at the full current path in the Vanagon. The stock
wiring is somewhat in adequate for these upgrades and you really need some
wiring improvements to get the full benefit.

Let's look at the current path. First, while underway the alternator, not
the battery is your power source. So we have 90 amp alternator, (yea!) but
the wires from it to the starter-battery connection is like 2-10 gauge
wires. Turn everything on and see how hot these wires can get. If you were
installing a 100 amp service in your home you would be looking at 2 gauge
and voltage drop is a lot less critical there. So now we go to the battery.
There are two red wires going from the positive post to the fuse box area.
Guess what! One goes to the fuse box for most everything and the other goes
to the high speed radiator fan. Potential here to double up.

So when you get those big bulbs in there check the voltage at the bulbs with
the 4 lights on and see what you really have.

The real improvement comes from the new lights, E-Code or not. After 10
years most headlights become useless due to the wear on the lenses and
reflector discoloration. The E-codes work fine with the right bulbs.

Dennis


-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David Clarkson
Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2010 12:53 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Headlight wiring for 80/100 bulbs

I know of no way that the lights will become damaged either and I am only
breaking the law in a literal sense as I won't blind any oncoming traffic or
draw any undue attention to myself. I think that I might get some new
connectors as Frank Condelli suggested to handle a bit more heat. Anyone on
the list ever done any damage other than melted old connectors? Hands out
there? I didn't think so-not with the relay setup and new connectors.
?
David




-----Original Message-----
From: Alistair Bell &lt;albell@SHAW.CA&gt;
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Sat, May 15, 2010 11:15 am
Subject: Re: Headlight wiring for 80/100 bulbs

I don't.?
?
you may break the law but you wont destroy your lights.?
?
alistair?
?
?
On 15-May-10, at 1:48 AM, Arkady Mirvis wrote:?
?
By upgrading the headlights to 100 W bulbs you will brake the law and?
destroy your lights. I hope most of listees will support my views. Ark?