| Author | Message | ||
     Xbimmer |
Just noticed last night that the factory tail light is significantly dimmer than before. I have an additional LED light mounted below it, they used to be close in output but not anymore. Brake light functions on cue as normal but also dim. Any electronics guys out there who can point me the way? | ||
| Uly_man |
LED output is affected, in this case, by volts. Check your bikes charge to the battery while the bike is running. | ||
| Xbimmer |
That's a good start, thanks! | ||
| Xbimmer |
Well in the daylight I can see now what's happening. The reflector has broken loose and shifted away from the board, looks like a nuts and bolts type fix if I can get it apart. Thanks anyway Uly_man for the tip. | ||
| Uly_man |
Cool. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Be careful. I disassembled a spare Uly taillight so I could use the LED's in my S2's tail. The lens is heat-bonded to the backer board, it isn't "bolted" together. You may be able to make it work with a Dremel cutoff wheel, a steady hand, and some patience...but I don't know how you'd guarantee no moisture inside upon reassembly to prevent fogging. | ||
| Xbimmer |
Yeah thanks for that caution also. Don't think I'm going to carve it up, even though it's technically "broken" I want to salvage it. No extra $$ laying around these days for a new one. Think I'll drill a couple small holes in strategic places and flow some epoxy in there, got nothing to lose it's useless as a tail light as it is.    | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
That's a weird failure. I think you epoxy approach should work well. I suggest using the slowest curing stuff you can find so that it creeeeps in deep before hardening. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Use something that doesn't outgass, or you could fog the lens from the chemicals...super glue would be a FAIL here! | ||
| Teeps |
After drilling holes, glue a screw (head side) to the back of the reflector. Then using the screw draw the reflector back into place. Then install a nut and washer to secure. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I wouldn't drill thru the back. IIRC the circuit board is full coverage... | ||
| Thumper1203 |
Well I'll be, what a bear-cat.. hmmm, to me it looks like it'll never hold with just an in situ re-glue-job alone, vibes and all.. I'd mechanically re-fasten it somehow.. micro-drill and pin from the perimeter? or maybe one hole from the rear w/clear plastic 1/4 rod-stock forcing led trim into place, epoxied and covered-up w/ a stick-on blue dot (hot rod style) G.L.W.R-epair.. or keep an eye out for a cheap used one! | ||
| Thumper1203 |
Some of HD's parts vendors need to be kicked squarely in the nuts for their quality control over the years.. | ||
| Thumper1203 |
Do you see a "china" or "taiwan" stamped on the back-plate anywhere? | ||
| Xbimmer |
Bump for the fix. No it's not Chicom, it's Italian like the frame, turn signals and headlight, maybe others. The overall quality is fine, maybe Mario overtightened the screws on a Monday, who knows. Went with two 1/4" holes drilled above and below and flowed in the epoxy with some small syringes courtesy of the WalMart pharmacy. Didn't take much and it's solid. Will plug the holes with some snap-ins from the local Ace, pics to follow. |
