06-05-2018, 06:54 AM
With 3 brush dynamos low system volts reduces the output so even with standard bulbs balanced if battery somehow gets very low it can be impossible to recover with all the lights connected. If caught far from home can disconnect one lamp. Because of the characteristic some vintage enthusiasts claim more light with low wattage bulbs!
A problem is that many sources state that the dynamo should be adjusted to balance the headlamp load but there is no reference to the associated bulb wattage and the info hard to find in contemporary publications. Owners need be aware of their particular set up.
Original lamps could be focussed so low wattage bulbs were reasonably practicable. Later set ups are often more spread (ie BPF) as required for modern driving. A lot of spread light immediately in front of car is now required to show lane lines and collections of curbstones planted in the roadway
With work and study I often did not have time to attend dynamo troubles; usually worn 3rd brush. Used to run car for weeks without charge, including 60 mile trips home on weekends largely in the dark. Recharged at work, but battery life was not long.....
A problem is that many sources state that the dynamo should be adjusted to balance the headlamp load but there is no reference to the associated bulb wattage and the info hard to find in contemporary publications. Owners need be aware of their particular set up.
Original lamps could be focussed so low wattage bulbs were reasonably practicable. Later set ups are often more spread (ie BPF) as required for modern driving. A lot of spread light immediately in front of car is now required to show lane lines and collections of curbstones planted in the roadway
With work and study I often did not have time to attend dynamo troubles; usually worn 3rd brush. Used to run car for weeks without charge, including 60 mile trips home on weekends largely in the dark. Recharged at work, but battery life was not long.....