Headlights

Post by **Carl** » 17 Aug 2004 06:04 pm

I've noticed the headlights on my 360 are pretty poor. Is this a common traight or perhaps are my headlights just knackered?
Was thinking some 100w bulbs may help, but is the wiring able to cope with that? Anyone tried it?

On a different note, finally tracked down an elusive water leak, and turns out its coming out the side of the engine at the head/block join

. Hoping its just a head gasket, so will be attempting to sort that out this weekend. If its something more severe (cracked head maybe) then luckily i've found someone selling an engine a few miles down the road, which is lucky (assuming he still has it). Why do all my cars turn into money pits

Post by **5lab** » 17 Aug 2004 06:15 pm

you could fit some gas discharge (xenon or whatever) bulbs - these would take the normal amount of power and just produce sh*tload more light

Post by **KeithB** » 17 Aug 2004 08:10 pm

Hi Carl, I use 100W headlights no problem. They are I suppose illegal, however, a garage friend told me that the reflectors in old headlights deteriorate, so fitting the 100W bulbs will only bring the light levels up to what they once were! I choose to believe as I prefer to see the road in the dark! I don't get flashed at by approaching drivers so they obviously don't dazzle, whereas our other car which has 60W bulbs

Post by **360GL** » 18 Aug 2004 01:12 pm

Try cleaning the connectors at the headlamp housing and spray them with wd40. They get corroded and can reduce brightness.

Maybe you could find someone that could renew the reflective coating of the reflectors. It should be pretty cheap and the headlight will be better than new (near me there's a company which manufactures automotive lighting - actually a subsidiary of Hella and I know they do that).

Post by **360GL** » 18 Aug 2004 01:14 pm

Also, I advise against using 100w bulbs, because you risk overloading the wiring and also burning your reflectors even more.

Post by **Tom** » 18 Aug 2004 05:45 pm

I have a problem with one of mine, also, but I'm aware of the cause, or at least I think I am. One of them is much duller than the other. I think it's because the tiniest crack developed years ago and water has gradually seeped in and ruined the reflector. It still works as well as the other one, it's just the appearance it sort of tarnishes.

Post by **2.3litre 343** » 18 Aug 2004 06:31 pm

Using any higher wattage bulbs will require the use of relays to avoid strain on the cars original wiring/switches.
With this done, you can go upto 160/100watt bulbs without any problems.
The relays themselves will help as they will put a full 12+ volts to the headlights, thus eliminating the age old problem of voltage drop which can reduce the voltage going into the headlights by about 2 volts.

Post by **Janitor** » 18 Aug 2004 07:25 pm

i use 100w's-never get flashed either
those xenons etc are too bright i always get dazzled by them.

Post by **Duvel78** » 04 Oct 2004 12:30 am

Mmmmm, I think it's a bad idea to use 100 W bulbs because the electrical system isn't really made for that... I took a pic now and you can read on the headlight relay "12 V bis 150 W" which definitely means UNTIL 150 W for the 2 headlights... > danger!! Also danger for the wiring and the reflectors, they are very quick damaged.

The headlights of the Volvo 300 is a bad point, it's true... I suggest to use bulbs like Philips VISION PLUS (they are really good) but never the Philips BLUE VISION (big bullshit the H4 with the "xenon" colored effect!)

I could show a comparative test to you so we can see the real differences cause I have a lot of Volvo 300 headlights (with new reflectors, old reflectors, H4 bulbs, non H4...) Maybe interesting?

Post by **remisa** » 04 Oct 2004 07:01 am

yes it |MAY be interesting

Post by **Carl** » 04 Oct 2004 07:35 am

Would be interesting to see the difference. But i've been running 100w main beams for a few weeks now with no wiring problems, but massively improved visibility!

Post by **Duvel78** » 04 Oct 2004 03:30 pm

I'll do that test and show the results with pictures.

Post by **foggyjames** » 04 Oct 2004 09:03 pm

The comments regarding the reflectors (IIRC they're PLASTIC in the 300s!!!) and the wiring are exactly right...you *can* run 100W bulbs, but you'll be abusing all concerned!

I'd try giving your reflectors a good polish before changing the lamps, but ultimately they will never be that powerful. One of my long term goals is to replace the reflectors with ones (of the same vague size) that weren't designed in the late 70s! Ideally a two lens setup, but whatever I can lay my hands on - design in this field has moved forward a long way!

As for Xenons, the reasons they dazzle are the wierd lenses all the manufacturers seem to use with them - it isn't the brightness that does it.

cheers

James