1981 Honda CM400 build log

[Daox]

Last week, the headlight went out on my motorcycle. The replacement bulb is $50 which seems a bit steep for a horrible headlight. So, I asked here and poked around on google finding out how to go about upgrading the light. The first step in this process is updating to a standard H4 headlight bulb. This means getting a new headlight bucket, and then rewiring it to accept an H4 bulb.

So, last night I ordered this headlight bucket: H4 Black Side Mount 6&1/4" 6.25" Head Lamp Headlight Assembly



There is more info on the light upgrade here: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ade-29523.html

[Daox]

I got the headlight bucket. Much to my surprise, it came with everything I needed! It came with a pigtail AND a bulb in it already. Not bad for $50 shipped. That is less than it would have been to replace the OE light bulb alone.

[Daox]

Last night I started changing over the bucket. The new bucket needed some modification to fit right. The nuts inside the bucket that the turn signals screw into were too small on the new bucket. So, they had to be removed. I ran out of light before I could get it all back together. Here are some pictures though:


Here is the original sealed light bulb. You can see that water got into the bulb, which is likely what caused it to fail.





Here is the old bucket still on the bike. To my surprise, the bulb connector is the same on the old sealed lamp as it is on the new H4 bulb, so no rewiring is necessary.





Here is the old sealed beam light (left), and the new H4 assembly on the right. The new assembly almost fits into the old housing. The mounting is all the same, but its a 6.25" versus 6.5".

[Daox]

I got the new headlight installed the other day, so I aimed it the other night. WOW is it quite a bit nicer, I'll actually be able to see at night now.

The bad thing was I found out one of my running lights are dead too! I'm guessing this is all from riding ~1hr through some pretty heavy rain a couple weekends ago. The seals must be shot that are supposed to keep the bulb compartments dry. I'll have to look into replacing it. Anyway, I'm looking into LED running lights now too. Any suggestions? It is a 1157 bulb. Superbrightleds has one for $12 ea.

For now, I'll use the standard H4 halogen since that is what the headlight bucket came with.

[Daox]

I got a new OEM style bulb put in the other night. All is good in Honda motorcycle light world.

[Grant-53]

A 1157 bulb is a two filament stop/turn bulb. If you are using the light for a turn signal and the socket is designed for it, then shop around for the best price including Radio Shack. Silicon sealer may help weatherproof the lights.

[user removed]

I always pluck the light bulb to see if one of the filaments is broken. If not then rub the connection points on something like wood or paper, or cardboard to clean them up. Also check the socket to make sure the bulb is correct for the socket and twist it a few times after you reinstall it to get a good ground connection. Might not be a bad idea to catch the dampness and corrosion before it gets to the other bulbs.

regards
Mech

[Daox]

Originally Posted by mechman600

I'm talking about a fuel flow sensor. One that would measure volume of flow per minute (mm3/min or whatever) and spit out a 0-5V value.

But I do like that level gauge you linked to.

As Darin mentioned, I am partial to the fun and odd arduino project. Is anyone aware of a small flow sensor that might work well for this application?

[jjackstone]

Might try Omega sensors. They have some low flow sensors but I haven't checked specs. Probably costly too.
JJ

[Daox]

I did some online searching yesterday and I think it will be very hard to find a flow sensor for that low of a flow rate and that low of pressure head.