Headlights Not Working

mill48

Member
Hello everyone. I have a unique problem with headlights not coming on when I pull the swithch. Does anyone here know where I can begin to troubleshoot?
They were working before I had the new Burtz engine block installed. Could some wire have pulled loose?
 
You pull on the switch ? Thats probably the problem. Just kidding.

I'd suggest looking up and printing the wiring diagram. The light switch is hot all the time and just directs power to the correct terminal as the lever is turned.

So, yes, something could have come loose or a ground could have lost with the repairs. Just check for power at the light sockets and work back from there.
 
It depends a lot on how close to stock your wiring is.
The installation of the engine requires removal of the light bar in order to move or remove the radiator in order to get the engine into the car. There are connectors at the headlight buckets to allow for removal. I would start there. Also, the headlights are notorious for loosing their ground path so that would be part of checking the wiring in the headlight area.
There are articles here and there about adding a dedicated ground wire to the headlight buckets.
I hate chasing wiring problems but logic and patience usually gets you there.
 
This link is to a very good PDF file on the model A electrics. Study the diagrams and it will show the power wire circuits for the whole car. It also has light switch information.
https://www.mafca.com/downloads/Seminars/2018 Reno Electrical System Alex Janke.pdf

I would download that and save it for further reference. The power for the light switch and horn are directly connected to the generator or alternator output terminal. The hot wire for the lights is routed right down to the light switch at the bottom of the steering column.
 
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