Logo Lites focused LED Headlight blubs flicker

K

Keith

Senior Member
I just installed Logo Lites focused LED Headlight blubs from Mikes A Fordable and am see a flicker in both lights. I am running an 6 volt alternator. I seem to recall reading about this and how to cure the flicker. Any suggestions?
 
=Keith;2327077]I just installed Logo Lites focused LED Headlight blubs from Mikes A Fordable and am see a flicker in both lights. I am running an 6 volt alternator. I seem to recall reading about this and how to cure the flicker. Any suggestions?
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Article is in the current (pun not intended) MAFCA Restorer.
 
They are currently working on the bulbs lighting on 4.5 volts instead of the ones
now that fire at 5.5. But, clean ALL grounds and check ALL connections to make sure
it's not a connectivity issue. Article in the MAFCA is good reading. I suggest it.
 
They recommend using a large capacitor at the alternator output to filter out any voltage fluctuation, or a different alternator. I think you can use a modern ignition condensor bolted to the alternator and the wire run to the output lug.
 
The article tested the flicker condition with some popular GM
alternators but did not test the bulbs with a Powermaster alternator.

I have that alternator and the flicker is minimal. Pretty happy in general
with it as well.
 
The stock 6 volt generator produces current (amps) continually called direct current (DC). A 6 volt alternator produces current called alternating current (AC) which is internally electronically modified to produce direct current. An LED light consumes a very small amount of power (mWatts) for it to illuminate. Your alternator is probably producing a small amount of low level AC to DC variation (pulsing) which is causing the LED lights to flicker. Neil Kaminar's suggestion to use a filter is the solution to your problem.
 
I’ve experienced the flickering with LogoLite focused-beam LEDs and believe another factor is involved: engine vibration at idle. The LEDs are heavy and replacement headlight sockets are made of thinner metal than the originals.

My car has an original generator with a Fun Projects EVR. The headlights also have original light bulb sockets.

I have observed that periodically ‘reshaping’ the solder contacts on the base of the LED with a soldering iron eliminates the flickering for a while. However, the flickering always returns after several weeks. When I remove the LEDs, the solder contacts show signs wear, which I believe are caused by engine vibrations.

Just my observations here….I could certainly be wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time.

Jim
 
I have the same LED head lights and solid state voltage regulator combination as Conaway2 but have not experienced any flickering. I am also powering my lights which are all LED's with a stock 6volt generator. I highly recommend not applying heat to your LED bases. LED's are not the same as incandescent lamps. They are semiconductors that use different conductive compounds such as aluminum gallium arsenide which emit light when a current flows through it. Applying heat to the lamp base could damage your light. Your flickering problem could be related with electrical connections such as an intermitent ground connection.
 
In this response: "They recommend using a large capacitor at the alternator output to filter out any voltage fluctuation, or a different alternator. I think you can use a modern ignition condensor bolted to the alternator and the wire run to the output lug."

Question: Would this mean attaching a condenser to the outside of the alternator with the lead coming out of the condenser to the output wires that run to the amp meter?
 
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