I found that my new F150 truck has poor lighting, even for average driving. The stock headlight fixtures and bulbs just don't cut it. So I replaced them with the '01 "L" fixtures, which increased brightness some. Now, I am testing operating both bright and dim elements at once (on Brights). The result is over 200% brighter headlights.

First, let me explain that I have installed 9007 Hella 100/80 watt bulbs, along with heavy duty sockets, that are pre-wired with heavy 12 gauge wiring. I am also using a heavy duty relay system with heavy gauge wiring throughout. So, every inch of the system is deliberate overkill for optimum lighting performance.

In this test, I am simply operating both the bright and dim filaments at the the same time for almost double the light on the road. Since I have beefed up the wiring and relay system I know there is no problem there. Now, the questions are: 1). Will the increased heat developed by operating both filaments shorten bulb life? 2). Will the lighting fixtures suffer any ill effects from the extra heat? 3). Will the lens become warped from the extra heat developed? 4). Will air moving over the lens be enough cooling? 5). Or, will it be necessary to force air through the fixtures to keep them cool?

These questions are slowly being answered through driving my truck at night. Of course, it is difficult to drive very far with the brights on so the duration is for brief periods at best. Sometimes less than 10 seconds and seldom more than 2 minutes. However, after dimming for 10 seconds, they are right back on brights again with both elements operating. So, they don't get much of a breather.

The results? So far they are doing pretty good. Neither of the bulbs have quit yet. So, I'm fairly sure they will last almost indefinately. Almost as long as bulbs under single element use. I have noticed a slight gold color "burnishing" around the edges of the reflector cup where the bulb is inside. Perhaps this is normal and will occur anyway. If any of you are operating the '01 Clear "L" fixtures, please check for the heat burnishing and let me know.

I noticed some condensation inside the lens on one of the lights. I dried it out using desiccant (silica gel) and I noticed a fine crack between the lens and the plastic body of the fixture. I think I have it fixed, but it occurred to me that this could have been caused by the heat created by running both elements at once. The only way I will know for sure is if the other fixture does the same thing. It may have been that way from the factory. But the crack is how the moisture got inside.

Otherwise, everything seems to be working just fine. Of course, I never turn the brights on when I am standing still. So, there is always a certain amount of air flowing over the lenses to keep them cool. Apparently, that small amount of cooling is sufficient to prevent warpage of the lens.

The bottom line is: Running both elements at once puts approximately 200% more light on the road. You can prove this by pulling back on your brights stalk.

I will try to keep you updated in another month or so. If you are running hotter bulbs, or operating both filaments at once, please share any feedback you might have discovered with me.

BillVoyles
RedLowRyder

 

Howdy Bill,

This is very interesting, please keep us updated on this. Where did you purchase the heavy duty harness and relays for this?.

Thanks

 

I'd worry more about the fixtures cracking from sudden temperature changes (i.e. heating up from both elements being on then encountering sudden cooling due to rain). The Lighting folks have complained about their driving lights cracking due to this.....

 

Hi guys .... this is an update....

Well, I just lost the low-beam element tonight on the right side headlight. Bummer!! Well, I have two new 100/80 watt Hella bulbs to stuff in there to see if that was just a fluke or a problem with the extra heat created by running both elements at once.

So, the test continues. I have also noticed a small amount of moisture on the inside of the right headlight lens again. This has been a real PITA to clear up. I used silica jell in the little bags to
draw the moisture out and then removed the bags after an over night process. Now, I'll have to do it again and this time I am going to run a bead of soft, pliable silicone II goo around the seal between the outer clear lens and the fixture itself. The right light hasn't had this problem. The left light can't seem to get rid of it.
So, the process goes on. We have had a lot of rain here in the Northwest. Constant rain. Everything is wet. Soaked. So, it is an abnormal situation for other parts of the country. But not here. We enjoy this all through the winter months. So, I have to solve this problem. Because I love the amount of light that it creates.

Lone Wolf, email me at bvoyles@peoplepc.com and I will give you the information you asked for.

I'll keep you up on how it goes.

BillVoyles
RedLowRyder

 

No Melting lens??

 

Christopher, I think the OP got old and died already. This thread is almost 10 years old.

 

 

ohhhh Thats ok.. My truck is over ten years old.... lol

 

What's with all the old thread revivals lately? Must be the new search bar at the top of the page.....

 

Old Knowledge is Good Knowledge....

 

I agree, I was just making a humerous observation that it has increased quite a bit since they put the new search bar at the top of the page.

 

This is very true, hopefully it will cause a current member to answer your question.

The OP, highly unlikely, his last visit to the site : 08-13-2003 05:24 PM

 

Wow, this has to be one of the oldest threads to be brought back to life!

I didn't even see the new search bar, I might have to revise my sig...

- NCSU

 

Impressive.... impressive, indeed.

I'm betting that he used the search feature though! We need more like this guy!

 

Well duh! There it is! No wonder I didn't see it - it's hiding in a big red button! :o

- Jack