Linson

well they must be. and with only 31K on the car. sometimes when i start the car or shut it off , the motors spin on their own and sound like garbage disposal. last time i used the lights, they bilaterally came up half way, i gave one a nudge and they went up the rest of the way. they went down on their own, but with that infernal spinning with garbage disposal noises.

isnt there a "better than new" parts kit or direct replacement for those motors? from Hawks or somewhere like that?

Linson

i just went out to the garage and turned the lights on. they both came up, but the driver side stopped half way for a second then went the rest of the way up. and the motors continued to spin for about 5 seconds. they both went down, but with the noisey, spinning motors after they were down.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

I'm pretty sure they are just out of sequence.Take them to a body shop or someone that knows how to adjust them.For both motors to go at the same time don't sound right!! It sounds like someone turned them wheels a bit much.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

It's probably the little cushions in the gears. Do a search. There are plenty of threads on how to fix it.

Linson

turned them wheels? i've never touched them.

StevenB L98/LS1

The gears in the motor over time get worn or stripped and they make the noise for a good 5 seconds.

82tarecaro

iTrader: (4)

Take the motor apart and see if the cushions are ground to dust. You can use many different things to repair them. Guys have used vacuum hose or glue sticks cut to size. It is a relatively easy fix.
Here is a repair thread.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...headlight.html
If you search you will find threads with many creative solutions for replacing those 3 plastic pieces. You could also get the repair kit sold by Top Down Solutions.

Jeffs82TA

iTrader: (1)

Is a definite sign bushing are on there last leg. Fix those and lights will work perfectly again.

Linson

thanks guys. i was actually hoping that there was a product made to improve the existing design. someone PM'ed me with some info on some aftermarket odds and ends to repair them. i have rebuilt the motors from junkyard parts before - i just thought there might be a "better than new" solution.

AmorgetRS

iTrader: (6)

Top Down Solutions sells a better than new solution.

Jeffs82TA

iTrader: (1)

I wouldn't do brass gear replacement. Just use the plastic gears that way if something jams the plastic gear will break and not the motor. The original design lasted what 20 years? Doubt you can improve much on that.

GTA50

You have three solutions:

1. Take apart and grease all the pivot points for the motor's control arms.

2. Search the JY for any spare motors.

3. Contact Lon at topdownsolutions.com for the rebuilt kit.

Any of the above works - but, as Amorget suggests, #3 is most effective.

Hope that helps.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

All you should need
http://www.top-downsolutions.com/hea...name=headlight rebuild kit

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

I just can't believe that 2 motors went at the same time and the car only has 31,000 original miles!!!!!!

AmorgetRS

iTrader: (6)

It's really pretty easy to open up the motors and check. One side doesn't involve having to remove the actual motor, just takes 3 bolts to open it up and check, though I'd remove the headlight assembly from the car to do it.

Linson

yeah, thats my plan - is to open them up before i know i wont be driving the car for a few days (like if i leave town) and then order what i need. hopefully upon my return, whatever parts will be waiting for me.

i'll probably replace the headlights while i have the things off, just for the heck of it.

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

This spring I rebuilt a set of the headlights on a 91 Formula with only 29,000miles.
Its just a time/cheap nylon thing on why they wear out. The plastic/nylon pins wear out and crumble the same because they both get used exactly the same amount.

The ***** on the top of the motors are not for adjustment, they are so you can open your lights if the motors or electrical goes out.

luvofjah

iTrader: (2)

Same problem with my 91 Formula... bought the kit form Top Down Solutions... took motors apart, the factory bushings were just broken down powder... cleaned out, replaced with the new parts n lubed, works like new again...

Rafael

Linson

i'm on it. thanks, guys. basically, this isnt exactly my first rodeo, but the fact that the symptoms were occuring bi-laterally was throwing me off.

PAFORM350

Just rebuilt mine with the kit from TDS. They look and work like new.

ScottsBlown

51k miles, mine were out too, all three were out on driverside, 1 out in passenger side. I did some YouTube vids on my fix;


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKPdk...e_gdata_player

Ref:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...ml#post5295610

Linson

fixed 'em. also replaced the headlights with Silverstars. had the under chin molding body screws sandblasted, then i rattle canned those flat black.