What is the correct headlight bulb?
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
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What is the correct headlight bulb?
I have a '94 FLHTC and need to replace the bulb. What I took out looks like an H4 bulb with 100/55 watt stamped on it and a slight blue tint to the glass. What I bought is an H4 Sylvania 12.8V 60/55 Silverstar. I noticed the voltage out to the plug without a bulb plugged in looks to be ungegulated and varies from the battery voltage up to about 14V as I rev the engine. Is this normal and will the 12.8V Silverstar work. I haven't opened it yet and could return it and get my $21 back if I need to. I know from the Silverstar specs on the package that they don't last as long as normal bulbs because they are considered "high performance". What do you recommend for a replacement that I can buy at most auto supply stores?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
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From: Richmond, VA
The 100/55 is way more than the stock bulb. My personal belief is its too much for the stock wiring system. Its that exact same bulb that melted the wires on my Shovel. I have been using the Silverstars ever since. Just put one in my Low Rider. Blew away the stock H4 with no issues what so ever.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,195
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
The voltage you are seeing at the plug is the voltage of your entire electrical system. It is regulated by the voltage regulator and that is normal. The Silverstar will work fine.
I think that 100 Watt bulb is a bit too much. I'd stick with a standard H4, at least power wise. You could use a fancy H4 replacement if you want, but stick with the standard Wattage. The wiring and plug are not all that stout.
I think that 100 Watt bulb is a bit too much. I'd stick with a standard H4, at least power wise. You could use a fancy H4 replacement if you want, but stick with the standard Wattage. The wiring and plug are not all that stout.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Agree with the others, you should be fine with your new bulb.
Sounds as if you haven't had your bike all that long. If you are tempted to use a high voltage bulb like the one you took out, you should wire in a relay. This will pass the power to the bulb along new wires you install, using the bike wiring and switches to operate the relay. That gets round the problem the other two have mentioned.
Sounds as if you haven't had your bike all that long. If you are tempted to use a high voltage bulb like the one you took out, you should wire in a relay. This will pass the power to the bulb along new wires you install, using the bike wiring and switches to operate the relay. That gets round the problem the other two have mentioned.
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
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No I haven't had it long. About 3 weeks. First Harley actually. It had and still has a few nagging problems that I am working through. I bought the HD manual which helped me fix the non-playing radio. Well not actually fixed yet but diagnosed the problem to a right grip radio control button shorted to GND. Removed the wire from the plug and the radio works just can't select the band. Replaced a bad starter relay (didn't know it was behind the headlight). A gas smell also when I ride it. I think there is a drip coming from the bottom of the carb but I haven't got to that yet.
Thanks for the advice on the bulb. I'll keep the Silverstar.
Thanks for the advice on the bulb. I'll keep the Silverstar.
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