63 flasher unit

[Bredehoft]

I have a question about the turn signal flasher in my 63 Lark. My tail lights work. When I apply the brakes (so that I can see the Bright lights) and flip the turn signal lever, the appropriate light goes out...but fails to come back on - or blink in any manner.

How do I determine if the flasher is the culprit? If it is, is there a replacement for p/n 1558203?

Also...my front lights seem to be in non-working order, too. Well, sometimes they choose to work. I will look into the grounding situation there, but neither are working most of the time.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

--george

1963 Lark Daytona HT - 63V J8 175

[StudeRich]

George; the loss of ground is common on '64-'66 Lark Type parking lights, almost never on '63's, but if they were removed and not properly installed that would do it.

Flashers are no problem it's an Industry standard two prong flasher available in Std. (you get the twinkling opposite signal light when one is out), or the Heavy Duty that handles 6 or more bulbs for trailering, but gives no warning of a bulb out. At all Auto Parts Stores.

When you have these kind of issues it often is caused by a bad ground, because the ungrounded fronts will seek ground at the dash indicator lights or rear lights and mess up the whole system! You have to fix that FIRST!

Check for loose/corroded connections at the small fuse & flasher insulator board under the left side of the dash, often a loose power feeder wire from the ign. Switch is to blame.
The other reason for intermittent turn sig. could be a bad turn sig. switch under the steering wheel, it must be all the way centered to allow both stop lights to work also, if the cancel cam is broken that will be a problem.

StudeRich -Studebakers Northwest Ferndale, WA

[N8N]

just bypass the flasher with a paper clip, if the lights come on properly but steady (no flashing) when you flip the T/S lever, then the flasher is at fault. If something other than that happens, post back and let us know.

Like Rich said, the flasher is pretty standard. just ask for a 12V two-connector flasher for two bulbs per side and you'll get what you need.

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight

http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[Mark57]

Your description of the problem is a classic case of a poor ground as other have mentioned. That's where you need to focus your attention (IMHO).

<h5>Mark
'57 Transtar Deluxe
Vancouver Island

Are you planning to attend the NW Overdrive Tour in Parksville, BC
May 23 & 24, 2009?</h5>

[Bredehoft]

well, I have good news! I researched the ground issue with the front lights... I found that three out of four lights had had a "plug-ectomy". I had already fixed the rear lights where someone had inexplicably cut off the plugs and twisted the ends back together.

Well, the passenger's side front light had the same issue! of course, it was just twisted together - and exposed - there was no way it would work. I soldered and taped them up.

Then I fired up the car and gave them a test. The turn signals now work on all four lights! They blink fast and the cancel-er is shot, but they work. The only thing I couldn't test by myself was how they worked with the brakes applied.

Thanks for the help, I should have checked for cut wires before I posted.

The next lighting issue is the bright lights - BUT I am pretty sure that is the floor switch - and I have a replacement switch already

--george

1963 Lark Daytona HT - 63V J8 175

[rockne10]

Glad your problem is solved. While on the subject of bad grounds for lights, I've found, when I've had that issue, the problem was quickly solved by tightening or replacing the screws in the light housing to body.