1971 m35a2 lights cut out

[Mud Hugger]

As title states, while driving my duece after dark where lights are needed obviously. After a short time 5-8mins all lights will go out. Nota zip silch, head lights, turn signals dash lights nothing works. And as I slow don't as fast as possible while trying to make out the road by moon light, around 15secs they will come back on and everything works. Ok now for the mods nothing to abnormal, 395s, belt driven hydro pump to run scissor hoist for dump bed, as far as electrical goes the only change was I replaced the huge bulky generator with a 24volt 1 wire alternator. Reason for that was the generator died and was unrepeatable for less that the cost of the 1 wire alt ($95). Is there a relay and external regulator somewhere in the system that I need to replace romove or whatever?? And thoughts or advice that could possible shine some light on the problem would be veryAppreciated.

 

[73m819]

You have a short, the circuit breaker is dropping out, when it cools down it closes the circuit for lights till it gets hot and drops out

 

[NDT]

Also the circuit breaker in the 3 lever switch can be weak. Replace the switch and your problem may go away.

 

[Mud Hugger]

I will give things a look over, I will start in the rear where I built hinge plate/hitch. Maybe I screwed up something and didnt realize it. Thanks guys I'll let you know if I find something.

 

[m-35tom]

you don't have a short, you have too much load on the 3 way switch. have you added any lights, etc?

 

[Al Harvey]

Do the gauges drop off with the lights? If so it could be a ground connection problem somewhere. One of my dueces has a similar problem but the lights dim then nothing works but periodically will come back on. I think it's a ground but haven't had a chance to check. Also on my M151A2 everything cut out once and found out it was a battery that moved and grounded out. Just something else to check.

 

[Mud Hugger]

No extra lights added, everything to my knowledge is from factory. Yes the dash lights cut out also, I loose everything.

 

[Al Harvey]

Not just the dash lights but the actual gauges. Does you battery, oil pressure, coolant, etc cut out or is it just the lights?

 

[DeucesWild11]

Sounds like a ground problem to me. Does it do it regularly, meaning it pops back on every time? If it's random it could be a ground if it comes back on regularly it could be as 73M819 said.

Mine went out once, so I added some extra driving lights to an AUX switch on the dash. It's never happened again to me (especially since I bought a new switch and didn't install), but it's nice to know I have the driving lights for emergency incase they ever go out again.

 

[steelandcanvas]

Ron (73M819) hit the nail on the head. Check for some chaffed wires on your lighting loads.

 

[Mud Hugger]

Not just the dash lights but the actual gauges. Does you battery, oil pressure, coolant, etc cut out or is it just the lights?

To be honest, I do not know I haven't been able to see......may do some checking.

 

[Mud Hugger]

Sounds like a ground problem to me. Does it do it regularly, meaning it pops back on every time? If it's random it could be a ground if it comes back on regularly it could be as 73M819 said.Mine went out once, so I added some extra driving lights to an AUX switch on the dash. It's never happened again to me (especially since I bought a new switch and didn't install), but it's nice to know I have the driving lights for emergency incase they ever go out again.

I don't drive it offen in dark, the sun does set around here a lot earlier now adays. I was thinking of doing just what youSay and put some backup driving lights on the rig. Getting some snow up here and dang salt trucks are out I think so rig may get winterized and into storage but would like to get this figured out. Thanks