I would not assume this for all MG's. I have a 1967 that is mostly
original, but converted to negative ground, and has some auxiliary Smith's
gauges wired in. One is an Ammetter, and another a Voltmeter. I
installed halogen lights a couple years ago, and although the red idiot
light did not come on, I could see that the generator could not keep up,
and I was losing a significant amount of electrical power when driving
with my lights on. The halogens were on for 2 days, and I went back to
run of the mill sealed beam incandescents (which were harder to get than
halogens).
I had a lot of regulator trouble before though, and that's really why the
ammeter and voltmeter were installed. About a year ago, I got tired of
fighting the generator and regulator issues, and replaced it with a lucas
internally regulated alternator - which also was enough higher amperage
to power the formerly purchased halogen headlights and keep up when
everything else is on too (heaters, wipers, brake lights, overdrive, etc.)
So, I wouldn't say the amp draw of halogen lights is minor.
Phil Bates
'58 MGA (still with generator)
'67 MGB (now with an alternator)
Misc others, one of which I converted from alternator to generator because
of issues in it's electrical system.
> David:
> I have always assumed the same thing.
>
> The current draw for regular H4 halogen headlights is not much more than
the less
efficient sealed beam units. I have never run into anyone having problems
with
overloading the wiring or switches if they were working ok with the
original lamps.
>
> I would suggest if you care enough to install better lights, also take
the time to ensure
that all the wiring contacts and grounds are in good condition.
>
> Kelvin.
>
>
> > Kelvin -
> >
> > Does the same recommendation hold for the MGA? I am loathe to re-use
> > the crummy sealed beam headlights, and I had always assumed H4s were a
> > swap-out replacement, but you know what happense when you *assume*.
> >
> > I'll avoid trying to make some lame joke about lamp wattage and Kelvin
> > temperature of the light...
> >
> > --
> > David Breneman
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