Tail Light Burnout Problem

[movie cop]

I have an 85 Prevost that keeps burning out the tail lights on the right side only. I have replaced the old corroded receptacles and all visible wiring; however the new bulbs glow extremely bright for a few minutes before blowing out (making me think that that there is a short in the line somewhere). I'm looking for a fix that won't involve having to go through the "miles" of hidden wires, maybe something like an in-line voltage regulator or something of that nature. Thanks for any advice. John

[stevet903]

Check the voltage at the bulb connector.  It should be around 24V with the engine not running to 28V with it running.  If the voltage regulator is set too high, you would likely be boiling your batteries and burning out all of the lights.  Check the bulbs - maybe you have 12V bulbs in a 24V system.

Steve

[robertglines1]

My 89 prevost uses 24 volt light bulbs in rear and clearance/marker lights..Bob

[JackConrad]

Sounds like an over-voltage issue rather thaqn a short. A short should cause a breaker to trip or a fuse to blow. Over-voltage could be due to alternator output too high or 12 volt bulb in a 24 volt circuit.  Jack

[scanzel]

Extremely bright sounds like a 12v bulb in a 24v circuit. What is the number on the bulb bases?

[gus]

That is what 12v bulbs do when wired to 24v!!

[movie cop]

  Thanks everyone... the 24v bulbs should resolve the issue... newby to bus thing can't ya tell?

[robertglines1]

jump in no stupid questions except ones not ask!

[Jriddle]

It's kind of like having the rear OFF switch in OFF POSTION and wondering Why bus will not stay running. Makes one feel a little dumb but I always hope when I ask questions that are easy and or dumb to me, that someone else gets help for the same problem but was scared to ask. Keep asking that is how we all learn

John

[Lin]

BTW, when looking for 24 volt bulbs, Napa sometimes has them listed as 28 volt.  An inexperienced counter person might tell you they do not have 24's.

[eddiepotts]

Thats some good info Lin. Thanks

[bigjohnkub]

Just a suggestion. Go to your local starter repair place and see if they can order a box (or boxes) of bulbs for you in 24v. NAPA and others are very proud of there probucts. I paid .50 for each bulb.
  big john

[steve wardwell]

Granger supply also a good source for muffin fans on and on