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Harley Tail Light

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by Fatboy128, Apr 7, 2015.

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  1. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    Today I pulled my tail light to work on installing turn signal relocating kit in order to utilize removable back rest. I couldn't believe the amount of crude that fell out from behind the tail light. There are two access holes through the fender into the tail light base for the signal wires as well as the harness. These holes are OPEN so any water and crude kicked up by the tire can get in and stay in. WTH kind of design is this? Anyone else notice this?
    Fatboy128, Apr 7, 2015
    #1
  3. bambidee

    bambidee Active Member

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    will have to look on my old azz 2000 R/K, sounds p/poor design. What year and model?
    bambidee, Apr 7, 2015
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  4. marc 55

    marc 55 Well-Known Member

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    I will take a look...
    marc 55, Apr 7, 2015
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  5. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    I don't have any crud in the back of my tail light housing. I believe mine has rubber grommets installed which allow the wires to pass through but also help seal for water and crude.
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2015
    FLHTbiker, Apr 7, 2015
    #4
  6. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Here is a tailight assembly from the backside. That's what it should look like.

    image.jpg
    FLHTbiker, Apr 7, 2015
    #5
  7. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    2005 Fatboy. FLSTFI


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Fatboy128, Apr 7, 2015
    #6
  8. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    Different than mine. 2 screws and lense comes off chrome base. In chrome base is a circuit board where signals and tail light plug into. Harness plugs into circuit board. Tomorrow I'll take photos.
    Chrome tail light base stays on fender.

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    Fatboy128, Apr 7, 2015
    #7
  9. bambidee

    bambidee Active Member

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    If you have crude in your tail light better set up a refinery and start living the good life, lol yes I am a smart azz but give it back at me when you can and I will lol at my expense also. crud on the other hand is not so good.
    bambidee, Apr 7, 2015
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  10. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    I know it is different but still the wires should be sealed or partially sealed. That pic was off a Sporster but it shows how the wires are protected. Didn't find one from a Softail.
    FLHTbiker, Apr 7, 2015
    #9
  11. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    ts dat noo yawk Schmutz
    hotroadking, Apr 7, 2015
    #10
  12. joshbob

    joshbob Well-Known Member

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    Crud will find it's way into everything eventually. Are the circuitboard and wires corroded?
    joshbob, Apr 8, 2015
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  13. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    No corrosion. Circuit board is technically just a power distribution board. Connectors have dielectric grease to help keep corrosion from developing. The crud was pebbles, sand and black crap that I suspect is worn tire. Also, when I've ridden in the rain I noticed dirty drips from between the fender and chrome tail light base now I know why, the damn thing must fill with water and then drain out on the paint. There is any part number got a seal when the wires go through fender into tail light.


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    Fatboy128, Apr 8, 2015
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  14. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    Here are photos of the light. You can see that the bulb and reflector are sealed to the red lense. The chrome base with the distribution board is fastened to the fender. Then you not is the 2 square holes throught the base and fender for the wiring. The 3rd phot I put a flashlight on the tire. The holes are about 3/4 " square. I plan on sealing them with black silicone and window screening to bridge the voids.
    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]


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    Fatboy128, Apr 8, 2015
    #13
  15. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Just use duck tape. Carry a small roll with you incase it falls out plus you can use it on other parts. :D o_O
    FLHTbiker, Apr 8, 2015
    #14
  16. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    Unless I take the tail light off I won't know if it fell off or dried up and fell apart. Its just about finished. Just waiting for the silly cone to cure. The more I take apart on this 2005 the more dumbazz things I find from the motor company.
    :punch: :mad:
    Fatboy128, Apr 8, 2015
    #15
  17. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    If you move to AZ then you won't have to worry about it.
    FLHTbiker, Apr 8, 2015
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  18. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    They are forced air cooling chambers to keep the lens cooler
    during running, the lights on all the time, if you block them you create
    a heat sink in the tail light area and it is prone to warping, overheating
    and a case of the barrybomma red ass...
    hotroadking, Apr 8, 2015
    #17
  19. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    Sure, scorpions will set up house in there and then when I'm cruising along the Salt River Canyon they come out and sting my azz
    Fatboy128, Apr 8, 2015
    #18
  20. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Maybe you should ride with pants on....
    hotroadking, Apr 8, 2015
    #19
  21. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    Hmmm, so in order to keep all the filthy road debris and water out I should adapt one of these to feed cool, clean air into the tail light?
    [​IMG]


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    Fatboy128, Apr 8, 2015
    #20
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