exploding haedlamp bulb

[91scoobiesubie]

any reason why this is accuring ? it happened once on one side and then once on the other . i have done the wire upgrade but was done awhile ago

[tris91ricer]

huh? the whole bulb exploded? wow. are you using the right wattage bulbs? Which wire upgrade did you do? Was it just to get better ground, or were you looking for the H4 upgrade?
Check all your wiring, be sure that they're all going to the right places, first. I would say that the exploding bulb would only occur if the bulbs are getting too much electricity; possible generating too much heat, hence, --kablooie. are there any kind of burn marks or similar things on the inside of the lense?

[vrg3]

If a drop of water or something splashes onto a headlight bulb it can cause it to shatter. The gas inside the bulb is at very high pressure, and the glass is at a very high temperature. The thermal shock of a drop of water can weaken the bulb enough to allow the pressure to blow it apart.

Is too much moisture getting into your headlamps?

Also, are you using good quality bulbs? Cheap bulbs can be especially prone to failure like this; the glass quality is poor, and they're frequently overpressurized during manufacture.

[mikec]

Isn't there a common warning with halogen bulbs to avoid fingerprints, as the oil causes similar problems?

Maybe you touched the glass and didn't realize it?

[vrg3]

Usually fingerprints on halogen bulbs just cause them to burn out quickly, since they cause a cool spot that inhibits the halogen cycle but don't cause thermal shock. I suppose in some cases they could cause the bulb to explode though.

[mikec]

Cool, I couldn't remember what the consequences were, just that there was a warning about doing it. Thanks for the clarification Vikash.

[evolutionmovement]

I know with the higher temperature bulbs that the oil from your skin will heat and explode the bulbs. Not sure about halogens, though I assumed it was for the same reason that you shouldn't touch them.

Steve

[91scoobiesubie]

headlights seem water tight . i bought the up grade just thicker gauge wire 12 for the light system connecting to the battery like the do it yourself that vrg3 talks about.i didnt touch the bulb.the bulbs i used were mtecs and showoff krpton. what is a good high wattage bulb?also how do you you the h4 if i could use h4 please please tell me how . i think raybrig makes a great product i have driving lights by raybrig with same bulbs for almost 4 years now . if i could use one of there bulbs that be great!

[vrg3]

Ahhh! Get rid of those bulbs!

Perhaps it's a good thing they self-destructed.

Unfortunately, you can't use good bulbs in your stock headlights. Stock 90-91 Legacy headlights just plain suck. The best bulbs you can get are probably Sylvania Xtravisions. Look at the auto parts store for a magenta package labeled 9004XV.

Do a search for posts I've made on the topic, and you'll find several reasons why overwattage bulbs are bad, and why you can't use H4s.

[91scoobiesubie]

you said stock headlamps. what are my other options and what is ivolved and cost?

[vrg3]

Headlamps from a pre-facelift European BC/BF are nice. Hard to find, and expensive, though. Josh (Legacy777) has a pair.

You can also make custom headlights... Hella makes a nice set of aftermarket lights designed to go into custom housings: http://www.rallylights.com/hella/90mm_modules.asp

Steve (evolutionmovement) is working on making appropriate housings.

You can also upgrade to a 92-94 front end, but that involves also swapping over the hood, fenders, corner lights, grill, and bumper cover.