@El Frazoo posted:I did a little homework in the data base here, and found some ca. 2018 posts. Not altogether helpful. Hmmm . . . So here is the dilemma -- my H4 bulbs are running really hot. Driver's side is cooking the wire receptacle. Stinky. Not good. Actually starting to make a little smoke. Plus the light output is typical of VWs and not all that bright. I have some very nice driving lights so I can see when I need to as these turn night into day, but the regular headlights need some help. Found out I know zero about LED and HID replacements, and Google has helped a lot. The market here is awash with all sorts of designs. I am wondering what folks use to replace the H4 halogens.
Pertinent background, Maybe: After I burned up the second cheap Chinese headlight switch with the halogens a couple of years ago, I installed relays to operate the headlights. I also got a very decent headlight switch, specifically not cheap Chinese. That was an interesting project, and it all worked pretty well. I did notice that my lights were notably brighter after that. And there may have started my trouble. The lights are now very short coupled to the battery through the relays, mounted very near by. So maybe supplying more juice, and making more heat. LEDs will make more light with much less electricity, so should be a big improvement. Seeking advice.
I have the Hella buckets euro style and I have H4 bulbs in them with P45T bases. I managed to get 80/100 bulbs not he 55/60 normal bulbs. I did burn one once but I have never burned any of these in years. I carry spares for sure.
I wonder if the relays and wiring are too low in capacity to power them up without overheating. I can't see even a chinese switch having much load when you are using a good relay. Well at least this is my experience. BTW, a 80/100 watt well aligned is as good as an LED and would not be worth upgrading IMO, on the hand you can throw money at it.