How to Repair and Convert Hella Headlight in a Hymer Motorhome
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
- I show you how I removed, reinstalled, repaired and converted a Hella headlight from our 1998 Hymer B564 is based on a Fiat Ducato chassis.
The Headlight adjusters can be brought from
The black adjuster kit
amzn.to/2KDH9fn
The white adjuster kit
www.motorhomes...
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Hi Mate, great help, just sorting mine out for MOT. Real cow bag to get to. THANKS.
No problem, John. I'm glad you found it useful 😊
Is it Hella part number9XB152977-001. U found this video very informative thank you for sharing it.
Yes, I believe so, @patmoloney5784. There are links in the video description
Good video, I have had to do this a couple of times on a sprinter chassis, I removed the bumper the first time to get access but with due to age the paint cracks, so second time around I cut a hole with a hole saw 127mm into the plastic inner wing, removed and replaced the lights and refitted the inner wing cut out with a backing plate.
William, that's a great idea. Is it easy to remove again?
Thanks so much a real life saver I also have a 1998 mine is a B584 I REALLY enjoy your videos........Irish fan 🇮🇪🇮🇪
Thanks John. I'm glad you found the video useful 👍.
Been anywhere nice in your B584?
@@HermanHitstheRoad Not yet just bought the van in Germany North of Hamburg going to live in Spain / Portugal for a couple of years doing a lot of Spanish lessons at the moment which I am enjoying still not very good but making slow progress.......thanks again for the video 😀 👍
Great video that will help a lot of people try to change lights so they know where to start, that’s the problem with A class motorhomes there is absolutely no room under the Bonnet. I’ve got a 3 litre 6 cylinder engine in mine and I have problems just trying to put oil, water and filling the windscreen washer bottle up without little gadgets like longer pipes and funnel. Having to change anything is a nightmare, and I don’t have a lot of patience if it doesn’t work the first time. 🤬🤣😉
Thanks Paul, hopefully it'll help many people 🚐🚐👍
Hi Ant
You are our hero!
Regularly watch your blogs, we have autocruise with similar lights.
Only after watch is this have we found how to remove the headlight bolts, keep up the good work as could not see other videos showing how to do this either.
Dave n Doreen
Thanks Dave and Doreen. I'm glad you found the video useful. 👍👍
Ads
When adjusting from right side driving to left and back again, the three screws you mention, have to be almost fully undone and the light almost pulled apart before it will rotate, if you remove the screws completely and pull the whole light apart you can then clean all the internal lenses which after 20 years makes a difference to the light levels.
Thanks William. I thought so and did consider it but I really just wanted to get the job done without breaking anything else.
Very informative video Ads which I’m sure will help a lot of Hymer owners. I have the new headlights on mine, which if broken are £1500 each so if they working I’ll leave them alone lol.
Wow £1500 for a new light? I thought these lights were expensive at £180.
Thanks Phelix 👍👍
I also had this problem and broken top ball retainers. I replace top retainers in position, not easy but do able and for the bottom adjuster, I removed adjuster and unscrewed the ball bolt , refitted and checked adjustment and repeated until it was correct.
I also removed the internal adjuster knob and covered hole with a disc of plastic, I did this because I have heard that if adjuster is visible and not working MOT tester could fail it.
Good videos thought.cheers
Hi Nicholas, I replaced the adjuster knob with a USB socket 👍👍
That's an excellent video mate that should help a lot of owners of that type of headlamp system to overcome a very common problem brilliant way of solving it.
Well done my friend 👏
Beauty 👍
Chas.
Thanks Chas.
Got the manual conversion sorted well - also removed the temptation to twiddle your knob whilst driving which I'm sure must be distracting 🤔
LOL Alex, very distracting 👍👍😉🕹
Is it not a MOT failure if that adjuster doesn't work?
@@darraghfinnan3740 not if the headlights are already adjusted correctly.
@@ttxela I cable tied up light's to pull them up to the Normal higher height permanently. Then I removed the the adjustable nob on the inside and blanked it off. I think it has done the trick.
This video was of no use to me but I watched it anyway. To be honest Ads, I just like watching your videos. Keep 'em coming.....
LOL Robert. Your comment started off sounding like what a troll might say but ended up being a massive complement 🤣😆👍.
Well, if ever you get in to a conversation about fixing Hella headlights in a Hymer then you know what you're talking about 😉👍
Do you a motorhome, camper or caravan?
Well done 👏 😁 such patience and not one swear word , well none you recorded anyway 🙄 🤣
Thanks mikerphone. Did I tell you about rain dripping in to my eye.....👍👍😃
@@HermanHitstheRoad l think you did mention it 🤣🤣👍 , great fun keep it up guys....
I had to replace both my headlights , as strangely the brackets where the adjusters attached to the light body , were both cracked , one was broken . I found evidence of someone else being there before me . My van being a left hooker meant the off side had the hoses you mentioned , but as i had both the bumper , and inner wing removed , had far better access (it also lead to my discovering corrosion in the offside chassis leg) . My research leads me to believe , the adjuster system is not vacuum , but hydraulic controlled , and a stand alone system at that . It's not connected to the motors vacuum system in any way , and basically if the system fails . The only way to repair , is replace . Judging by the condition of mine , this has actually been done , and possibly the reason for somebody been in there before me .
It is possible to change the headlight dip , by exactly the means , you mention . However due to access , it is extremely difficult . In an effort to make this process easier , i removed all three screws , and replaced them with thumb screws . These were difficult to source , and eventually came from Germany . I also had to fit spacers to enable the thumb screws to clear the lamp body . The result is , though it is still difficult , it is easier . and possible from within the confines of the bonnet .
Wow, sounds like a load of work, Mickey. Sounds like you sorted though 👍👍
@@HermanHitstheRoad It was , and still is ! . I had the bumper off for another job i was doing , and it needed welding anyway . As i'm sure you know , to get the bumper off you have to remove the front spats , which also needed welding , and the inner wing was the result of finding the corrosion . That was serious work , as i ended up having to cut it out , most of the screws were shot . I had to removed it , to improve access for my mate up the road (a mechanic) , to weld the chassis . I can't metal weld , but i learnt to plastic weld last year , it's all done now . I've wax-oiled inside the chassis , and welded the bumper , along with the inner wing , but i'm struggling with paint on the bumper . It's too dam hot (couldn't make it up , could ya) . Both front spats have also been repaired , and one's painted . The other is in primer , awaiting top coat , same as the bumper . The original job is done , cooling system , though that became bigger than planned . With the bumper removed , access to the front of the engine is greatly improved , and i've done the timing belt , plugged two oil leaks on the rebreather system , and completely repainted the front chassis legs . Load of other work has been completed , and i'm busy finishing up , on the power steering system now . I found corrosion on three steel pipes there . I enjoy working on engines , but this job has become way bigger than i first imagined , rather like the proverbial can of worms . It started off as a new timing belt , and water pump replacement . Both ended up being completely rebuilt , with the only original parts of the cooling system being the cooling fans , and the engine itself , quite literally . The timing system is completely new , after i found the anti vibration damper seized , i didn't want to risk anything else failing . I've got a good engine in the van , it's got less than 50 grand on the clock , is pokey , and returns over 30 to the gallon , depending on terrain . I'm toying with replacing the inner wing with heavy plastic rivets , normally used to fix front bumpers . I've already replaced the rear mud flaps with new bespoke rally versions , using those same fixings .
Got several jobs on the go at present , with the rear motorcycle rack , steering , and electrical . I've removed stickers from the body , which ended up with some body paint work , but i can see the light at the end of the tunnel now . Just need it to cool down a bit , so i can finish the paint , ready to put the front end back together , when i finish the steering .
😅
You have been hard at work, Mickey 👍👍. What have you got? How old is it? How long have you had it?
@@HermanHitstheRoad Ermmm well , it's a Hymer 584 , based on a 2000 , 2.8idtd , Fiat 230 , l14 chassis . Two years newer than yours . Much of the work is down to poor , or a complete lack of maintenance , by the previous owner . He owned it from 2006 , when it was imported , to 2017 when i brought it . To be brutally honest , i'm basically removing bodge after bodge . It's taken over my leisure time , as i've been removing his work , and putting the van right . Very occasionally , i'm removing what i suspect , is Hymer's own build work , a good example of this was the d+ wire . Hymer had made a brutal connection onto that , which could have caused a complete failure , of the d+ signal . I'm returning the van , pretty much back to it's original condition , with a couple of custom modifications , but it really is getting outta hand . I've spent nigh on three and a half grand so far , spaced over the last three years . I started just after the first lockdown . Today , i've just replaced the sliding window , channel seal . It now glides closed , where before it could be a struggle , and if left for any length of time , could seize up completely . There's evidence the whole window has at some point being removed , not sure why , but i found one of the clamps , basically doing nothing . The trim is in need of some attention , and will receive that tomorrow , plus i broke a part that i need to repair . One of the dangers of working without a manual , and of course the job can take three times longer , as you have to work out how it's assembled , to be able to disassemble it . It is a challenge , but like i said , i can now see the light at the end of the tunnel .
Good video... very informative. You are as stated a genius! Well done
LOL 🤣😃 Thanks Happy Place Diaries.
Hello ads when you were adjusting the light you said your board was 5 metres away I think you may have meant 5 feet could be wrong but 16ft seems a long way hope your both well can't wait for the next video 😁
Thanks Andrew. I noticed this in the edit and corrected using a title in the screen. Did you see it?
Nice one Adz. Always good to watch.
Thanks Steve. Glad you enjoy the the videos 👍👍👍
This looks good!
Thanks Thomas 👍👍👍
@@HermanHitstheRoad
Have you got a motorbike?
Thanks for charing. Just what I needed. Cheers from Sweden.....;-)
Glad to you found it useful, EMG
Thanks for that a great video. I have a cracked lens there and was completely flummoxed as to how to get to it, you've helped a great deal. Do you know if the lense only is replaceable or do you have to buy the whole lamp assembly?
Oh by the way, following your video, I changed the drop down bed gas struts. You are correct -it's a pig of a job to get the new struts over the pin!
Glad to of help, Tim. I'd expect you'd need to buy the whole lamp but I could be wrong. At one point I did look for replacement lights but they are very expensive. Try calling/visiting a Hella supplier
Hi there, thanks for many interesting videos on Herman. We since last we have a b754 and for sure will make use of your content. A question, have you ever had to take the seal strip between back panel and roof (corner) out and had it resealed? I think in my case the strips is loose and wonder how to reseal properly….
Thanks @mjgdevos. I hope you find the videos useful.
I have taken the sealing strip out a little and resealed it. Some time in the future I'll redo the whole strip
Informative video, thanks. Did you consider fitting led`s whilst unit was out ?
Thanks cjmackie. No I didn't. I was just really interested in fixing the lights plus LEDs aren't exactly legal in these lights (No kite mark) but they would have passes the MOT though.
Don’t forget to block off the vacuum hose at the far end as it may cause problems.
Where do you mean, Richie? What problems? Do you mean where the pipe goes to the engine? Thanks 👍👍👍
@@HermanHitstheRoad I don’t know about Diesel engines but open vacuum pipes will suck in rubbish. Petrol engines causes real bad running issues with vacuum leaks. Sorry I didn’t mean to cause a questionable issue. Richie.
Hi guys i have the 1999 b654 Hymer and im wondering what bulbs are used in the headlights.
Thanks
Thanks for commenting, @JSWGardenServices. They are halogen bulbs but if you want the code then I can't help you at the moment, sorry
Hi,
I’ve the same issue with a Hymer 510 headlights, the vacuum levelling is not working. Do you have a part number for the Hella repair kit and where did you get it.
Regards
Peter
Hi Peter, there is a parts list in the video description
Hi team , I have a fiat ducato 1998 , could you tell me where the vacuum feed for the headlights comes from , is it a small pump or does it come from the engine ? Mine doesn't adjust at all , James Stewart X soldier UK
We never found it, James. Sorry.
@@HermanHitstheRoad that's fine, thanks anyway , James Stewart
An update - while the repair you did was necessary you lost the auto levelling function. My pivots were all good but the hydraulic levelling system was kaput. So I bought the headlight levelling kit to restore the auto levelling function. The kit is not too expensive @ €150 on eBay sent from Germany. I’m fitting it today.
www.ebay.ie/itm/Leuchtweitenregulierung-Hoehenverstellung-Fiat-Ducato-Typ-230-ab-Bj-94-/124153802431
Thanks Peter, we never used the auto leveling and I'd removed the knob in the dashboard and replaced it with a USB port anyway.
@@HermanHitstheRoad
Ah no bother yes but it’s rather important really and fitted to every car, Van lorry etc.
The Ducato levelling system is manual levelling not auto.
as you manually adjust the knob. Modern LED headlights have auto levelling.
When you add load to any vehicle, car van or commercial vehicle the light focus is altered. This is especially relevant in a Motorhome as the payload could be anything from 200 500kg, a motorcycle rack and bike, luggage etc. So the levelling needs adjustment as the lights will blind oncoming traffic.
The system is not connected to any vacuum system, it’s a Hydraulic sealed system, the unit in the dash is a manual pump, the two pipes carry the fluid to the actuators adjusting the beam.
If anyone wants direction on how to fit or where to get parts I’d be glad to help.
Thanks Peter 👍👍🚙
Good video as usual, Ads. It seem that in this kind of cases the basic semi-integrated Ducato is easier to take apart as everything in the front is attached with just a bolt or two. 🧐
Thanks for commenting, @ari.voutilainen
Is it not an MOT failure if they adjuster in cab doesn't work?
Thanks for your comment, Darragh. I removed adjuster and put a USB port in its place.
@@HermanHitstheRoad brilliant. Many thanks.
Poor Herman. How does the life of a motorhome correlate with that of a human being? Herman has started the time of implants, transplants, what next? I hope he won't get infected. Greetings from ....
Camp mal, he's like the six million dollar man - we can rebuild him👍🚐🚐
Where do i get that kit?
You can find the links in the video description
Hella light repair on gto
Thanks @blackhawk187det 👍👍
I have a Renault Master long wheelbase Motorcaravans I built myself registered with DVLA I haven’t got a name for my pain have you got any ideas 👍
I love a self build Terry. Do you have any photos?
As for names, the first one I thought of was Clarence which is Chas's dog. He can be a pain 😆😀👍
It was meant to be van i was half asleep 😂
I will get some sorted out for you photos of in and out