Mars Light FL-8

[southpaw]

Started today on a project. Have a FL-8, 6 volt. That is not an issue, I have a step down to run it. Does not rotate fully, but only in one direction, goes back to center then back in that same direction. So do not have the full "swivel" if you will..... I am guessing it is a dirty and/or lubrication issue. The screws that hold the motor in place are "frozen" so the liquid wrench et al is a work to free them up. Any idears on why it does not fully rotate so I know what to examine further as I get it disassembled? Thanks!

 

[southpaw]

Finally got the rear back plate and screws holding the motor loose. I used a new product today, since none of the others have worked, and within two hours it came a part. Anyways here is the innerds of an FL-8 after cleaning and such. The product I used to loosen the bolts/screws is called "Kano Kroil" in can form and "Kano Aero Kroil" in a spray formula. All I know is that it worked well. Even more amazing though are the mechanics and gearing of the FL-8 and the workings after they were cleaned up..

 

[Maxim2Eng]

You come up with some of the most amazing clean-up s#!+!!!

 

[southpaw]

Thank you Max! The things ya learn... I was working on the FL-8 yesterday cleaning the front out. The light has a serial number on the tag of 4218. When I took the bottom plate off, I found the housing was stamped 4218. Never knew Mars did that..

 

[southpaw]

Video of a FL-8 main gearing after removal and cleaning. This is the mechanism that makes the housing swing left and right, and the smaller gear with the brass clamps moving vertically attach to a shaft, (not shown) and that provides the movement for the pivoting on the reflector thus creating the figure 8 pattern. https://youtu.be/XMQfdoGpGxM

 

[southpaw]

And more cleaning...

 

[Maxim2Eng]

Video of a FL-8 main gearing after removal and cleaning. This is the mechanism that makes the housing swing left and right, and the smaller gear with the brass clamps moving vertically attach to a shaft, (not shown) and that provides the movement for the pivoting on the reflector thus creating the figure 8 pattern. https://youtu.be/XMQfdoGpGxM

Don’t know what you put in the video, but youtube says you gotta log in and be over 18 to view. Your description may have triggered the censors: “ gearing”, “swing left and right”, “vertically attach to a shaft”...

 

[southpaw]

My bad.. fixed that..Here it is again.. Thank you for letting me know, I tried the link below and it appears to be working..



https://youtu.be/XMQfdoGpGxM

 

[Maxim2Eng]

Rated G for Good. A lot of quality machine work went into these vintage lights!

 

[southpaw]

Rated G for Good. A lot of quality machine work went into these vintage lights!

Whew!! Thank you!

 

[Crownfire]

In my experience these are easy enough to take apart but very difficult to get back together.

 

[southpaw]

In my experience these are easy enough to take apart but very difficult to get back together.

The tabs holding the nut in place are proving to be annoying and uncooperative so far.. They need to be removed (bent back) so the movement can be adjusted correctly I believe..