CK35 H4 headlights to LEDs with cooling fans?

Lockport · Jun 8, 2017

I decided to go LEDs for H4 headlight bulb replacements and the ones I got actually have cooling fans built in the rear of them.

My concern is that now the rubber boot that protects the bulbs from moisture won't fit over them.

I could cut them but the fan end of my new bulbs will still be exposed. Anybody try a mod like this?

ritcheyvs · Jun 8, 2017

I think you need to leave the back end of those LEDs open. Presumably, the fan is there for a reason. But in my experience, light reflected from the loader and brush guard make the factory headlights almost worthless. Flat-black paint (on backside of loader and brush guard) may help but a better solution is to mount lights on the ROPS or canopy.

rockyridgefarm · Jun 8, 2017

I wouldn't bother with LEDs that rely on tiny fans. The fan will clog with dirt and overheat the LED. Those same fans die all the time in server rooms - I can't believe someone would design that setup for on the road, let alone off-road. I have found versions that use heatsinks and no moving parts.

Lockport · Jun 8, 2017

My ROPS, when raised, is about 2" higher than my garage so that's not an option.

I think if I cut them to wrap around the bulbs, the base will still allow air flow around the base and provide no less moisture resistance than without. I'll keep them snug with electricians tape. Better than not.

Lockport · Jun 8, 2017

rockyridgefarm said:
I wouldn't bother with LEDs that rely on tiny fans. The fan will clog with dirt and overheat the LED. Those same fans die all the time in server rooms - I can't believe someone would design that setup for on the road, let alone off-road. I have found versions that use heatsinks and no moving parts.

That's what I was thinking. I have little faith in these lasting any amount of time, hence my reluctance to cut the rubber boots. I've seen the ones with heatsink. They were actually more expensive. These do cast an impressive beam of light though.

xcgreene · Jun 14, 2017

Lockport said:
That's what I was thinking. I have little faith in these lasting any amount of time, hence my reluctance to cut the rubber boots. I've seen the ones with heatsink. They were actually more expensive. These do cast an impressive beam of light though.

I have to fold my ROPs down on occasion too, so this is what I came up with. Those brackets don't wobble/vibrate or anything either, been like that for 3 years now and no troubles.

They are bright too