series3 headlight query

I have a petrol swb 79 series 3 and have an issue with the headlights. They were previously replaced with H4 units insteadof sealed beam units but they seem very dim and the blue mainbeam light on thedash is dim. When I put on the full beam they seem ok and the bluelight seems to brighten on the dash. Are the headlights just generally poor on series 3 or do I have a bigger issue? I have replaced the indicator stalk previously but no difference.
Any suggestions?

check all wires especially earths

Dr_evil said:

check all wires especially earths

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+1 with earths! I had the same problems when i changed mine and bad earth was the fault

It seems that you have a classic earth problem. Clean and ensure tightness of all earths, look at the earth connection in the centre of the rad panel where the lighting earths meet up. Also remove bulbs, clean and smear with a little vaseline on contact grease, in general make sure all contact points are clean and making good contact.
My series three got through two dip switches in about a year so now are wired through a relay to ease the load on the switch.

+1 for relays, both my main and dip are through / relays now with the headlight earths remade straight to battery...nice and bright

Thanks Gents, will go at the earth's tomorrow.

Could also be high resistance on your dash switch.

as already suggested, earths and relays for good lights

my personal recommendation is not to rely on the body panels for earthing but to add extra earth wires to the system and taking them back to a common point and then on down to the earth wire of the battery, i did this two years ago on my 109 when i built the harness and have had zero electrical problems since