Gauge bulbs...I should have left things alone

[rcb280z]

Okay so today I decided to remove the three gauges from the center of the dash to replace the bulbs. Had the MSA 4w bulbs that are to long. I purchased those Eiko green certified bulbs some members have been talking about. They are also 4w but, they are no where close to the MSA 4w bulbs. They are definitely considerably dimmer than the other 2 gauges. Bummer.

Anyone experience the same thing?

[SteveJ]

Actually, I'm going to adapt my gauges to accept low profile wedge LED bulbs using these (10 Pcs Heavy Duty T10 168 194 2825 Wiring Harness Sockets Pre Wired | eBay) and these (Amazon.com: Jtech 10x T10 8-SMD Green LED Car Lights Bulb W5W, 147, 152, 158, 159, 161, 168, 184, 192, 193, 194 2825: Automotive).

Here's a picture of the test fitting on a spare speedometer I had lying around.

[rcb280z]

Steve, I found that the MSA 4w bulbs are pretty good compared to the Eiko bulbs. I am happy with them. So I just have to put them back in the three gauges. But, I am curious how yours turn out using the harnesses and led bulbs. The thing is, I just installed a dash cap and don't think I can pull the Tach and Speedo out anymore because you have to pull them out the front inside of the dash. The 3 center ones come out the back side making it easy.

[Zed Head]

I went out and compared Eiko to MSA and took the attached picture. Maybe you didn't get a good ground when you re-installed the gauges. Do those bulbs ground through the sides or do they have a dedicated wire? (I'll probably check myself right after I post this).

They have their own wire. Weird that you get lower illumination. Maybe they popped out of their locations when you reinstalled the gauges. It's happened to me. Good luck.

Eiko A72 on the right, MSA on the left.

Edited April 12, 2014 by Zed Head

[rcb280z]

Zed Head, first thing I checked was to be sure the sockets were still in place and they are. Hmmm, maybe its my eyes but the bulb on the left (MSA) looks to be brighter in your pic.

Im also thinking that maybe its due to the height difference. The MSA bulbs protrude further into the gauge than the Eiko's because they are longer, if that makes any sense.

[Zed Head]

Could be height on the two combined gauges - fuel/volt meter and oil/temperature. I noticed that the slot for the light to escape is tiny at the base of the tube the bulb sits in. The light path on the speedo and tach is different. It would be where the filament sits I would guess, and the MSA's sits higher. Still seems odd that you would get a big difference.

In person, both of the lights looked the same. Bummer. Good luck.

[rcb280z]

Then it is a height difference between the 2 bulbs. I know the MSA bulbs hit the "green dome" in all the gauges but Eiko A-72 does not. That is probably why the MSA ones seem brighter.