Replace burned out gauge bulbs

PartyMaster

New Member
Jul 9, 2013
14
Lake Chatuge, Hiawassee GA
Boat Info
1990 210 BR
Engines
5.7 Mercruiser Alpha Bravo
Just bought a 1990 210 BR and had it out for July 4th fireworks .. of the 7 gauges 3 have burned out bulbs. Have searched the Club Sea Ray archives and the Sea Ray parts catalog for information about these bulbs - type and how to replace - but haven't found anything.

From looking at the back of the gauges it looks like there is a black knob that your would turn, pull out and replace the bulb.

Is that correct and if so what's the type and part number of the bulb?
 
I've never had to sort out light bulbs in my sport boat (yet). But, I'd hazard a guess on your 1990 that it is a lot like switching out the bulbs in an old car. Half the time the biggest problem getting to the bulb. But, once you do, pull the bulb out, and check for a part number on the bulb. If the number is worn away on one bulb, check the others. If still no numbers, take the old bulb to your auto parts store, and start the hunt. Hint, once you find a bulb you like in terms of appearance in operation, switch out all the remaining bulbs for a more even appearance and head off the remaining three that will likely go out soon. Having properly matched parking lights, etc., on my old cars always gave them a nice clean appearance, and I didn't have to deal with bulb changing very often. If the bulbs are all one size, switch a good bulb for a bad one to see if the real issue isn't corroded contacts or bad connections before you start worrying just about bulbs.
 
Thanks Dave. Actually I just happened to be going by the local Sea Ray dealer late yesterday and stopped to see what they had to say. The guy behind the countner was very knowledgeable and knew exactly what I was talking about. Pulled out a big catalog and sure enough found what is known as a light "kit" for the gauges from Teleflex - $7 each. The "kit" is the bulb and the socket together. I ordered 4 of them but when I got home I found them here as well for just $4 http://www.boatersland.com/tel-ia62995.html?gclid=CJjWzMX6pLgCFVNo7Aod53wANg . When I pull the old ones out I imagine that I'll find out if the bulb will separate from the socket or not and if so will post the part number for the bulb.
 
Hmmm, if the bulb can be seperated I wonder if there is an LED equivalent

Yes there is! I just ordered all blue LED's from superbright. Just emailed them the bulb number and they did the rest. It looks saweet too. I'd post a pic but i'm at work.
 
Yes there is! I just ordered all blue LED's from superbright. Just emailed them the bulb number and they did the rest. It looks saweet too. I'd post a pic but i'm at work.

I'll second that thought. I just replaced all my dash light bulbs with SuperBright LEDs and they are fantastic! They'll also sell you the sockets that the bulbs go into. Twice the light and none of the heat. From the looks durability will be off the charts as well. And the expense is not much more than standard bulbs.

Check out:
https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...bulb-5-smd-led-wide-angle-wedge-base/206/919/

https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...94t3-14-twist-lock-wedge-base-socket/704/962/

Gene
 
Quick update: New Teleflex bulbs arrived Friday and I went to install them over the weekend. It was a bit tricky getting the old bulb holders out due to the tight quarters and having been in there for 23 years. Pull out the first one and upon examination don't see any broken filament in the bulb... mmm. Also see that the bulb is green, not clear like the new ones I bought... not good, my gauges will be different. Noticed while messing about to remove other bulbs that the giggling caused them to come on.. mmm. Long story short... none of the 4 bulbs I thought were burned out were actually burned out... just loose wires. Time to return $28 of clear bulbs back to the Sea Ray dealer. Not to self: giggle wires first.
 
I'll second that thought. I just replaced all my dash light bulbs with SuperBright LEDs and they are fantastic! They'll also sell you the sockets that the bulbs go into. Twice the light and none of the heat. From the looks durability will be off the charts as well. And the expense is not much more than standard bulbs.

Check out:
https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...bulb-5-smd-led-wide-angle-wedge-base/206/919/

https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...94t3-14-twist-lock-wedge-base-socket/704/962/

Gene

Woah, just checked out the "Super Bright" site but can't figure out what to order to replace all my dash lights. There's beam angles, intensity, and brightness to consider. How do you know which ones ya need?
 
Do the LED's work on a dimmer?

MM
Yes they work with the dimmer. Amazing. You do need to compare the socket on the type of bulb you currently have to a comparable socket on the LEDs. Since there's no heat, jsut brightness, my philosophy is to get the brightess bulb that fit. I take some pics this weekend and so you what a difference it makes.

Gene
 
Yes they work with the dimmer. Amazing. You do need to compare the socket on the type of bulb you currently have to a comparable socket on the LEDs. Since there's no heat, jsut brightness, my philosophy is to get the brightess bulb that fit. I take some pics this weekend and so you what a difference it makes.

Gene

Great and thanks.

MM
 
Quick update: New Teleflex bulbs arrived Friday and I went to install them over the weekend. It was a bit tricky getting the old bulb holders out due to the tight quarters and having been in there for 23 years. Pull out the first one and upon examination don't see any broken filament in the bulb... mmm. Also see that the bulb is green, not clear like the new ones I bought... not good, my gauges will be different. Noticed while messing about to remove other bulbs that the giggling caused them to come on.. mmm. Long story short... none of the 4 bulbs I thought were burned out were actually burned out... just loose wires. Time to return $28 of clear bulbs back to the Sea Ray dealer. Not to self: giggle wires first.

Does anyone know where to get orange or red colored gauge bulbs like this?

http://www.boatersland.com/tel-ia62995.html?gclid=CJjWzMX6pLgCFVNo7Aod53wANg
 
I'll second that thought. I just replaced all my dash light bulbs with SuperBright LEDs and they are fantastic! They'll also sell you the sockets that the bulbs go into. Twice the light and none of the heat. From the looks durability will be off the charts as well. And the expense is not much more than standard bulbs.

Check out:
https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...bulb-5-smd-led-wide-angle-wedge-base/206/919/

https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...94t3-14-twist-lock-wedge-base-socket/704/962/

Gene
I have a 2000 340 Sundancer will these work as well on my boat? FYI The links you provided?
 
I'll second that thought. I just replaced all my dash light bulbs with SuperBright LEDs and they are fantastic! They'll also sell you the sockets that the bulbs go into. Twice the light and none of the heat. From the looks durability will be off the charts as well. And the expense is not much more than standard bulbs.

Check out:
https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...bulb-5-smd-led-wide-angle-wedge-base/206/919/

https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...94t3-14-twist-lock-wedge-base-socket/704/962/

Gene

I am going to get these.

MM
 

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