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RickR
08-14-2002, 05:13 PM
Lately I've noticed my brake lights not being bright enough when the tail lights are on. In the past I've always used 1157 tail/brake lightbulbs (and 1194 side) in my Wesbar trailer lights.

The 1157s have a 3watt/tail and a 32watt/brake

I am switching to a Sylvania 2057 Long Life bulb which has a 2watt/tail and a 32watt brake.

Tidbart
08-14-2002, 09:08 PM
Sounds like voltage drop problem more than a bulb problem. You are replacing a 32 watt bulb with another 32 watt bulb. I would not expect any change in lumens.

Bob

MOP
08-14-2002, 09:33 PM
Have you checked your ground connections? Alot of the light sets today use one of the mounting bolts. They seem to go bad first.

McGary911
08-15-2002, 12:27 AM
Corrosion can cause a ton of resistance also. Make sure everything has a bit of dielectric grease on it. I live right on the ocean, and every crimp, and bulb on my car (and boat) gets a light coat. I've noticed that i have a lot fewer electrical gremlins since i've started this practice. Or you can always go to LEDs. Theyre bright, and almost indestructable.

RickR
08-15-2002, 10:57 AM
I guess I did not make myself clear. The DIFFERENCE in brightness between the tail light and brake light in the problem. The combination of the 1157 and the 1194 in the same sealed capsule cause the tail light to be TOO bright.

Grounds are good and all connections are redone with bare butt connectors and adhesive lined heat shrink :D

BTW Instead of replacing the $6.00 Wesbar capsules when a bulb goes bad I cut them open with a hacksaw replace the bulb and reseal with good electrical tape (3M 33+). Works like a champ and I can use Sylvania's long life bulbs. :D

Tidbart
08-15-2002, 07:55 PM
Nevermind