On my 318 the headlights seem so poor when compared to the ones on my 140h3. The cover is sparkling clear and the bulbs are new and seem bright for 156 bulbs but when outside in the dark they do not seem to put out that much light. I contacted The Light Guy out of Wi and told him about it and he said that 1156 halogen is brighter but he thinks the heat they produce will distort the plastic lens. Does anyone have any suggestions. Also He thinks if I spent the money for good LEDS THAT I would be dissappointed in the small increase in light for the exppense.
Headlights on 318
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Somebody else just recently started a thread about this. I wouldn't mind upgrading mine either. I know that JDF just mounted some to the side panels of his 318, led type from Walmart. I guess my 318 will never be in any parades so that's a good option. I also saw some mounted to the brackets for the snowblower, another good idea.
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When I get to mine I intend to put six xpg LEDs (or more) and put about 2000-2200 lumens out the front....... Heat sink is my only design concern.
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LED 1156 replacements are a waste of money.
In order for an LED assembly to work, it will have to be custom made, reflector and heatsink to work properly.
You can upgrade the bulbs though, and there are 3 options...along with adding aluminum tape (painting silver helps, but not NEARLY as much as this) to the reflector area, because the reflector has as much to do with output as the bulb. Also, if you do the tape trick, make sure you precut the pieces, and do your best to get them as flat as possible when sticking them down.
Here is a link to a couple discussions...
http://www.wfmachines.com/discus/messages/335/92549.html
http://www.wfmachines.com/discus/messages/335/51520.html
Personally, I now run 3 796 (I think) halogen bulbs. The 35W version. The 1295s were a hair brighter, though I dont think you would notice the difference in a couple watts.
I did run 2 35W Halogens on the outside and 1 50W in the center, but didnt notice that much more output from it.
And Im trying to cut the load down as much as I can.
Just installed LED rear lights, and am attempting to come up with a somewhat simple LED front light upgrade...but I want a ton of spill in addition to some decent throw. Will probably be 5-6 LEDs, of the warm colored variety...but I need to track down reflectors or make my own (not going there!).
In order for an LED assembly to work, it will have to be custom made, reflector and heatsink to work properly.
You can upgrade the bulbs though, and there are 3 options...along with adding aluminum tape (painting silver helps, but not NEARLY as much as this) to the reflector area, because the reflector has as much to do with output as the bulb. Also, if you do the tape trick, make sure you precut the pieces, and do your best to get them as flat as possible when sticking them down.
Here is a link to a couple discussions...
http://www.wfmachines.com/discus/messages/335/92549.html
http://www.wfmachines.com/discus/messages/335/51520.html
Personally, I now run 3 796 (I think) halogen bulbs. The 35W version. The 1295s were a hair brighter, though I dont think you would notice the difference in a couple watts.
I did run 2 35W Halogens on the outside and 1 50W in the center, but didnt notice that much more output from it.
And Im trying to cut the load down as much as I can.
Just installed LED rear lights, and am attempting to come up with a somewhat simple LED front light upgrade...but I want a ton of spill in addition to some decent throw. Will probably be 5-6 LEDs, of the warm colored variety...but I need to track down reflectors or make my own (not going there!).
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Roger,
I tried to send you an e-mail but got somebody else instead. Send me one to [email protected]
I tried to send you an e-mail but got somebody else instead. Send me one to [email protected]
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Jim made a key point when he said, "In order for an LED assembly to work, it will have to be custom made, reflector and heat sink to work properly. " I'd like to elaborate on this because I see LEDs misrepresented so often.
While incandescent lights radiate heat, LEDs must have the heat conducted away. This is why many replacement bulbs made with LEDs are unimpressively dim. Combine that with a cool (blue) light and hot spots, and it makes for crappy lighting. There simply is not a good conduction path in standard light fixtures to allow for LEDs to work well. The really nice LED lights, that look as good as incandescent bulbs and use 1/3 the power, will have large heat sinks, proper light diffusion, and the proper color. LED lights can be more efficient, longer lasting, and super bright, but most of them aren't. The ones that are, aren't cheap (for now). The efficiency depends on the driving circuit too, so some LED lights may not save as much power as others for a given number of lumens.
While incandescent lights radiate heat, LEDs must have the heat conducted away. This is why many replacement bulbs made with LEDs are unimpressively dim. Combine that with a cool (blue) light and hot spots, and it makes for crappy lighting. There simply is not a good conduction path in standard light fixtures to allow for LEDs to work well. The really nice LED lights, that look as good as incandescent bulbs and use 1/3 the power, will have large heat sinks, proper light diffusion, and the proper color. LED lights can be more efficient, longer lasting, and super bright, but most of them aren't. The ones that are, aren't cheap (for now). The efficiency depends on the driving circuit too, so some LED lights may not save as much power as others for a given number of lumens.
I have found that a fresh coat of Chrome paint in the reflector recesses,new bulbs and a clean polished headlight lens that is installed with the proper side up (I found that there is a proper orientation quite by accident)works pretty well.Not as bright as new style lights but less heat and amp draw . Good luck
Hey guys after reading several older threads on this subject I ordered new 1295s from www.topbulb.com on the phone this morning and they were only 1.39 each with no min. to buy and shipping was 6.00 us mail. Also they said they would go out immediately.
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Roger, thats where mine came from...they worked well.
When I get a bit of time, I might try to see again if I can tell a difference betweem them and the 796 35W Halogens. The 1295s are 37.5W if I remember correctly...so a total of 7.5W more than the halogens. Not sure anyone would notice, but my though was since the reflector was designed with that type bulb/filament arrangement, it might work better.
When I get a bit of time, I might try to see again if I can tell a difference betweem them and the 796 35W Halogens. The 1295s are 37.5W if I remember correctly...so a total of 7.5W more than the halogens. Not sure anyone would notice, but my though was since the reflector was designed with that type bulb/filament arrangement, it might work better.
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