Autometer clock issue

[PaulW]

I have installed all of the Autometer Cobra series gauges (mechanical) and I have a small issue with the clock. It works just fine but it doesn't illuminate well with the dash lights. I have looked at it and the bulb is working just fine but it almost appears that the clock mechanism in the gauge itself is so large that it blocks out virtually all of the light from the bulb from reaching the face.

Has anyone else with these gauges experienced this issue?

Thanks

[Joe]

Do you have the older Autometer gauges that use an incandescent bulb that lights around the sides, or the newer through the dial lighting? If you have the older ones I found that I had C161's (2.7 watt / .19 AMP) bulbs in the small gauges. I changed to C168 (4.9 watt / .35 AMP) bulbs and that brightened things up considerably. I have had them in for several thousand miles and no harm has come to the gauges due to overheating.

I say slap a brighter bulb in that gauge and that will probably fix it for you.

[Ray]

Yeah, mine is the same way but it doesn't bother me enough to do anything about it. I have a gauge mounted in a pod below the dash and the next time I pull the dash I'm going to put in place of the clock.

Ray

[PaulW]

All of my other gauges appear to be through the dial as the numbers seem to be lit much more than reflective light would account for. This clock did not come with the original order as that was "misplaced" by the drop ship mail place I have in the US and so I ordered another clock from a different supplier. I did note that the box the clock came in was different than the other instrument boxes so maybe they sent an older version. I am going to call Autometer tomorrow as well as the clock supplier and see what they say. I will ask about going to a brighter bulb as well.

Thanks everyone.

[Bigtim01]

Mine is the same way. The only reason I have it is to fill the hole. When I am driving my car I don't care about time
Tim

[PaulW]

Okay, I still wasn't satisfied so I contacted Autometer and they were aware of the issue (funny it isn't mentioned in their product brochures). They state that they can modify the clock using a number of smaller incadescent bulbs and when complete it will light like the rest of the instruments. They will do the modification for free but I have to pay shipping to them. They will cover shipping back to me but I will be responsible for any customs and/or duty as I live in Canada. Now first off I don't see as how there would be customs and duty on a product I already own but who knows.

This clock has become a royal PITA. I am now into a lousy clock for close to $200 and still would need to fork out more for shipping to Illinois and possible other costs. I am tempted on one hand just to say the heck with it and order an oil temperature gauge instead....sigh

[Darren]

Very easily fixed with an oil temp gauge :) That is how I fixed mine.