MGF headlights - lack of brightness, another fix - MG-Rover.org Forums

MGFmad · 22-12-2008, 19:47

I was not happy with my headlights last winter and fitted some superbright type bulbs to the dipped beams, this helped alot but as the dark nights have taken their toll this year, I find myself disappointed with them again.

I was starting to think that maybe the reflector paint was getting tarnished but by chance saw a photo of a new MGF light and noticed the dipped beam inner lense was clear - mine are 'cloudy'

I decided to remove the headlights and open them up to see both the lense and reflector, using this great guide by Rob Bell -
http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2...headlights.htm

My drivers side reflector is still as new, the passenger side perhaps slight tarnishing but both inner lenses had a film of dirt on the side facing the bulb, cleaning these has made a big difference to light output, the lenses are made of glass so are easy to clean. Below is a before and after photo - they are not easy to show in the photo but the top one has the dipped beam lense cleaned, the passenger one (still fitted in the car) has still to be cleaned.

The Jester · 22-12-2008, 19:52

top banana...but your bumpers still on.....im gonna read the link in your thread cos i thought bumper needed to come off to get lights out

MGFmad · 22-12-2008, 19:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by the jester

top banana...but your bumpers still on.....im gonna read the link in your thread cos i thought bumper needed to come off to get lights out

Spot the deliberate mistake

You are right, the bumper does have to come off, I had removed the bumper to do drivers side light first then fitted to bumper back on with a couple of screws as the car had to go back out of the garage overnight.

Photo was taken the next day when the car was driven back in but before the bumper was removed again.

The Jester · 22-12-2008, 19:58

still not read the link yet but glad i was right about something for a change lol

MGF HEAVEN · 22-12-2008, 20:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGFmad

I was not happy with my headlights last winter and fitted some superbright type bulbs to the dipped beams, this helped alot but as the dark nights have taken their toll this year, I find myself disappointed with them again.

I was starting to think that maybe the reflector paint was getting tarnished but by chance saw a photo of a new MGF light and noticed the dipped beam inner lense was clear - mine are 'cloudy'

I decided to remove the headlights and open them up to see both the lense and reflector, using this great guide by Rob Bell -
http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2...headlights.htm

My drivers side reflector is still as new, the passenger side perhaps slight tarnishing but both inner lenses had a film of dirt on the side facing the bulb, cleaning these has made a big difference to light output, the lenses are made of glass so are easy to clean. Below is a before and after photo - they are not easy to show in the photo but the top one has the dipped beam lense cleaned, the passenger one (still fitted in the car) has still to be cleaned.

Hi,
I thought when the inner lens became dull,it was due to the heat of the bulb discolouring the glass.
The difference looks impressive,I have a few to clean now.

Steve

Aiketgate · 22-12-2008, 20:25

Well done, mate.
I did wonder because my lens seem a bit cloudy too.
A big improvement, do you think?
Something else to add to the list.

HarryB · 22-12-2008, 20:31

So you just cleaned the glasswork? I take it not the reflector bowl inside the glass on dipped?

Tytalus · 22-12-2008, 20:40

Ah, something to do before I fit my new headlight on then! Great advice! I'd add to your rep, but it won't let me until I've spread the love!

CJJ · 22-12-2008, 20:42

Good to see someone actually fixing the problem rather than putting 6kW HID superblinder extremes in.

MGFmad · 22-12-2008, 20:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryB

So you just cleaned the glasswork? I take it not the reflector bowl inside the glass on dipped?

Yes just the glass, I didn't touch the reflector as its easy to damage the surface (dont ask how I know

)

MGFmad · 22-12-2008, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aiketgate

Well done, mate.
I did wonder because my lens seem a bit cloudy too.
A big improvement, do you think?
Something else to add to the list.

I was quite surprised at the improvement considering I only cleaned the lenses, worth doing.

Herbie · 22-12-2008, 21:11

Another another

fix can be found over on mgf.be

http://www.mgf-tf.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5793

MoonManMike · 22-12-2008, 21:15

You can actually get the light unit out without removing the bumper completely. I did this when I replaced one of Pingu's units (passenger side). You still need to undo the bolts at the top of the bumper, those around the wheel arch (including the one connected to the unit itself) and of course the one behind the indicator lamp on the side you are working on. It's quite possible without having to remove the whole bumper

Aiketgate · 22-12-2008, 21:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Herbie

Another another

fix can be found over on mgf.be

http://www.mgf-tf.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5793

Sorry Herbie, but that appears to be in a language that is not English! Therefore unintelligible to most, including me!!

David

Chris T · 22-12-2008, 21:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aiketgate

Sorry Herbie, but that appears to be in a language that is not English! Therefore unintelligible to most, including me!!

David

This may help http://translate.google.com/translat...istory_state0=

MGFmad · 22-12-2008, 21:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aiketgate

Sorry Herbie, but that appears to be in a language that is not English! Therefore unintelligible to most, including me!!

David

Hopefully this translation works, still not too sure of all the dialogue, even when its in English

http://translate.google.com/translat...istory_state0=

MGFmad · 22-12-2008, 21:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris T

This may help http://translate.google.com/translat...istory_state0=

Great minds think alike Chris - but you can type faster

Aiketgate · 22-12-2008, 23:35

Thanks for the translation links, I can't understand it in English now!!!

Broon · 23-12-2008, 01:02

Great post MGFMad.

I noticed whilst changing bulbs this week that my dipped lenses are starting to cloud (4 year old OEM Trophy lights). Obviously I have black general reflectors throughout the light unit so I cant clean them so would like to clean the glass and see if that helps before having to re-chrome the headlight reflector bowl

P.S. I wil be spending some of xmas in Ballingry. Probably not too far from yourself

Reaper · 23-12-2008, 02:54

You can see the difference in your pics quite well! I think many people will benifit from this.

22-12-2008, 19:52	#2
The Jester Rebel without a brain Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: bradford Car: Lucifer Posts: 2,987	top banana...but your bumpers still on.....im gonna read the link in your thread cos i thought bumper needed to come off to get lights out __________________ For sale: parachute. Only used once, never opened, small stain.....................

22-12-2008, 19:58	#4
The Jester Rebel without a brain Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: bradford Car: Lucifer Posts: 2,987	still not read the link yet but glad i was right about something for a change lol __________________ For sale: parachute. Only used once, never opened, small stain.....................

22-12-2008, 20:40	#8
Tytalus Here, Fatey Fatey Fatey.. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Colchester Car: MGF VVC & Prius T4 Posts: 723	Ah, something to do before I fit my new headlight on then! Great advice! I'd add to your rep, but it won't let me until I've spread the love! __________________ North Essex Rag Tops - www.nert.org.uk To quote Inspector Gently: "You can keep the MG, we wouldn't want you driving something sensible..."

22-12-2008, 20:42	#9
CJJ Mudslinger extraordinaire Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ashington, Northumberland Car: MGTF 160, Focus ST2, KTM 640, Kangoo Van Posts: 16,899	Good to see someone actually fixing the problem rather than putting 6kW HID superblinder extremes in. __________________ *I like reality, I've been there a few times, but I wouldn't want to live there.*

22-12-2008, 21:11	#12
Herbie Werder Supporter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bremen, Germany Car: MGF 1.8i & MGTF 1:18 Posts: 12,129	Another another fix can be found over on mgf.be http://www.mgf-tf.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5793 __________________ Stephan Hebert MGF 1.8i / 1998 MK 1 / HB-SH 718 / CAQ Daytona - 52mm TB - TF Steering Rack - Compliance Washers - Clear Indicators - Assorted Bling

22-12-2008, 20:31	#7
HarryB Supporter Join Date: Aug 2007 Car: MGF Posts: 2,482	So you just cleaned the glasswork? I take it not the reflector bowl inside the glass on dipped?

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