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Sorting out misting dials
BenB - 28/3/07 at 02:19 PM

Okay... time to sort out the dials...
Yesterday it was getting plain silly. At some points I could hardly see the indicator on the temperature and fuel 50mm dials. The tacho and speedo didn't mist (? cos they're bigger) but they went slightly watery on the inside- very strange....

So I understand I need to cut a hole somewhere in the dial to let the steam out. [rant] Why don't they have vents as standard?? [/rant] Does it matter where the holes are? I wonder about drilling some in the back plate (I can remove the back plate fully to make sure the drilling isn't going to damage anything internal). I know otherwise you can (using a hacksaw blade) carefully cut a slot nearer the dial but I'm a bit wary of doing that. I opened up one of those dials before and I know how close the PCBs are to the walls of the dial housing....

I know I could just drive all the time with the lights on.....

What has anyone else done? I'm assuming of course that with regular use the internal moisture doesn't simply evaporate off....


Mr Whippy - 28/3/07 at 03:00 PM

Are you sure that’s not condensation forming inside from the cold glass? Usually the cause in an open top. Clear plastic film over the class will help keep the heat in, run it with the lights on for a while to dry the air inside as well.

[Edited on 28/3/07 by Mr Whippy]


BenB - 28/3/07 at 03:08 PM

Yes, that's what I meant- its on the inside of the glass... Might give the plastic a try...


whitestu - 28/3/07 at 03:28 PM

Hi

On a different topic, from your pics it looks as though you have a full screen, but no wipers.

Is this a problem for the MOT?

Thanks

Stu


BenB - 28/3/07 at 03:55 PM

I've got wipers!! I'll post a close-up.....


BenB - 28/3/07 at 04:03 PM

wipers close up
wipers close up


02GF74 - 28/3/07 at 04:22 PM

I had that happen - driving in drizzle with the light on - the bulb must have cuase the water to evaporate and then condense on the glass.

I reckon parking it in the sunshine will cure that.

In theory they should be pretty air tight.


Peteff - 28/3/07 at 06:14 PM

Use the hairdryer to warm the glass to get rid of it. Can you take the bulb out while you do it to let the damp air out?


David Jenkins - 28/3/07 at 06:49 PM

This happens to my CA gauges when I drive at night/evening.

I used to worry about it, now I don't...