How To fix overhead salon lights on 400 DB

[NaughtyDog]

Well I'm in the process of switching over to LED bulbs for my overhead salon and galley lights on my 2001 400 DB. Due to the age of the boat and the brittleness of the light fixture from years of being over heated by those MEGA-HOT halogen bulbs, I keep breaking the small tabs that hold the springs on to keep the light flush with the ceiling. It seems that the PO had the same problem as almost every light seems to have at least one tab broken, and now I know why some of the lights never sat flush during my survey. I was getting quite frustrated

as I continued to damage almost every light I removed!!! Until I figured out I could repair all the light fixtures with a simple fix involving a half of a paper-clip...

 

[ZZ13]

Yes. That is what these do over time. The cylinder cracks causing the springs to slip out. I have several like that. Some of mine have multiple splits on them. I know of no fix other then apply good old human ingenuity to each one. Maybe an epoxy or solder might fill the cracks so the springs will stay in there. Another option is to remove the springs and wrap tape around the cylinder until it is just thick enough to go in the hole and stay in with friction.

 

[Greg]

Clever idea, I have a light that is hanging low, although I think the spring is missing.

 

[quality time]

I recently changed 25 bulbs to LED and also broke a couple clips. Still have another 11 to go so I might need to use this handy solution. The other thing I noticed is that the ones in the fiberglass liner (heads) held fine with just one clip so I swapped the broken ones there.

 

[ZZ13]

These springs are ultra strong. I can see where their mere force will split the housing over time. I have no idea why they were designed so strong.

I haven't tried the tape idea. I just made it up as I was typing. But if any of you find it works or another good fix for this problem please post it. I figure this is prevalent with all 400DBs.

 

[PMC]

Good idea, and I noticed the same cracks in the housing. I have a few with missing springs as well.....Anybody have a source or trick to re-build the spring? My duct tape trick is not sea worthy