ignition light filter issue in central instrument cluster

[rfritz]

on my '66 230SL, in the top right of the central instrument cluster, the indicator light for the ignition function lites, but the red filter which is supposed to cover the whole small window has moved downwards so that it now only coves half of that little window.  As a result, when I turn on the ignition, that little window is half red, and half white (since the ignition light bulb is white).
An annoyance factor, and something I would like to fix.  Has anyone opened this part of the central instrument to give advice on how to solve this?  I have had the instrument cluster out and have separated the front from the back (to put in LED lights - but not into the ignition light per advice on this forum - thanks!).  But where to go from there?
Thanks. Bob

[rwmastel]

Bob,

Welcome to the Group!  Nice first post, but you've posted your question under the sub forum "About this site: Questions and tips on how to use this website most effectively".  There is a sub forum for "Electrical and Instruments: Technical Section and how to on all matters electrical, and on instruments and dashboard".  I'll ask the moderator to move your post there.

[rfritz]

Apologies!  Thanks for getting it moved. Bob

[Leester]

If you know how to get the cluster out and have done so, that's the hard part. I think that with the bulb unit separated from the body, you should be able to grab the filter with a tweezers or similar and relocate it. If that doesn't work, I'm sure that red filter material is available (crafts store?, amazon?) and just cut a piece and install with a dab of adhesive.

[rfritz]

Thanks!  At the moment the cluster instrument is installed - I am waiting on a few parts before taking it out again (like the rubber underlay between instrument and dash that I did not know this car used until I saw it in a parts catalogue - after I put the instruments with the new LED lights back in).  Once that arrives in a few days I will go back at the ignition light filter issue and let you know how it goes. 

[Jonny B]

A word of caution on pulling out the center cluster. Be very careful with the temperature gauge. It is a closed system from the gauge to the block filled with gas. If you nick it or scar it - repair time.

The oil gauge is also a mechanical gauge, but not a closed system. There is a small tube that runs from the gauge to the block connection. If you fully pull out the cluster, which I believe you will need to do to fix the red light, then the oil line will need to be disconnected. AND reconnected!

[rfritz]

Instrument rubber rings arrived today, so I am back in the instrument cluster to install those, and to fix the ignition light filter.  Center cluster is removed - as far as the temp gauge cable allow.  Which is not far enough to get straight access to the ignition light shaft.  Attached a picture.  Seems to me that the temp gauge cable has to be disconnected, or extended/pulled through from the fire wall.  There are two small screws either side of where the cable connects to the housing.  But before I removed those (heeding the "closed system" warning!) I think I want to ask this group first.  Any thoughts?  Thanks.

[BobH]

Hello, you're right to ask before removing those screws, don't touch them.  The whole gauge needs to be removed otherwise, as you say the gas will escape

Have a look on here for instructions

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/Temperature