Paul902

Spot on! I did a little research and the original type from Sylvania, 6411, puts out 100 lumens at a primary temp of 2800 K. These LEDs state 7-8 lumens each, times 12, at 3000 to 3500 K. Roughly the same.

It is unclear exactly what LEDs these are, but they are not the latest tech. I have a tactical flashlight with a single LED from CREE that is putting out 230 lumens. There are even better ones out now. I did some looking and you can get a few festoons with Cree LEDs, but they are spendy...
JDM
SharpHID

I would be very interested in having this output power in my engine compartment. When they become more cheaply available to Canada I will try one out. The Cree LEDs in these are around 6000K, I believe, similar to my flashlight. On the blue end for cabin lights, but worth it for the extra light in the engine bay when you need it.

Paul902

...in the meantime, I noticed the engine compartment light would benefit from a cleaning. It has been at least 10 years, cause I have not done it before. It only takes a few minutes:

1. Pop lid.
2. Depress latch to shut light off.
3. Gently pry out fixture from left hand side tab.
4. Gently pull off electrical connectors.
5. Pull out bulb.
6. Scrub fixture with citrus cleaner and g/f's, err, old toothbrush.
7. Wipe bulb with cloth.
8. Reassemble.
9. Pull engine lid release to open latch.
10. Admire light.

Paul902

Before and after....

pp000830

Rennlisters,
Many have had good results with light emitting diode replacement bulbs.
I never cared for LED solutions because the standard bulbs last so long, the led lights can be expensive and using a LED light introduces a diode into the electrical system, a semiconductor that may limit current flow to a single direction with unknown implications for other functions of the electrical system.
Andy