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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Mechanical tachometer

A question now for those with the Frogeye mechanical tach drive. What is the trick to getting the drive cable fitted, engaged both ends? Is there a sequence that works best?

Mine is now working, but I spent 45 minutes trying to get it engaged at all 3 connections before giving up. Went for a trip into town to get some black primer (they only do red or grey) and after a couple of miles the rev counter flicked into action. One of the squared cable ends must have self aligned and slotted in.
Perhaps that's the answer - fit the cable whilst the engine is running?
GuyW

How about slackening the fan belt and turning the dynamo by hand?
Dave O'Neill 2

Also worth checking that the square ends are free from burrs and have a slight chamfer to aid it sliding in.
Socket ends are burr free - maybe check with a mini square file.
Assume all cable lengths are correct ?
richard b

I could connect either of the cable ends into it's square socket, by rotating the cable to align it. But only one at a time and you can't see where the 'flats' are at the other end.
I like Dave's suggestion.
I just wondered if there's a magic sequence.
GuyW

I think it's just one of those things. One day it just plugs together, finding it's own way. Next day it argues, resists, goes off in a grump a just refuses. A bit like fitting an engine onto an in situ gearbox. Sometimes it just slots straight in. And on another day, probably when against the clock, it takes 20 minutes and requires added curses!
GuyW

Guy I must admit its never been a problem. I regularly remove the cable from the reduction box on the back of the dynamo so I can get to the distributor to remove the rotor arm to immobilise the car when parked etc. I just push the square end of the cable into the reduction box and its always been ok.
Bob Beaumont

This thread was discussed on 11/07/2025

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