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MG MG Y Type - Over-sensitive ammeter

Although my ammeter gauge was overhauled by a specialist last year, it frequently fluctuates so much that the needle often become stuck at 20+. To free it I lightly tap the dashboard below the gauge and it returns to normal for a few minutes, then it become unstable and off it goes again. Any suggestions as to what could be the problem?
L D Wallace

The ammeter?

Have you spoken to the folk who overhauled it last year? If they are worthy, they will ask you to drop it or the car back to them for rebalancing/checking. If at all possible I would take the whole car to them so they can see it live.

Paul
Paul Barrow

What causes teh fluctuation? If your regulator functions properly, it shouldn't fluctuate to wildly?
Willem van der Veer

Willem - doubt that would be temporarily influenced by tapping the glass and a temporary stabilization being seen. More likely to be internal to the guage I would have thought.

Paul
Paul Barrow

I have the same problem on the ammeter sticking at +20 on my YB - I also have to tap the ammeter to get the needle back . I suspect it is something to do with the regulator (which is overcharging?) but have yet to look into this. It occurs when I rev the car so presume it forces the needle too far or maybe the gauges fail in the same way. Be interested to hear how this thread develops.
David Mullen

Thanks guys. I plan to take it back to the gauge repairer next month but thought I would check on the combined wisdom of the Y owners first! I will let you know the outcome then. PS my car is Y4086, Leigh
L D Wallace

Good idea Leigh, maybe give the repairer a call first and see if he has any bright ideas/simple fix to try too.

Paul
Paul Barrow

This thread was discussed between 21/10/2008 and 22/10/2008

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