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MG MG Y Type - Push starter button

Y 5073 1950 Ex UMG 273, now OXS 428
Once again, the starter switch has jammed, and off the dashboard must come.
The original pull starter switch had always needed two hands to operate, otherwise the whole dashboard bows out so far as to alarm the less seasoned passenger.
So enough is enough. I have acquired a push starter button from a Riley RM, and require the appropriate solenoid starter switch.
Has anyone any experience of changing over to a push starter unit, that they would like to share with the world?
I attach a photo of the Riley RM wiring diagram (1950 2 1/2 litre).
The ignition warning light attachments differ, the Y starter switch attaches to the ammeter, not to A1 as on the RM.
I looked at the wiring at thought "crikey".
Which starter switch was used in the early Y types that had the original push started dimpled button? Is there a Morris equivalent? Would the Riley RM solenoid starter switch suffice?
Many thanks,
Andy Felthouse
A J R Felthouse

Hi
when i was working on my car i found this here

https://www.ebay.de/itm/294288268605?hash=item4484f29d3d:g:58UAAOSwIOBg-CVh


The start button had a rod in the back that went into the emergency stop switch.

simple and effective, easy to make yourself, and the best thing is that it works perfectly.
FT Franz

found a picture where you can see it
without the push rod

can make a new picture on sunday evening if you need it

FT Franz

hi Andy,
My YB has been with us since 1961 and the pull start has never been a problem, but then it has always been lubricated at regular intervals, have you tryed that?. If you disconnect the battery, slide a long lever behind the battery box and lever against the small round rod between the two terminals of the starter switch. If it moves in and out freely then the problem is with the starter pull. disconnect the starter pull by means of the small tubular joiner between the starter switch rod and the starter pull then remove starter pull . disassemble the pull lubricate reassemble and your problem is solved,easy job!!
John YB0362
JC Jebb

AJR - reference your need for two hands to prevent the dash from "bowing out" when you pull the starter, I wonder if you have too long a cable connecting the pull knob to the connector on the back side of the switch?

Personally when I pull mine (Y 5270) I put my knuckles against the dash and cup the pull knob between my index and middle finger to pull it towards me.

If the cable is too long, then there will need to be more PULL than necessary. If the cable is too short then there is the possibility that there will be tension and possibly arcing in the switch itself.

Hope that helps.

Paul
Paul Barrow

i would install a mechanical push button as i had written, with this kind no problems with dash and it works perfect and minimal cost
FT Franz

Can anybody explain exactly the process to lube the pull starter please.

Thanks
K Weeds

Hi all, I have my dash out, in fact completely dissembled. It's a YT though.
Do you want pics of the starter cable, and the back of the switch that sticks through the fire wall and the cable connector?

Would this help?
regards KGM
K G Mills

Hi All,
firstly, Tony S has written about the cable wire elsewhere.
Secondly, (Franz) the early offset battery box has a push switch I think, and later Y's , YT's and YB's had a cable pull switch.
The way I can see the dash bowing, is if the inner binds in its sheaf,
It may also be that the connector needs resetting.

I am sending 3 images that I think help. 1 The Switch in the engine bay, and 2 the bracket and connector on the operating rod where it sticks through the fire wall.
And in the next post the third image which is the starter pull cable itself. The cable is a single strand wire.
In pic 1, the fire wall is at the bottom, the back edge of the battery box is at the top. In 2, the black bracket (YT?) is the support for the cowl. The lower speckled bit is the patch panel around the steering column bracket. The brass bit with the two screws is the connector.
Watch this space for the next installment.





K G Mills

Hi again, and now I'll go away.
This is the cable I have. The inner will just pull out.

cheers KGM

K G Mills

This thread was discussed between 10/09/2021 and 16/09/2021

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