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MG MG Y Type - Trafficator Problem

The left hand trafficator on my YB has always been a problem. When I bought the car the indicators were operated by a dash mounted switch. It didn't work that well. MG specialist, Richard Grey, wired the indicators back into the steering wheel boss. From then on the left hand trafficator will pop out, but more often than not, flop back in, and then pop out again.

Richard has tried changing the solenoid, didn't work, replacing the trafficator, didn't work and finally switching the right and left trafficators, the right, now on the left, worked perfectly before but now it flip flops in and out.

Not being mechanically minded, I have left it to Richard, but it struck me, as we were mulling over the problem, that as the indicators were previously on a rocker switch, could that have been installed to bypass this annoying problem? Richard thinks so.

We, well Richard actually, think we have found the cause of the problem. On the steering column are four terminals, the L/H trafficator, the horn, the R/H trafficator and an earth. Are the indicators wired into stators? And could the stator for the L/H be partly worn? Can the component that the wires are attached to, be readily dismantled? If all else fails, Richard can wire a TD switch, but it means a rocker switch on the dash. I would love to leave it as is.


R Taylor

There are two common problems with the slip ring gear.

1) The contacts have over time worn down the slip rings. Answer is to undo the three screws holding the outer part of the mechanism and move it through 120Degrees.

2) the vertical adjustment for the column is very fine. Undo the nut holding the column under the dash whilst the trafficater in question is engaged and move the whole column forward or backward ever so slightly. If the trafficator is performing correctly, tighten the nut holding the column and check the other functions (other trafficator and horn). This is very much a trial and error process.

Hope this helps.

Paul
P M Grafham

Thank you Paul, I've passed it onto Richard, I will let you know how he gets on.
Robert.
R Taylor

A friend in Nambour had a similar problem - his "fingers" inside the slip rings were worn down to about half their length and made intermittent contact with the outer ring of the slip ring.

I bought some 6mm wide brass strip from the local hobby shop, some small brass round headed screws from the hardware & repaired his short fingers.

The repair has lasted around 4 years so far, so appears to be a practical solution.

I soldered the rounded screw heads to the end of the fingers to act as contacts & soldered the long fingers to the worn short ones. Just a little tension is all that is required for constant contact. Apply some lubrication to slow the wear on the brass to brass contacts.

Cheers

Tony
The Classic Workshop
A L SLATTERY

Thanks Tony, I will pass that inspired idea onto Richard as well. Is there anywhere that I can find an 'exploded' view of all parts?
R Taylor

Thought you may like to see what Tony's refereeing to when he mentions "Fingers"

Mick.

Mick Smith

This is a photo of the inside looking at the rings that the fingers contact with.

Mick

Mick Smith

That is extremely helpful Mick, Richard, he who looks after the car, said to me that he was reluctant to open up to see if there was a problem of wear, in doing so it might create yet more problems.

Now I can print those pictures off and Richard will know in advance what to expect. Grateful thanks.
R Taylor

Also when we talk about SOLDERING - only use SILVER SOLDER, not LEAD SOLDER.

Lead solder is far to hard and abrasive and will destroy the brass rings in the outer cover. This is VERY important!

Paul
Paul Barrow

Paul, I shall pass on your helpful advice, thank you. I didn't know that there are two types {perhaps more} of solder.
R Taylor

This thread was discussed between 17/07/2019 and 21/07/2019

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