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MG TD TF 1500 - Cuts Off

Need help with engine cutting off.
The engine cuts off as if you turned the ignition off. The engine will turn over, lights will come on, but will not start and the ignition warning light does not turn on when the key is in the on position. But I can tap the ammeter several times and the engine warning light comes on and the car will start. Can the ammeter have anything to do with the car cutting off? I have removed the wires to the ammeter and retightened. I read in another thread of connecting the two wires going to the ammeter together. Is this safe?
This problem happens several times a year, but I have had it happen three times in the last two weeks.
J.A. McWhirter

I'd start my investigations by loosening and re-tightening connections - every and all, starting with the battery, distributor, coil wires, etc. My guess is that tapping the ammeter is only co-incidental to the car's starting.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

"My guess is that tapping the ammeter is only co-incidental to the car's starting."

More than only coincidental, the ammeter in our TD had the single loop of heavy gauge wire in it come unsoldered at one end, causing it to intermittently open, disconnecting the ignition switch from the battery. Tom still has a good approach, clearing all of the easier to get at connections first, before removing and opening the ammeter. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Snug the nuts down on the ammeter for starters.
JIM NORTHRUP SR

Been doing a bunch of staring at the wiring diagram and can't find a way that a loose ammeter lead could cause a running engine to quit. However, a loose connection at terminal A1 of the voltage regulator could do it a flash. The loose ammeter lead could prevent an engine from starting. Bud
Bud Krueger

You should check out the ignition switch. there may be a bad contact inside, as the ammeter and the ignition switch are on the same panel tapping may cause the contact in the switch to close. next time you have the problem try tapping the switch instead to the ammeter.

John

J Scragg

I'll bet John's got it. A loose connection at the A terminal of the Ignition/Light switch would definitely cause those symptoms. It'sd the other end of the A1 terminal of the voltage regulator. Bud
Bud Krueger

This thread was discussed between 31/08/2013 and 01/09/2013

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