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MG TD TF 1500 - Fitting a Solenoid Starter Switch

I have spent a really frustrating day attempting to fit the knob/bowden cable to my TF's starter switch. The problem is ideally the cable exits the sloping firewall at 90degs and is at roughly the 2 O'Clock position. However the spigot on the starter switch is horizontal i.e. 3 O'Clock. Connect the two together and there is a sharp bend in the cable. Result is pull the starter and everything is fine. Release it and the starter keeps on turning - you have to manually push the knob in for the starter to stop. If I can find a suitable spring pull switch I will fit a solenoid.

Happy Christmas


Jan T
J Targosz

Have I been too conscientious in fitting a rubber grommet into the firewall hole that the starter pull cable fits through? Mine is a snug fit to the cable and directs it at the wrong angle. Should there be a grommet in this hole?

Jan T
J Targosz

I'm afraid I am still trying to digest your first message! The cable should be well lubricated (no need to dismantle; just run a bead of oil across the length of the coiled cable, and it will soak right in). The end comes straight out the firewall with no grommet, and connects straight onto the end of the link on the starter switch. It should be a straight run - if you put in a solenoid you also need a starter switch or button, and I guarantee it will look out of place on your car, to no advantage in starting.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

Hi Tom,


Thanks for the reply. I am pretty certain my problem is due to the grommet I have fitted in the firewall hole. It is a good fit in the hole and around the cable which means the cable pokes through at an angle of about 45 degs. To meet up with the horizontal shaft on the starter switch I have to put a sharp kink in the cable hence the stiffness. Without the grommet I think the cable would exit closer to the horizontal and thus have a straight run. If I can get out tomorrow after our Christmas lunch I will remove the grommet and see what happens.

Have a good Christmas

Jan
J Targosz

Do you have a photo?
Gene Gillam

Hi Gene,

Photo attached showing the grommet and the cable pointing up at an angle. I have now removed the grommet and the cable is horizontal and in a straight line to the switch.

Cheers


Jan T

J Targosz

I'm in the same situation Jan. You have to get rid of the grommet and allow the cable to be loose coming through the hole or you will never get the proper angle. Poor design, but we have to live with that. PJ
Paul S Jennings

Hi Paul,

The engineer's way is to extend the small bush on the bracket that the cable slips through so it protudes through the grommet, into the cockpit of the car. If you line this up with the switch plunger the cable then has a nice straight "pull".

Cheers

Jan
J Targosz

Interesting, I'll have to check that out. PJ
Paul S Jennings

It took me a minute to realize that you are talking about the ordinary pull switch. A pull switch is not a solenoid.

Anyway--the switch mounting bracket's mounting holes should be somewhat elongated. This allows the switch+mount assembly to be located so that the cable comes straight out, through the firewall hole. It wouldn't surprise me if aftermarket mounts do not have the elongated hole. If not, you may have to elongate them.

This is my TD, but I suspect the TF is the same.

I never installed a grommet. A grommet forces the cable to be perpendicular to the firewall, which is not what you want. There really is no need for one; the hole is small enough that there should be no appreciable air leakage through it. Given that this is a TF, any air leakage is a sneeze in a hurricane.

S Maas

This thread was discussed between 24/12/2014 and 28/12/2014

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