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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - MGA Wiper Motor

Is the MGA wiper motor more powerful than the TF motor, or basically the same? PJ
Paul Jennings

Paul.

I believe the TF used a Lucas CCR or CRT motor assembly.
I believe the MGA used a DR1 or DR2 assembly.

I have a section of a Lucas manual which gives information on these motors. I think its available at FTFU.
Attached is a paragraph which answers your question.

Jim B.

JA Benjamin

Paul the MGA wiper motor is more powerful, I have used one in my TF since the 1980's
Rod Brayshaw

The earlier cars were limited in the amount of accessories they could have installed, due to the current (amperage) the generator could produce. The TC managed only 11 amps, the TD's a bit more and so on, while even primitive alternators put out 50 amps. Volts x amps = watts. etc.

Certain spec sheets for electrical items on various MG models will reveal the current draw (amps) for the different model wiper motors. Generally with motors of a given voltage (12 Volt system) the "power" of the motor is directly related to the amperage draw.
S Cole

Very difficult to find useful information on current draw, which in any case varies according to load on the motor. I fitted a 14W wiper motor - not sure what the 14W stands for but all I know is that I managed to blow a 15Amp fuse instantly when there was too much friction in the wiper mechanism, that's a lot more power than 14W. Now I have sorted the friction it runs on 5amp, but I wouldn't want to use any less. Substituting an alternator for the dynamo makes a lot of sense though, if you have uprated various things (headlights, wiper motor, etc.). An alternator disguised as a dynamo does the job and looks the part.
Dave H
Dave Hill

The manual I mentioned has current draw.
"Lucas Overseas Technical Correspondence Course Section 8."

The draw on the CR -CRT motors 1.7t to 3 and 2.0 to 3.2 amps

On the DR1-DR2 Motors 2.4 to 3.5 and 2.5 to 3.0 amps.

Note that the MGA motor draws little more, if at all, amperage than the MF-TF.
Perhaps its a more efficient motor?

Als it was noted this is cold on a wet windscreen.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

Fair enough, but likely to be much higher on a dry screen - as when testing, so don't bank on a tiny fuse being good for permanent installation or it will let you down, or rely or the 35/17amp fuse in the std fuse block
Dave H
Dave Hill

Thanks guys, my question is answered. Lucas DR-1 seems to be the one with two speeds. PJ
Paul Jennings

Question, Is there a physical difference between the DR-1 and DR-2? How can you tell them apart? Was the two speed used only on certain years/ models? Going that route, I would only want a 2 speed motor. PJ
Paul Jennings

Confusing, One article I read says the DR-1 is the two speed, another article says the DR-2, which would make sense, but, which is the 2 speed?? PJ
Paul Jennings

Paul;

The manual I have states:
"There are two basic types, The DR1 which may be for either single or two speed working, and the DR2 single speed"

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

Great and thanks for that, but how do you tell one from the other when looking to purchase one? PJ
Paul Jennings

Paul
The MGA Guru website has quite a bit of info on MGA wiper motors. www.mgaguru.com
I've considered this mod also. Let us know how it goes if you do it.

Tom
'54 TF
T Norby

The DR!, the two speed would have 5 terminals?
2 for the rotor and 3 for the armature.
The DR2 needs only 4 or perhaps just 2.
My manual does not say how many the DR2 has.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

See http://www.ttalk.info/Lucas08_Wipers_Horns_Lighting.pdf and look at the wiring diagrams for DR1 and DR2. The DR2 just needs a simple single pole switch. The DR1 is normally operated thru an 8 terminal switch. Bud
Bud Krueger

Thanks Jim and Bud.
Bud, The link you gave is perfect and actually shows the physical difference. Thank you so much. PJ
Paul Jennings

I found and bought a DR-1 motor from a 60s MGA. Probably won't get it installed until next spring or later. PJ
Paul Jennings

Not this particular motor, but one like it. PJ


Paul Jennings

This thread was discussed between 23/12/2016 and 28/12/2016

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