MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

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 - TD Starter Switch Adjusting

The starter switch began acting 'sticky'. It's been on Lazarus for at least 38 years. I bought a new one from LBCarCo. I had replaced the cable a few months back. Finding the right setting for the cable took a long time. As with the old one, the ignition spot is right at the maximum input of the shaft of the switch. Is that SOP? Anybody found a casual way to connect things up there? Lazarus is turning 75, I'm past 91.
Bud Krueger
Marietta, GA
Bud Krueger

What I do here is to put the cable system together.

Then with the coupling off I pull the wire through the cable out to where it would meet with the end of the starter switch rod. I pull the wire tight and mark where it meets the end of rod coming from the switch. I cut it about 1/8" short of this, soldering it first so the wire does not unravel. Also suggest you use bicycle cable cutters or equivalent, not just dykes.

Lastly I put the put the joiner on the cable and tighten screw. I then pull the joiner, and cable, tightly onto the switch shaft, then tighten the screw.

All of this should ensure you have all of the slack out of the cable and shorten distance needed to pull when you want to start the car.


Christopher Couper

Hi Chris, never thought of the bicycle cable cutters and solder. Getting rid of the slack that way should do the trick. Thanks, Bud.
Bud Krueger

I might add that the goal is to have the cable under a bit of tension, but not enough to cause the switch to engage. This way you pull the minimum amount when you do try to engage the starter switch. It may take a bit of experimenting. I am sure the factory and period repair folks had this down pat.
Christopher Couper

Bud Congratulations!!!

I have been reading your posts for many years now and find them very interesting, informative and illuminating.

Myself I am 75 and hope to be able to have your energy and wisdom some day also. My MG is but 2 years younger.

Thank you for sharing your experience via the posts.
Michael Balahutrak

Thanks Michael, it's keeping track of guys like Chris that keeps it going. I've ordered the cutters and now is the challenge of learning to solder the cable. No luck in past tries. Perhaps Chris will tell me about the tricks. Bud
Bud Krueger

Bud. Remember solder is your friend.
Christopher Couper

Chris, I couldn't guess at how many compatible electrical solder connections I've made in my life. And then there have been the #$%^ miserable mechanical wire ones that I've cussed at. I've tried all fluxes and pastes that exit. Not very friendly. Bud
Bud Krueger

Bud: I agree with you. Somehow I think I resorted to using a torch to heat up the wire and then pulled it away and used the residual heat to melt the solder. But don't quote me on that unless you try it and it's a success. :-)
Christopher Couper

Chris
That is how I have always done it - not only on TD but all my cables including bicycle.
Michael Balahutrak

This thread was discussed between 26/04/2026 and 30/05/2026

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG TD TF 1500 BBS now