MG-Cars.info

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

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 - Turn signals; how does the switch work?

I am working on a 1950 MGTD and the previous owner had installed turn signals. They were not working. It appears to be the standard unit. Probably Moss. I’ve repaired the turn signals. I do not have any instruction booklet for the turn signal unit.

I was a bit surprised to find that when I turned the switch for the turn signal under the dash one way, the lights flashed but did not stay on. I had to hold the switch in order for the lights to continue to flash. Same thing when I turn the switch in the other direction. The flashing seems correct. The proper lights go on and off. But I had expected the switch to keep the lights on for several seconds.

Can someone tell me if the switch is working properly now or not? I inspected the switch and didn’t see any time delay adjustment.
Milton Babirak

If you have the black barrel type of switch with a lever style handle, these operate on a vacuum principle. At the back center of the body, there is a screw under which is a small wad of cotton. Inside is a plunger to which there is a leather disc. It is likely that either the screw at the back is loose and allowing too much air to enter the chamber, or the leather disc has worn. Take the screw out and put a few drops of oil in there and replace the screw. Tighten the screw (not too much) and see if that doesn't lengthen the time it takes for the switch to turn off. If not, open the switch and clean out any old grease. Regrease with Vaseline, and try again.

If all this fails, a simple on-off-on toggle switch may be your next best option.
Lew Palmer

Or, remove the spring and make it a manual switch.

Fit a buzzer so you don’t forget to cancel.

Peter
P G Gilvarry

I tried oiling the opening under the screw with the cotton. It did slow it down but not enough.
I’ll disassemble the black cylinder and clean and lube it. Is there anything special I should know about disassembling the cylinder ? Thanks
Milton Babirak

Just be careful to note the order of assembly and don't lose the smaller parts.
Lew Palmer

TRY, youtube
"Lucas Electropneumatic Trafficator Timer Repair" for info
Ray TF2884
Ray Lee

The U Tube video was very helpful. Thanks for sharing it. I’ll try it this coming week and report back.
Milton Babirak

This might also help

Rod

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/electric/tssw_5.htm
Rod Jones

Rod, that was a terrific article on this subject. Even more detailed than the video. Thanks very much. I’m going to start working on this tonight. I’ll report back. Best.
Milton Babirak

Unlike most new car owners these days, I'm a believer in the proper use of turn signals. I never found the Pnuematic return to be particularly desirable as even with a long setting it would still time out at stop lights, stop signs and while making turns waiting for traffic to clear. You could reach over and keep turning it back on but since I grew up with a Sprite that came factory with a toggle switch for turn signals, I had no problem removing the return on mine and just using it manually. I did add in a beeper to remind me not be be a geezer going down the road with the flasher blinking away. Just my two cents.
L E D LaVerne

In the article Rod posted, the author suggested silicone grease; in the video, grease from a grease gun; and Lew suggested Vaseline. Any thoughts on the three choices?
Milton Babirak

Its, probably a moot point but I would go with the silicone grease, which is very slick and may help keep the leather soft with time.

It's all been done before and I trust their judgment.
Rod.
Rod Jones

Silicon grease is fine. It's just that Vaseline was my first thought.

Oh, and be very careful with the spring metal contacts. They are easily broken.
Lew Palmer

Gentlemen:
Thanks so much for your thoughtful and prompt help. It is much appreciated. I'll try working on this tonight.
Miton
Milton Babirak

Well, I worked on my turn signal switch tonight and it now seems to be working. It had virtually no grease in it whenI opened it. I adjusted the set screw so it would hold a vacuum for approximately one minute. I'll drive the car for a bit and see if I like one minute. If it is too long, I can shorten the period.
The repairs went smoothly and your instructions and comments were very helpful. Thanks again.
Milton
Milton Babirak

Silicon grease is fine. It's just that Vaseline was my first thought.
Lew Palmer

This thread was discussed between 17/05/2019 and 21/05/2019

MG TD TF 1500 index

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