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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - All my problems in one!

Okay, I'm getting frustrated! I can't seem to fix anything or don't have the skills or tools to do so! At the risk of some duplication of posts I'm throwing out all my problems to the forum and would be really grateful for any advise I can get..even if you've given it already! I need to look at all these issues together rathe than flicking to different posts all the time.

1. Type 9 gearbox ...I think! Oil leak from speedo cable connection..have ordered new seal...is it easy to fit?...do I have to drain oil from gearbox?... do I need any special tools?...seems a b***ch to get at...what's the best approach?...I've no car lift!

2. Tachometer RVC negative earth flies to 7 on scale when I turn the ignition!...Wasn't registering at all until I tapped glass...Have checked rear connection...connections seem okay!...checked coil negative side...one wire (white with black tracer) extra wire (white with black tracer not attached to anything....Should I replace unit?

3. No reversing lights...connection to gearbox seems okay although not sure if contact is being made when in reverse...not sure how circuit works...can't understand wiring diagrams!

Any assistance and guidance appreciated!
W Headon

1 - haven't got a clue - am beginning to lean towards sticking to the 4-speed with all the problems found on here with 5-speeds!

2 - sorry, not terribly clear - is it working AFTER you've tapped it?

3 - doesn't matter :) You don't need them - not even for an MOT, so, don't get hung up on it!

Loads better people will come along, but, at least I got one out of 3 right to your advantage!
rachmacb

we need more info on the tach...is it orginal or replacement, where you running 7xxx rpm when you tapped the glass.

could be just a bad ground for the reverse lights... but I agree with rach... reverse lights are a bottom end priority.

I love the 5 speeds, worth the effort... sorry no knowledge of the ford 9, but others will be by shortly to help

Prop...passing the wrench
Prop

Thanks for the replies...
I think the Rev counter is original. Was not registering at all at first..then on advise I decided to tap it with the engine running...counter wavered between about 3000rpm and 5000rpm and then jumped to 7000rpm and stayed there...switched off ignition and it returned to zero...now every time I switch on the ignition the needle jumps to 7000rpm and stays there until I swtch off ignition....have tried tapping glass again but no movement.
W Headon

OK
reversing lights!

should be a straight through from the switch, wire in wire out

but

the wires break off, known fault known cure

carefully trim away plastic from the wire ends and solder new connections in place...symptom? power in one side and bugger all out the other wire

Solder cures this one often, make a new connection. The switch sits atop the gearbox remote extension

5 speed!

Ford box is fine though some will say it needs a shorter first gear :-)

Mine suits me fine

But if you decide to fit a Ford box, overhaul it FIRST

oil seals, bearings and new gaskets. Prolly cost you an extra ton or so. WORTH EVERY PENNY, trust me, tee shirts for sale soon if enough demand

Rev counter!

most are forty years old by now and have almost invariably been used in a car that doesn/t run all day every day with its roof up

This is a fact of life

I found the the tacho in my car had rust build up around the pointer spindle which when "tapped" soundly cracked off the spindle

Many of these flakes fell across the circuit board, causing short circuits

Look for short lengths of needle sharp portions of rusty steel if you think you may have this problem
Tacho probes often really do rust and fail

HTH at least a bit for you
bill sdgpm

see my reply at MG Experience to take you through your reversing troubleshooting.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

Norm
Norm Kerr

Rev counter symprom is not uncommon, you'll need to take it in to an instrument repairer (well, that's what I do) or get an exchange unit.
Paul Walbran

This thread was discussed between 23/05/2010 and 24/05/2010

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