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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - 76 wiring questions

More wiring "issues" with my 76 midget 1500. First off, I have this rogue single brown wire by where my fuse box is. It "looks" like it should go into the 2,4,6,8 side of the fuse box because it would be a tough stretch to get it to the other side of the box. See pic. Where does it go? Second, I have this fused brown wire (top of same pic) in the same place. Does it go to the fuel pump? The Haynes manual is helpful, but does not tell you all. That is why we depend on Y'all!! Thanks ....AL


AL MILLER

This should be correct for a '78, not sure about your "76...looks like creative wiring to me!


DL Rhine

Al,
Familiarize yourself with the Lucas colour scheme. It is likely the best part of Lucas electricals.
Solid brown always means un-fused un-switched power. Used for headlights, etc.
Solid white always means un-fused power switched by the ignition. Used for coil and fuel pump.
Solid purple means a brown that has run through a fuse. Dome light, horns, lighter.
Solid green means a white that has run through a fuse. Tachometer, brake lights, reverse lights, etc.
Stripes are generally added after a switch.
Lots more data at http://www.mgexperience.net/article/lucas-colours.html

In the picture of your fuse box above you can see where the brown comes in and purple comes out the other side of the fusebox. Likewise white comes in and exits as green. The red is for your running lights. The red with green stripe is coming from your headlight switch. It is really connected to both of the two fuses that come out as red wires. One fuse runs the front left and right rear lights, the other fuse covers the right front and left rear. The panel lights (gauges) come off the red/green wire before it gets to the fuses.

The in-line fuse is intended to cover the items that are supposed to turn on when your key is in the Acc position; radio, heater fan, windshield squirts, wipers.
David "hope this helps" Lieb
David Lieb

Dave, Thanks for sharing your great knowledge .....AL
AL MILLER

Al- According to my Bentley diagram, your fuse box is correct except that the red wire going to #1 should be red/green. Also, the brown wire- is it brown /purple? on the diagran, there is a wire that just terminates by the 4 wire junction.


Tim Michnay

>>> Second, I have this fused brown wire (top of same pic) in the same place. Does it go to the fuel pump? <<<

No, unless your car's been fitted with an aftermarket electric pump. The Midget 1500s were all fitted with a mechanical pump, mounted low on the LH side of the engine.

Cheers,

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Your fused "brown" wire (closer inspection will show it to be slate on one side of the fuse and slate/purple on the other) is the power feed to your AROV (anti-running on valve) which earths thru a slate /yellow wire at the small terminal on the oil pressure switch. A continuity test will confirm this.

As David suggests, familiarizing yourself with the basics of the Lucas color codes will simplify your life immensely. A copy of "The Complete Official MG Midget 1500: 1975-1979" is a good investment as well.

R
Richard 1500 5 speed

Small correction:

The leads at the AROV itself would have to be connected for the continuity test to confirm.

R
Richard 1500 5 speed

This thread was discussed between 21/09/2009 and 23/09/2009

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