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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Dash bulbs identification

Hi,

Can someone please tell me which bulbs fit into the oil warning light and the updated slot-in type for the back of the speedo and rev counter please.

Thought I had ordered the right ones but think these are a little small! 🤦🏼

Thanks

James





James Paul

According to the midget Mk2 Driver's Handbook (did you not have your copy to hand) the panel and warning lights are BFS987 (same as later models). That becomes a list of bulb numbers and specs that might fit but if you go with GLB987 you'll find what you want.

The modern one I guess at a 297 (GLB297).

Lucas bulbs illustrated so LLB ***.






Nigel Atkins

Thanks for coming back Nigel.

On the warning lamp I can’t see how the panel lamp bulbs will fit the into the fitting. The glass is too wide and the tread seems too big to screw in as well.

I’ve ordered the other 297.

Thanks


James Paul

Uhmm, 281?

BFS281, GLB281, LLB281(?)

https://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/product/672/category/92

I'll look for the catalogue.
Nigel Atkins

Does this look nearer?



Nigel Atkins

Not at home to compare with mine but are you sure the bulb is supposed to fit inside the black tube? I thought the tube was just to direct the light, and the bulb fitted into a separate metal holder behind that?
GuyW

I thought I'd put the link but see I didn't, this is Warning Light Ignition Red - BCA4780, well at least the modern version. - https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-BCA4780



Nigel Atkins

Hi,

I think it is supposed to fit together. It certainly slides in perfectly.

There is no thread on the inside of the holder so I’d assume the bayonet would be the right type. Although had to see.

I’ll give it a go.

Thanks again!





James Paul

That looks like a socket for a capless bulb. IIRC new looms require that type of bulb. But then do I trust my memory?!
Paul Walbran

Can't tell with that photo the subject is too small and low res for my eyes, there looks like there might be parallel slots - but also possibly capless.

James can you take a close up photo of the bulb holder fitting in higher resolution to confirm.
Nigel Atkins

How’s that?
James Paul

Fine thanks. I think it's a match.



Nigel Atkins

James
I agree with Nigel, bayonet with small bulb to fit inside tube. I think one of mine is like that but not home right now. Moss should have one to verify fit if you're going into Bristol.
Bill Bretherton

Thanks again for all your help!
James Paul

Just realised (yes I am that slow) your dash is white/body coloured, looks so good. And so much easier than look at or for something black against a black background as happens with the later engines, especially when it's used and covering of dirt, sand, grit, dust and oil.

What colour interior?
Nigel Atkins

Hi Nigel,

Yes I decided to go for old English white. Interior will be black with white piping.

Will be buying a new steering wheel!

Fitted the dash this week and turned it over for the first time on Thursday.

Amazed to get everything working to be honest. Eventually got good oil pressure after priming the oil pump. Also have good spark on all plugs.

Thinking of trying to start it today for the first time.

Taken nine years to get to this point, but it is starting to finally come together.

The only thing not working properly is the dash indicator lights. Well they do work if I swap over the connections at the flasher unit. The rear indicator lights work when wired correctly. So I’m thinking the flasher unit might not be working properly. Have checked and cleaned the connections on the switch.

Thinking of buying a new one, unless anyone can suggest anything else.

New bulbs arrive next week, so thanks again for your help

🙂






James Paul

Looking really good James, nine years, mine took a similar amount of time.
Good luck with the starting.
Jeremy MkIII

James,
I had a reproduction wire spoke steering wheel in my Spridget and it really made the steering feel lovely especially with the 3.5" road wheels (4" in your case).

If it's an original metal flasher unit (with metal separate metal clip) don't change it, you've probably wired something wrong, check the wiring diagram in your Driver's Handbook. I've just given both away, if you need to buy a new one which would be very doubtful then don't bother with the rubbish original copies go for an electronic or relay type.

Black seats look good and show the muck less but when left in the sun they are very unforgiving on bare legs.

If you're stuck with the indicators after consulting the 'good book' then start a new thread as it's probably something simple to sort.

Nigel Atkins

Hi,

Bulbs have all turned up and are all working so thanks for your help.

Nigel I have triple checked and all is wired up correctly according to the manual. I also checked the voltage on the three terminals and there's 12v to the flasher unit and from the unit to the indicator switch, but not to the indicator bulbs. Getting a very low reading on that so I do think there's a problem with the flasher unit.

On a side note I got her started and running on Saturday! Have some tuning to do, but all seems to be looking good and no leaks, yet!

Thanks

James
James Paul

James,
fair enough, TBH I forgot you'd have a three terminal I was thinking of the rectangular two pin.

As good when the engine starts, well done.
Nigel Atkins

Good to get the engine running James! You could try connecting a 21W 12v bulb from flasher unit switch terminal to earth. It should flash quickly. If not, suspect the flasher unit.
Bill Bretherton

This thread was discussed between 08/09/2022 and 13/09/2022

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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