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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Heater switch-cable mod.

I don't know if anybody else has a problem with that stupid solid cable which runs from the switch to the heater flap, but it was driving me mad, sticking, moving the switch body and generally unpleasant to use.
After close examination of the cable fitting to the switch I realised that the cable can be removed quite easily. I could see no really good reason to use a solid cable inner so I removed the offending wire and replace it with a bowden inner.

I silver soldered the ends of the cable and at the switch end left a lump of silve solder which I shaped to fit in the switch retainer. Fitted it and the difference is chalk and cheese. The flap can now be opened & closed very easily and the switch operated without the whole damn thing rotating in the dash.

I would guess that a solid inner was fitted because a bowden cable isn't designed to work under compression, but there is so little resistance from the flap that I don't think it will be an issue. Even if it was, I'd rather make a new cable every year than put up with that grotty, stiff inner!
Graham P

good call graham....thanks for the tip off

prop
Prop

You are right Graham, it is a lousy bit of kit. I took mine out completely, and as I only open/close the flap twice a year, I do it under the bonnet. I modified an old accelerator inner & outer cable, cutting it down to about 3 inches, and clamped it in place using the existing bracket. So now I just slide the inner cable to open and close. Prior to that, I moved the flap handle by hand, but the trouble was that wind movement either opened the flap or closed it. My little adaptation hold the flap in place ok. For what it is worth, the fan for the heater is now on a separate switch (although never used as I can blow better than the fan)- No rude comments please.
Geoff Mears (1970 Midget)

Mines fine!
Jeremy Cogman

Mine gets permanently stuck in one position or another until I force it. Good ol' midgets.
Rich Amos (1330cc Blaze Red '72)

I agree that the standard switch is rubbish. Its main purpose seems to be falling apart at inopportune moments and blowing the fuse to the brake lights and the indicators (happened to me going round the one way system next to the local police station of all times).
Steve

echo Jeremy

mine's fine!

But the hard wire cables can be a pain

Your mod sounds like a "proper job" Graham
Bill

If I wire my heater up the opposite way, will it keep the cabin cool in summer?
Shawn

Only if you aid a heat pump and a few other O's & S's, just a week ends work :) Let us know how you get on.
Graham P

I'm free this weekend if you want to come over and help Graham.
Shawn

This thread was discussed between 18/08/2008 and 21/08/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.