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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Hmmm, A poser here!!!!

Hi

All

My 1500 midget hasn't been started since last year so today i put some petrol in (re-charged the battery for around 24hours and today i tried it.)
Once it had drawn the fuel through, the engine fired then stopped as soon as i let go of the key, a dozen times later, it was exactly the same result,eventually i kept hold of the key (in the starting position) and i could rev the car though it was a bit lumpy...
Again as soon as i let go of the key, it conked...

Has anyone had a similar problem???
i think it could be down to losing an earth (through corrosion??) but i don't know where all of the earthing points are (the manual will have to be found- not an easy job in my house!!!!!)

When the ignition is turned on, i noticed there was no ignition or oil lights until the key is turned to the start position...


Any thoughts anyone???


Regards, John...
j b biggs

Hi John thats an easy one

The 1500 midget with ballasted coil has 2 supplies to the coil.
One is from the starter solenoid and is energised when the key is turned to start the other is from the run side of the ignition, this is the one that powers the car when the key is released. You engine seems to be missing this power.
I will just check the diagrams to find out where this originates
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

thats nasty can't fnd my wiring diagrams.
So from memory a white wire leaves the ignition switch and has power on it when the key is in run. This connects to either a resistor wire or ballast resistor and changes to a light green and white when it connects to the coil. this is the one you need to sort out John
Unfortunately the wire from the starter solenoid is the same colour WHY?
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Right, both of those wires are white/green, and share a common terminal on the + side of the coil.

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

I had a similar problem last year, it turn out to be the key switch burning out.

I replaced the switch & relayed the ignition & headlights...too many things running directly off the key switch for my liking!

Maybe this will help you:


Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

Cheers lads


I'll roll her out of the garage tomorrow and have a look at the ignition/coil circuitry then....


Many thanks for the replies all!!!



Regards, John :-)
j b biggs

John,
I'm off work this week, and intend having a lazy day friday, where abouts in Sheffield/South Yorkshire are you? I'd be interested in popping over in my midget for a chinwag.
If you are interested please email me at stevedotlowissato2dotcodotuk ,change dots and at as per email adresses.
s lowiss

It sounds suspiciously like the ignition switch itself.
Dave O'Neill 2

AS a temporary solution, you can put a crock-clip on the battery +ve to coil +ve, and the car should start and run as long as ths wire is connected...

Care is needed if you drive, since the engine will still run when you turn the ign key to off/lock.

A
Anthony Cutler

Hi

It was indeed the ignition switch, i had a spare, fitted it and the old gal started at the flick of the key!!!

Thanks all for putting me straight on this issue...

I had a fall at work a couple of weeks ago and broke some ribs, it still hurts like hell!!, each time i bend to get down to the midget, it hurts twice as much so i think i'll leave her alone until i'm more fit...

She won't be on the road this year by the looks of it, i'm going to have to aim for next year!!

Steve- sorry mate, i didn't see your reply :-(
I've sent you an email!!


Cheers, John..
j b biggs

Good job!
Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

This thread was discussed between 03/06/2010 and 06/06/2010

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