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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - How SHOULD the coil bracket bolt on

I've just been doing some engine bay tidying and took the coil bracket off and then putting it back on reminded me why I never take it off (this on a '63 car and I think it's the same on most of them, i.e. square section bracket just forward of the pedal box).

I eventually got mine back on with bolts up through the bracket (i.e. head down) and the nuts and washers on from the top and visible. Nuts at the top always looks messy but it's a better man than me (and I have small hands and fingers) that could hold the nuts in position (ideally with a spring washer) inside the bracket.

So, how should it be, am I missing some sort of captive fitting?

Cheers
Jeremy Cogman

:-) you just discovered one of the midget mysteries. They were assembled by ... Midgets:-)

I was there myself (63 also) and couldnt tighten them properly too.
Bas Timmermans

Jeremy there's a trick; if you modify the coil bracket by removing the bits marked in black, you can then fit the nuts, flat washers and bolts loose (head upwards) then slide the bracket into place.


David Smith

I opened the holes out then welded in 2 nuts, grinded the surface flat again,

works a treat - until I made a bracket to hang it off my alternator to tidy up that side of the bay
PeterJMoore

Jeremy,
I used a short length of about 1"x1/4" steel bar, drilled two holes to match the mounting bracket and tapped these. Slid the bar under the bracket, fitted one screw to hold it, mounted the coil to the other hole, removed the first screw and swivelled the coil round to fit the other screw. 15 minute job to make and can't be seen. Just remember to catch the bar if removing the coil later.
dennis
D Stanfield

David, Dennis and Peter, all very sensible solutions, many thanks for your advice, I shall undoubtedly implement one of those ideas.
Jeremy Cogman

Maybe dome nuts as simple alternative? Slightly less unsightly than normal nuts.
A Potter

I just struggled, but got there in the end. Can't remember quite how I did it though. It's an age thing.

Bernie.
b higginson

a touch of grease or silicone on your little finger to ensure your nut doesnt drop off whilst aligning the bolt

The new Lucas Sport coils bracket doesnt have holes, just slots, but in reality it doesnt make it any easier.

I had a flat plate of 16swg alloy bolted to the original mouting holes. This then allowed us to mount 2 coils. Due to the nature of a coil (being oil filled) when mounted at an angle, the part of the inners that is not submersed will be working harder than the rest and as such cause the coil to be intermittent. Hence having 2. It also helps when your Midget goes for a paddle at 2am on a night nav rally and swims out of its depth.

Mounting the coil on the alternator/dynamo as per the pic below, allows even oil distribution throughout the coil, and also prevents failure from water coming through the front of the car. Or so we hope anyway.




PeterJMoore

I do bolts up and don't like the appearance so will fiddle around one day and have bolts down.
Daniel Thirteen-Twelve

This thread was discussed between 08/08/2010 and 10/08/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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