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MG MGA - Coil Placement - Alternator Conversion

Hi All,

I am converting from a dynamo to an alternator as part of a supercharger installation. In the alternator instructions it suggests either drilling two holes in the inner wheel arch and putting the coil there or using the coil plate used on later A's.

I have one of the plates but when I positioned it on the engine mount (where it was with the dynamo) it foul's the alternator.

Has anyone had the same problem? More to the point, has anyone found a solution using the plate?

Thank you.

Roy.
R. Maher

Hi Roy,

When I added the alternator I just closed my eyes and drilled a second hole in the wheel arch. I used the existing hole for the heater inlet hose clamp as the second hole for the coil support. I suppose there goes my future concours win. But I guess the 5-speed and alternator took care of that already.

Dave
David Ahrendt

Rat's, I was really hoping not to have to drill... One other question and I know it's a silly one but here goes. Does the thin LT wire fron the distributor go on the - terminal of the coil?

Roy
R. Maher

Roy,

I believe it does but only if the car has been wired for negative ground. I'm at work and not near the car at the moment so someone else may want to confirm.

Dave
David Ahrendt

Thank you, I'm sure you are right. I took everything apart quite a long time ago now and the photo's I took are not that clear. The manual doesn't show + & - it has CB and SW.

Roy.
R. Maher

Roy

My car is negative earth and yes, that wire goes to the -ve terminal. The white cable running from the fuse block connects to the +ve terminal.

I'm even more non standard with my coil mounting to avoid the alternator. I have it mounted vertical and aft of the trunking clamp by a couple of inches such that the coil base is only just above the sloping chassis member. I drilled 2 holes! I never had any aspirations towards concours! I have to say that I like it in this position as all the coil connections are fully visible and easy to work on.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Roy

For CB/SW explanation see here:

http://www.britishmotoring.net/bm0404/techQA/tech.html

Scroll down to second question.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Sorry, I meant 3rd question.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Thank's Steve,

You wouldn't have a photo of your coil and it's placement would you? it look like I will have to choose where to put it and your installation sounds quite good.

Thank you.

Roy.
R. Maher

Roy,

I have a picture of my relocated coil when I (attempted) to install an alternator. Easy. No drilling, and looks fine. Drop me an e-mail off line and I'll send it to you.

As a side note, the 'new' alternator I used had a bad diode out of the box so I just rebuilt the generator and went on my way.
Tommy

Roy

I will sort out a photo this evening for you.

Steve
Steve Gyles

This thread was discussed between 13/07/2006 and 14/07/2006

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.