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MG MGA - Dipstick Shorts the Ignition

My 1600 has a bent dipstick, which rotates pretty freely in the dipstick tube. When it gets too close to a spark plug wire connector it shorts out the plug and causes rough running. Is there a 'fix' for this problem? Thanks!
M Addy

Hi. I havent tried this, but you might want to try putting a slight bend in the dipstick, near the middle or top of the dipstick. This should provide a bit of friction inside the dipstick tube, and should prevent rotation. Cheers, Glenn
Glenn

Insulate the dipstick where it hits? A rubber tube, split lengthwise and glued, or even tape should do it. Shrink tubing?
Tom

Put a new grommet on the dipstick.

Derek Nicholson

Put in a straight dipstick from an early 1600? engine #9649 October of 59 went to the bent stick per Original MGA
gary starr

Alternatively, just straighten up the dipstick that you have, it will not affect the way it measures.
dominic clancy

Thanks for all your suggestions! Mike
M Addy

Maybe you need better plug wires? What is the dipstick shorting to? The plug wire should not allow a spark to jump to the dipstick!
Jeff Schlemmer

It's shorting to the side of the spark plug clip (the original 90 degree style clip made of hard plastic), where the clip slides over the tip of the spark plug. Both the clips and plug wires are new, original style. Maybe I'd be better off with modern wires with thick rubber boots and a 'push on' style distributor cap? Thanks! Mike
M Addy

Turns out the clip had a crack in its side. As did the adjacent clip. But the dip stick still could have shorted out on the metal portion of the clip (where it attaches to the plug tip...).
Mike Addy

Not quite sure what you've got there Mike. My plug clips are black plastic externally, with wire lengths arranged to run clear of everything.

Just had a look at my (1600) dipstick which has a 45 degree x 2-1/2" 'Z-bend' which brings the stick vertical and about in line with the central head bolt, that is between No. 2 & 3 plugs. A short is impossible.

The tube into which the dip stick drops is screwed into the crankcase and should be straight. They can get a bit bent sometimes. It has a slot in the top to enable it's removal & refitting.
HTH
Pete
Pete Tipping

This thread was discussed between 09/10/2006 and 20/10/2006

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