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MG MGA - IT'S ALIVE!!!! now the questions

I was able to get my new MGA started but had to bypass the key. There are some strange wires under the dash that I will have to track down. My first question (of many I'm sure) is can I charge the two six volt batteries that are in serial thus twelve volts with my twelve volt battery chatger?

Dave
david kirkpatrick

Yes. Connect one charger lead to the hot cable that runs forward under the chassis, and connect the other charger lead to the ground cable that is attached to the frame (same as you would do with a single 12-volt battery). Two 6's in series equals on 12. Do not connect either charger lead to the cross-over cable between the batteries (unless you have a 6-volt charger ans want to charge only one battery).
Barney Gaylord

I got the MGA started but the PO had a jumper between the fuses whether the key is on or off. Will not start without the jumper. The car does have a battery cut off switch. Any thoughts on how I might correct this? Also it looks like a major brake over haul as the rear wheel cylinders show signs of leakage and the front disk calipers are rusted. Based on ya’lls prior experience of a car that has set up a few years should I just replace the calipers with new ones? Will the master cylinder be rebuild able or should I just bite the bullet on a new one? The tires were horrible and I replaced them. I was going to use the best for a spare but Discount tires refused to put a tire made in 1994 on a wheel. I purchased Kuhmo tires for 4 X $50 and one free. $291.33 drive out for the 5 installed which I thought was a good deal. Also a question about the top. Does the entire top come off and does the frame fold into the car? Big difference between my TD and the MGA. Thanks in advance for any comments.
david kirkpatrick

David,

Hard to tell if the calipers need replacing just from the presence of rust. They can be removed fairly easily and wire-brushed clean, the discs themselves can be wire-brushed on the car. If you take the calipers off you can tell whether or not the pistons are free or stuck...if free there's probably no reason to replace the calipers. Just clean, check the pads, reinstall and bleed the brakes.

The rears are very simple to replace and they're inexpensive. Maybe be a hours work total including jacking and removing everything to get to them.

As for your wiring problems, start here: http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/electric/circ_a.htm and here: http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/electric/circ_i.htm



Gene Gillam

The top can be easily removed from the hood frame, or you can just remove the whole thing by taking out 6 machine screws - 3 on each side at the hood frame attachment points.

I would remove, clean and rebuild the M/C before getting a new one - new ones are $$$ and there are some repros out there that do not work well. AP Caparo is a reputable supplier for the M/C if you end up needing one.

Don't forget to pull the slave cylinders apart and clean them also. Flush all the brake lines and then refill the system with clean fluid.

I use DOT-5 on my car with no problems, but you'll hear zealots on both sides of that issue (the other side being Castrol DOT-3-LMA) - so it's really up to you what you want to use.

Good deal on the tires!

JIM in NH
AJ Mail

Look into the bore of the MC and if there is any pitting at all have the MC resleeved or replaced. Remember this car has a single reservoir hydrolic system so any serious leak will leave you with no brakes or clutch except for emergency brakes. I alway replace all the brake lines if the car has original brake lines as you never know the condition on the inside of the lines. Moss sells the entire system for about $100. Money well spent, don't short cut the braking system. Have a good day!
John Progess

When you are going over the brakes, yes flush the metal lines but just replace the flexible rubber ones no matter how they look. Rubber does not take well to time whether they are used or not.
Keith Lowman

This thread was discussed between 03/02/2013 and 06/02/2013

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