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MG TD TF 1500 - TF clock wiring

The clock in my TF had no wires to it, maybe because it was not going anyway I have overcome that but need to know where the Positive wire come from originally and is the earth fastened to any ground point under the dash.

Thanks
G Mills

George, I am in the same situation. I took my clock apart cleaned and lubed it with clock oil, then tested it on the bench to make sure it works, but I didn't hook it up when I put the dash in as I'm not sure where to get the power from, my new harness did not have a connection for it. I'm glad you brought this up as I could use an answer also. PJ
Paul161

Do you have a picture showing the back of the clock?
Bela

You want to take the power from a non keyed source. Opposite side to ground. I seem to remember using a jumper from the incoming power side of the ignition switch . It would be a good idea to put a very small amp fuse in between the two. I removed my connection as the clock didn't work. The guts were shot so it's now right twice a day. The clock on the car I'm working on now hasn't been tested yet but I doubt I will make a connection as reset stem is twisted off. So it to will be correct twice a day.
MG LaVerne

Ok thanks, I will just pick up a power source and run a wire to earth.


Regards
G Mills

It isn't shown on the wiring diagram which I thought was odd. I'd also heard a Furphy that the clock could run down the battery during periods when the car isn't being used. If so would it be worth putting a switch in the line? Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

I also have a clock that doesn't use any power & keeps perfect time twice a day. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

The problem with the clock is usually the points mechanism that wears out quickly. Get the repair kit from clocks4classics.com and it will be back in action again permanently. Its just an electronic fix for the points, with the other mechanical parts remaining. Take a look at the website, it explains all.
Dave H
Dave Hill

The clock should be wired to the live side on the ammeter. Tach should have earth.
Put 1 amp fuse in feed.
M Lees

Thanks Mike
G Mills

Reviving old thread.

I installed my battery and fired up the car. SWEET!!

Good news, all my dash, warning lights, horn, etc all work. The bad, my clock doesn't. I wasn't too pleased to say the least since I paid to have it restored!!

I had all my gauges including the clock sent to Nisonger Instruments for restoration. I called yesterday but the clock expert is out until Wednesday. Until then, I figured I would ask here.

I do have my clock wired correctly and I installed a 1 amp fuse. I have power and the fuse is good.

Can anyone explain to me how the spedo is grounded?

This will help me understand so I can trouble shoot.

Thanks,


Frank

TF1414
Frank Cronin

Did you try pushing the stem in and letting it pop back out? That starts them sometimes. George
George Butz III

Thanks George. I'll try that.

Frank Cronin

"Can anyone explain to me how the speedo is grounded? "
It needs to have a ground wire connected to the common ground point on the metal dash panel.

Fat white arrows show connections on Tach and Speedo.
Red arrows show ground connections on dash panel. There should be a wiring harness ground there also.

Jim B.


JA Benjamin

My TD came to me 45 years ago with no clock, just an empty hole. I fashioned a commonly available quartz watch with a suitable face to fit in the hole. Works fine and only needs a battery every year or so. Added bonus, a second hand.


John Quilter (TD8986)

Good job, More difficult on a TF as the clock face is integral with the Speedo.
Dave H
Dave Hill

Frank,

Congrats on the start up of TF1414 ! A big milestone.

Following on from George B., I also 'flick' the stem adjuster with my finger
when re starting my TFs clock. Works every time. However, I don't allow the clock to run all the time, only on Show days.

Cheers
Rob Grantham
Rob Grantham

Thanks for all the pictures and feedback everyone!

It was a big milestone for me Rob. Hearing the SU fuel pump ticking brought back some distant memories when I would take the TF out for a spin after school in my teens.

I will try the "flick of the stem" George and Rob recommended and I hope it works!

Frank

TF 1414
Frank Cronin

My clock works!!!

I called Nisonger this morning and spoke to the person who specializes on the clocks.

Here are the steps:

1. Press in the knob in the back of the clock all the way so the winding stem can engage the gears to change the hour and minute hands to update the time.

2. Set the current time and allow the knob / winding stem release all the way back.

3. Holding the wheel with your index and thumb, push in the knob just a little bit but don't engage the gears to upsetting the time. Carefully nudge the knob slightly up a little. By doing this, the winding stem makes contact so it can complete the ground. What exactly it touches inside the clock, I don't recall at this moment..... he told me what it was but I forgot what it was called!!

In any case, this has to be done every time if the battery is disconnected to restart the clock.

I will take your advice Rob and energize and set the time of the clock to work on car show days. Since I installed an in-line fuse, it's easy to disconnect power and turn back on.

Thanks again everyone!

Frank

TF 1414










Frank Cronin

Frank,

It looks like a 'flick' has been replaced by a 'nudge' to get the clock started !
(lol).

My clock on TF3719 has been going well since it was restored by John E Marks in UK some 17 years ago. He ran a brilliant Vintage instrument repair and restoration business . Of course I don't tempt fate and start it up again
only for shows using the same principles that you have outlined.

Cheers
Rob Grantham
TF3719("Aramis"),TF9177("Athos").
Rob Grantham

This thread was discussed between 18/03/2016 and 23/05/2019

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.