MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - TF dash headlight switch

Since I have the instruments out for refurbishment and now plenty of access to the underside of the dash, I have a new headlight switch I bought a while back that I wanted to replace the older one with. I have a couple questions. There is a setscrew on the body of the switch. Currently it sits flush with the body. It's adjustable, but not sure exactly what it's function is. I screwed it in further and then out past flush. I did not really see or feel any difference when pulling out and pushing in the shaft. Is that its function?

The switch slide action is a bit stiff. I gather that may be because it's new? Can it be lubricated to work smoother? If so, any recommended lubricate?

Jim

Jim Rice

The screw adjusts the detent spring that positions the plunger, the spring cup tends to stick in the new switches. Screw it back in,then 1 turn back the switch will loosen up with use.
Is the old switch faulty?, if so it is an easy fix, dismantle taking careful note which way round the moving contact block goes. clean the contact blades and bend them more into the centre and you have a switch that will last another 70 years.
Just done mine as I am too mean to spend money :-)
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Dielectric grease, use sparingly. I use a small artist's brush to apply, and keep it off the contacts. PJ


PJ Jennings

Might anyone have an old original Light switch they could part with? Not having any luck with the repros. The contact points are intermittent. In order to keep contact, I have to twist the knob to the left at the 1st position, and again when in the 2nd position with the headlights on. Observing the back of the switch....the plunger moves around quite a bit. The intermittent affects the running lights. I've had the same experience now with 2 repros. The Panel switch (also two position) is the original. It works flawlessly, and I believe it is the same as the Light switch.

Jim
Jim Rice

I did find an original...circa 1953. Short of taking it apart, would using a spray type contact cleaner to remove any dust/dirt build-up in the contact areas work? PJ...I have dielectric grease, but how did you apply it around the plunger? Did you also put some down the hole for the detent ball and spring?

Jim Rice

Yes Jim I did and wiped a very small amount on the shaft also. It doesn't need much, just enough to make the shaft shiny. No one told me how to lube it I just thought, other than the contacts, if it moves, lube it. Been there for 6 years and still works smoothly. PJ
PJ Jennings

Thanks PJ. A couple interesting articles on the switches. Articles are related to the MGA, but are the same switches used on the TF's.

https://mgaguru.com/mgtech/electric/et117.htm

https://mgaguru.com/mgtech/electric/et116a.htm
Jim Rice

Hi, I have a number of these TF headlight switches for sale. Original Lucas.
Hugh Pite jenntoo@shaw.ca
H.D. Pite

Hi Hugh:

Look in your inbox. I sent you an e-mail this past Tuesday inquiring about the switch as I gather you have a pretty extensive collection of parts!

Thanks!

Jim
Jim Rice

This thread was discussed between 10/07/2022 and 28/07/2022

MG TD TF 1500 index

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