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Indicator switch.

Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 8:45 am
by Johnno
Hi Guys,my original bakelite indicator switch has taken to turning itself off too soon.Is there a repair available for these? Or does anyone know of a fix?
Thanks,John.

Re: Indicator switch.

Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 12:03 pm
by palacebear
It sounds likely that the little air-bellows thingy in the switch has started leaking and is emptying itself too quickly. I'm not sure if a repair is possible. Replacement switches were available a few years back but were VERY expensive. Unless you need to maintain originality it may be easier to change to the slightly later type switch. It fits on a bracket (easy to fabricate) which houses it vertically beneath the dash. The switch has the drawback of NOT being self-cancelling, but it does have a reasonably bright warning lamp, for which I believe you'll need to run an additional earth wire.

Pictured below is the switch on my Series II saloon (4-door) which replaced the broken self-cancelling type. IIRC this type of switch was, in any case, standard fit on most, if not all Series MM and Series II 2-door saloons and convertibles.
DETAIL 24.JPG
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They were a standard Lucas 'parts bin' product fitted to numerous makes/models in the 50's so a good used one shouldn't be too hard to find

Re: Indicator switch.

Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 12:38 pm
by geoberni
My Series II 2 Door has the Indicator switch as shown. Don't know if that's the original location, but it is hard to miss... :D
20170906_111737.jpg
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Re: Indicator switch.

Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 12:46 pm
by Shropshiremoggie
Only five miles on the clock ??????

Re: Indicator switch.

Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 1:08 pm
by graham1957
no earth wire is needed for the indicator warning lamp in the switch!

Re: Indicator switch.

Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 2:23 pm
by palacebear
geoberni wrote: Thu May 31, 2018 12:38 pm My Series II 2 Door has the Indicator switch as shown. Don't know if that's the original location, but it is hard to miss... :D
Almost certainly originally tucked away, conveniently invisible, by the driver's right knee, like mine is. With your set-up you've certainly got no excuse for forgetting to switch them off! :lol:
I love that period-look heater switch too :)

Re: Indicator switch.

Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 2:30 pm
by palacebear
To answer Johnno's original question, I recall it being discussed on the forum last year. A bit of searching found this post which may be helpful:
win wrote: Tue Jun 27, 2017 7:51 pm The time delay switch is pneumatic, a leather seal pushed by a spring, the air escaping is reduced by a small conical screw, to slow down the return to the centre.
I have made them work before, they can be very temperamental, the leather seal is softened with oil, having said that, mine failed again this W/E.

Regards Win
Also search YouTube using search term
'Lucas Electropneumatic Trafficator Timer Repair'
to view a short video which may help. Tried posting the link here but can't for some reason.

Re: Indicator switch.

Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 6:43 pm
by win
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/electric/ts101.htm
Hi All
Further to my previous post regarding my attempted repair, please find above link to MG site this is an excellent step by step repair guide.
If you do replace your switch, please do not bin your old one, I know a good home.

Kind regards Win

Re: Indicator switch.

Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 10:48 pm
by geoberni
Shropshiremoggie wrote: Thu May 31, 2018 12:46 pm Only five miles on the clock ??????

Replacement.
The one that was fitted when I brought it hadn't moved for several years!
I took a look at it and the gearing had stripped, probably because the counters had jammed with the grease drying out.
I would recommend anyone with a high mileage/original speedo to take it apart and make sure the gearing of the milometer is lightly greased.

Re: Indicator switch.

Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2018 7:55 am
by Johnno
Cheers guys,all taken in.I`ll have a think on this one.

Re: Indicator switch.

Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2018 7:51 am
by Johnno
Hmmmmm,anyone got the later type switch? Had a look at mine but only got it working very erratic.