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MG MGA - Indicators

Should the indicators be self cancelling.? Mine aren't.
Nigel Munford

Hi Nigel. The turn signal switch should be self cancelling. The switch uses a vacuum arrangement to shut the turn signals off after a period of time. The turn signal switch can often be dismantled, cleaned, refurbished and re assembled into working condition. Barney Gaylord's website has a very good article on how to repair a turn signal switch that is not working properly. Please check out Barney's website for details. Cheers! Glenn
Glenn

Yes they should self cancel. When released the knob should slowly return to center.
John H

Thanks. Barney Gaylords is next.
Nigel Munford

Glenn. re. your post regarding a turn switch for Terry, would a faulty self cancelling switch work in the same way as Terry's on-off-on switch. I don't know if mine is faulty, or just not the right type.
Nigel Munford

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MGA-MGTD-mgtf-Turn-signal-Vacuum-Pneumatic-switch_W0QQitemZ4616216376QQcategoryZ27380QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Here is what they look like with a pretty good description of how it works.
R J Brown

Hi Nigel. Yes, a non returning (not working vacuum return) would be on off on, and would be so on a strictly manual basis. A properly working switch should be off in the center position. When moved to extreme left or right positions, the switch should automatically and gradually return to the central position, thereby shutting off the turn signals. Cheers! GLenn
Glenn

While it is possible for the switch to fail so it doesn't cancel, the normal problem with the switch is that it cancels to quickly. The return is actually done by a spring, and the function of the vacuum is to delay the return.

Jeff Schultz

I overhauled my turn switch some time ago and now have it at 12-15 seconds to cancel. I followed Barney's advice and lubricated the cup and cam area with silicon heat sink grease - you can now turn it to far so the rod rides up out of the vee and won't cancel - I wouldn't recommend turning it till this happens or you may crack the housing. Nigel, are you sure you are not turning yours too far?
Mike Ellsmore

Mike

Some units have a stop built in and others allow you to turn past this point. It doesn't add any additional stress to the unit, just rides on the "flat" portion of the "cam" instead of the "v" slope that allows the spring to return it to the off position.

FWIW

Larry
Larry Hallanger

This thread was discussed between 23/02/2006 and 27/02/2006

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.