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 - Driving Lights - Current Draw

Just for fun and because I think they look great, I installed these 7" driving/fog lamps on my TD. Thanks to Hugh for them. I have them both connected to the fog lamp switch on the dash. They will come on only when the side marker lights are on which is fine with me. Is that how it's supposed to be?

I rarely drive at night but I frequently (usually) burn the headlamps when driving during the daytime. I have LED headlights so the headlight current draw is pretty negligible (about 5 amps per the dashboard ammeter) but the driving/fog lamps appear to draw about 15 amps per the same ammeter. My test was done with ignition switch off and headlamp switch in either "side" or "head" position.

My car is pos. earth with a standard dynamo. I don't know what the dynamo output is or what it is supposed to be.

do I need to be concerned about the additional current draw that these lovely lamps place on the dynamo?

Thanks.

Jud



J K Chapin

The regulator will look after the generator but at 15a and another 5 for the h/lights it's getting up to max. output
The only way to know if the gen. is up to the job is to check your amp meter with the engine going and all your lights turned on and high beam

You can always fit led globes to the driving lights
to take the load off if you wanted to

willy
William Revit

Convert your spot lamps to LED. I'd be more concerned with the wiring with that amount of draw.

I use the fog lamps for day time driving. With both on with LED's about 1 amp.

With the COVID19, they are closed but will answer to your email.

http://www.dynamoregulatorconversions.com/led-headlamp-bulbs-shop.php

Frank
TF1414








Frank Cronin

Talking about current draw and genneys Willy, do you, or does anyone know if the one that was fitted to the 4/44, is the same as the one that was fitted to the TD? I'm looking for a better date match with a Feb 1952 car. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Peter,

I may be able to answer your question, however it is OT in this thread. Can you open a specific thread giving the Lucas part numbers of both the existing and replacement generators.

John

J Scragg

Whatever you do, I would put a relay between the lights and the switch so the pressure is off the switch. My A switch got hot with the Halogen driving lights on until I put a relay in the system. PJ
PJ Jennings

I'll contact you off line John as I think I may have your email address. But I can't answer your questions because this is the info that I'm seeking. My genny would have to be stripped of all of its paint to then read the numbers. I'll do as you suggest and see if I can find the answer on another thread. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Thanks all. I'll pull the existing bulbs and see if I can find some LED replacements. With low current draw LEDs I hope the switch without a relay can handle the load.

Jud
J K Chapin

That is what I have done and its fine. I use halogen bulbs with relays for the headlights.
Dave H
Dave Hill

This thread was discussed on 18/04/2020

MG TD TF 1500 index

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