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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - 1500 Rev Counter

My rev counter is getting very temperamental when the ignition is first switched on it doesnt move after a few blips of the throttle it moves but it isnt smooth and seem to jump around a lot even though engine speed remains constant. I have checked the engine earth and this seems fine as does the wiring all clean connections etc. Could I have a faulty rev counter? Is there an easy way to check everything so I can narrow the fault down?

I will try to video it today and put a link up so you can see what I mean.
C Carter

just thoughts:
have you fitted an electronic igniter head recently
have you checked connections and wires on coil and starter switch
what year is the car?
Nigel Atkins

Run a 1500 tacho on my Sebring rep with Aldon Ignitor.
Recently erratic traced to a badly soldered fuse tip.
Alan
www.masckent.org
Alan Anstead

Hi Nigel no its standard points and rotor arm. I will double check all the connections just fitted a new starter solenoid and so did a check on the wires then. However this has been doing this for the last 2 years I have owned the car.. I will check the fuse Alan and report back my findings.

What confuses me most is that it doesnt work at all on start up until you really give it some throttle then it jumps into life?
C Carter

on my 1275 the rev counter didn't move from start up unless I tapped the glass or revved it as I moved off, then for ages it worked fine and I forgot about it

then the not moving at start up came back so I just live with it, the needle doesn't flicker so I just leave it as it is

as Alan has put will the electrics you have to check all connections even the unseen or less obvious

I've been caught out before with bulbs and fuses that look fine and even test fine but turn out to be faulty

I learnt this from years ago when I changed a brake light bulb for a neighbour, when I put the replacement bulb in and tested it it worked then stopped so I suspected the rest of the system

but it was the replacement bulb that was faulty, when used it would quickly heat up, obviously, but then the heat would cause the filament wire to break away but when it cooled would it reattach itself so worked on a quick test elsewhere
Nigel Atkins

Mine does that too, always has. No movement from startup but tap the the glass and it springs to life. That was with points, lumenition and EDIS.
I considered the voltage regulator may be a factor?
Bob T

mine dose the same thought it was the norm had a look inside and nothing seems to be sticking. And the voltage regulator is only for the fuel gauge
mark (1977 1500 Midget) Preston Lancs

Ok done all my checking and rev counter doesn't flicker anymore but still doesn't move until I tap the glass. I guess I will live with that as so many of you seem to be doing.
C Carter

This thread was discussed on 13/06/2013

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