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MG MG Y Type - Turn signal thingies.

I have forgotten what those turn signal arms are that pop out from the side of the Y, but I have a question about the actuator switch. This is the first of many newbie questions I'll be posting here over the next few months as I learn the car.

My question is whether or not there should be detents of some sort between the three positions of the rotating switch. Without the sound of the signals popping in and out I would have no way of telling what position the switch is in. Is my switch in need of repair of is this just how they work?
Steve Simmons

Steve,

As a fellow newbie(?) (I recently bought Y5888) I'm also trying to get to know the Y. My switch goes back to the central position, with a clockwork sound not unlike the self actuator of an old camera. Mayby the clockwork in your steeringwheel needs attention?
Willem van der Veer

Again Willem is correct.

The system is self cancelling on a timer switch. They are called trafficators by the way. Dismantleing the switch - even if not working should be done by a professional watch repairer - there are a whole host of springs and cogs etc. which are vital and irreplacable. A good start, before checking this out is Y Data Sheet 1 - Steering Column Electrics (See Regalia and Book Review).

Also it is a good idea to have repeating flashing indicators so see Y Data Sheet 3 - Fitting flashers. Y Data Sheet 8 - Trafficator Semiphor Arms is also worth reading regarding servicing of the trafficators themselves.

The trafficators should be Lucas SF40s by the way - often replaced with SF80s in error.

Paul
Paul Barrow

By repeating flashing indicators do you mean a normal flashing bulb at the four corners of the car, like a modern car? My YB already has standard flashers. Two mounted to the front wings and two on the rear bumper. THey look stock except that the switch has me suspicious of originality. Were there any factory options for turn signals?
Steve Simmons

Only on the EXU version of the YT I am afraid.

Paul
Paul Barrow

Looking through Clausager's "MG Saloon Cars", every Y-Type in the book has turn signals on the front wings as mine does. There are very few pictures of rears and dashboards so I can't verify the correctness of my signal switch or rear lamps but the lamps are definately period.
Steve Simmons

A thoughtful email by Jack Murray answered a lot of questions. It appears what I consider turn signals are actually side lights but have been converted to act as flashers. The rear of the car has add-on lamps for rear flashers. The brake lights may not be correct since they are not the split type. Here's a link to a picture of the rear of the car:

http://www.twosims.com/yb-rear.jpg
Steve Simmons

This thread was discussed between 08/08/2003 and 09/08/2003

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