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MG MGA - Help removing starter switch

Hi folks,

I need to replace the starter switch in my 1960 MGA which works intermittently but am having trouble removing the coupling from the shaft I am pointing at in the photo. I have removed the two screws but it won't budge to be able to remove the switch.

Apart from taking an angle grinder to it does anyone have any experience in this and know how it should come off? The new one has a groove in the shaft which suggests I should be able to prize it off but it isn't shifting.

Many thanks!

Jason





Jason Ogelman

Hi Jason
It's a while since I took mine off, but as I recall, one screw locks onto the shaft, and the other screw locks onto the cable.
So if you have removed both screws, (a) the cable should come out, (b) the coupling should slide off the shaft. Clearly you only need to release one or the other to remove the switch assembly so its strange they are both siezed on.
I believe the couplings themselves are also available if you have to turn to the angle grinder but it appears you have pipework very nearby so that should really be a last resort and really shouldn't be neccessary. Hopefully some persuasion and foul language should suffice.

Where about in Buckinghamshire are you? I am in Penn.
Graham V

Remove the screws, fill the holes with a penetrant and leave overnight.
If that won't budge it give the coupling a "tap" with a light hammer, use a "dolly" to absorb the impact.
Good luck, Barrry
Barry Gannon

Many thanks. I’ll give it another go. I am near Pitstone
Jason Ogelman

Put penetrant only in the screw hole for the shaft, leave the screw out. Refit the screw for the operating cable and pinch it down onto the cable. Pull the starter knob from the cockpit. It is just stiction and lousy tolerances. It might help if you can get a lever in between the threaded part of the starter switch and the connecting piece.

Regards
Colin
Colin Manley

Did the cable ever come loose?

Jud
J K Chapin

This thread was discussed between 08/03/2025 and 17/03/2025

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