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MG TD TF 1500 - Dynamo problem again.

Hi guys looking for a bit advice please. The original dynamo on my 54 tf wasn't working so I fitted a brand new dynamo which worked well for approximately 250 miles and has now stopped charging again. Perhaps some other owners have come up against this problem and have been able to fix this. Thanks in advance. Derek
D Barnett

Dynamo?

The original generator? If so they can be repaired.

The “look alike” alternator? The cheap one is notoriously unreliable.

There are better alternators out there, but they cost more money.

Peter
P G Gilvarry

Thanks for your reply Peter. This was a new British made dynamo fitted and not a modern alternator as I'm trying to keep the car as original as possible.The previous owner had problems with the original dynamo and fitted a new one and also fitted a new cutout/regulator but that dynamo also stopped working and now this dynamo has also stopped charging the battery so just wondering what to try next. Derek
D Barnett

There are sites showing the tests to perform to ascertain if it is the generator or the voltage regulator. You would need an analog volt meter.

Or, find an olde world auto electrician, will solve it quickly.

Peter
P G Gilvarry

See if this helps you ?

http://www.mg-tabc.org/library/lucas_generator_and_control_box_tests.pdf

Rod Jones

Very simple procedure to test in the factory shop manual. It could be the regulator or a loose wire. If indeed the dynamo is not putting out, it could be a simple fix. George
George Butz III

Open the generator and see if you can find what caused it to stop charging. If there are little bits of solder on the case, then the control box is bad and is overcharging, and melting the solder on the armature.
Steve Simmons

Here are solder tracks from the armature that Steve described. Two tracks inside the case of a Delco generator that was in my 54 Chev pickup. I replaced it with a rebuilt generator from the same period plus a new voltage regulator.

Lonnie
TF7211

LM Cook

Hi guys thanks for all the advice on this issue. I've now had the electrics checked over by a retired auto electrician who served his time with lucas and thinks that the dynamo is Chinese rubbish!!! We've now sent the original dynamo which was made in 1953 away to get a fully refurbished and hopefully that will be the end of the problem and I'll keep you posted on the progress. Derek
D Barnett

This thread was discussed between 12/10/2021 and 28/10/2021

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