Whose Side are You On

[sloopjohnrb]

I recently had a Moggie expert out to, Gladys, 1962 948cc.
During engine work, he noticed that the indicator stalk was on the left of the steering column, and said it should be on the right.

On checking, later, I find that the indicator mechanism won't fit when put to the right of the column, as the 3 metal screw holes built in to the column to accommodate the black indicator cover, will not line up. So I guess it must be stalk to the left, then.

I also found that the column has the self-cancelling nut, which I was pretty amazed at, as, the indicators have never self-cancelled which I thought was the norm.

I wonder if it's possible to get the self cancelling mechanism to work again, and if anybody can confirm the stalk to the left is OK?

I can't see the 2 "white fingers" that I have read about in other threads and which are said to be essential to the mechanism.

Best wishes

[picky]

I dont know about the self cancelling, but my indicator was on the right, and I was used to driving a car with it on the left. So I swapped it round, sounds like someone has done this to your car before you had it. To turn it round you slacken the bolts that hold the steering column just under the glovebox, and literally turn the indicatior mechanism round 180 degrees, checking not to snag the cable.

[simmitc]

Agreed, the switch should be on the right, a previous person has simply put it back the wrong way round. To make the self-cancelling work:
Disconnect battery
Remove steering wheel
Remove cover over indicator switch
Place steering wheel back on and ensure that front wheels are aligned straight ahead.
There should be a small knob sticking out of the column, held in place with a lock nut. The knob needs to be dead centre between two levers on the indicator switch, and aligned vertically so that the knob can knock against the levers.
Adjust the position of the outer column and/or switch, to get everything lined up properly - it may be necessary to remove the column and reposition it on the rack, depending on how it has been fitted in the past, and how the tracking has been adjusted. The knob can be adjusted in and out so that it just catches on the levers.
You can watch the operation, as you turn the wheel, the knob passes under the lever, and then as the wheel is turned back, the knob catches the lever and flicks the switch to the off position.
Replace cover and steering wheel, and reconnect battery.

[bmcecosse]

Good explanation there simmitc - clearly written.
A Minor 'expert' indeed - !

[sloopjohnrb]

Wow, thank you for such detailed information, excellent!

At some point in the past I guess a previous owner has had the steering column cover/tube off, and replaced it the wrong way-or done it as a matter of preference so as to make the stalk on the left.

The Moggie expert who came out to me and who spotted the indicator stalk on the left said that the steering wheel was loose and to tighten the bottom pinch bolt=so this all fits in now.

I will be starting again tomorrow and this is first job on the list.

Thank you again.
Best wishes
John

[simmitc]

BMC, you're too kind and make me blush I reckon that between us we can cover most things but thanks for your kind words.

Sloopjohnrb - I forgot to mention that the set up also needs to be juggled so that the pad mounted on a piece of sprung coppr above the switch needs to run against the copper ring on the column - this is what allows the horn to operate, and is also why you disconnect the battery - otherwise, as soon as you move anything, the horn starts sounding!

[sloopjohnrb]

Right, I'll make sure of it.
Good tip.
Thank you again
Best wishes
John

[TomLS]

I recently moved my stalk to the left, and fixed the self-cancelling (which I never knew existed either!) Granted that because I have the stalk on the opposite side, only sharper corners will activate it, not roundabouts etc, but its better than none.
I just got fed up of jumping into all the work vans and wiping the windows at turnings, and then getting back in my moggy and groping at thin air!!