4 door trafficator switch

[dalgrae]

My trafficator switch on my 4 door series 2 when operated does not have any time delay ,I have removed the switch from the car and managed to remove the adjuster screw in the end cap and removed the cotton wadding I read somewhere that I need to fluff this up as it was tightly packed between the screw and the housing . First question the adjuster screw is very tight should I retap the thread as I am worried it will break the plastic ,if it is this tight how does the air get past the thread and control the amount of bleed air through the small hole it controls to alter the time delay.Second question the return spring looks really heavy it is cone shaped ,it appears too strong for what is required of it, can I fit a lighter gauge spring, what oil please should I soak the leather seal in

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Stevey recently got the one from my 54 project working again and found some details on a MG club website, I'm sure he will be along at some point and can point you in the right direction. One thing I was surprised to find out was that it is only designed to stay on for about 20 seconds even when they were new which doesn't seem long enough to me. It does look like the vacuum part could be removed and just used as a lever switch.

[stevey]

Hi

I took Davids one apart a few times. Found this website useful http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/electric/ts101.htm
I packed the leather out with card as the site says, it did help a bit but was still too fast to return. I blocked up the wee hole at the side and used the top of a cotton bud to replace the original stuff. It did work but couldnt get it to return slower that about 45seconds. I took the spring out completely and it can be used to activate and then manually return the trafficators. If anyone could suggest a lighter spring it would help, the only problem with no spring is that its hard to judge when the swtich is in the centre and both sides off. I have only tested it out of the car at present.

I used vasaline on the leather and it helped loads, but I think the leather in this one is just a bit too worn.
Hope this helps

[David53]

I have recently found a site called Holden's there in the UK which seems to have new switches, and far cheaper than I've seen elsewhere

[dalgrae]

Thanks for the info I have soaked the leather seal in a oil for 24 hours thinking this will produce a good seal to the housing I have downloaded the web site reference the setting procedure, I have a selection of springs so I will try to get the timer delay sorted over the weekend as per the instructions

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

One thing I was surprised to find out was that it is only designed to stay on for about 20 seconds even when they were new which doesn't seem long enough to me.

Why the surprise? There was very little traffic about in the 1950s and you would not have had to wait for ages at traffic lights or junctions for a gap in the traffic to dash across. 20 seconds would have easily sufficed back then, when most drivers didn't bother to signal at all, especially when raining.

Doesn't bother me with a 2-door cos I can leave the signal out as long as I like!

[David53]

I have fitted flashing indicators in addition to the trafficators using a switch under the dash next to the original trafficator switch. What I do is flick the flasher switch across with my finger and then in a continuing motion push against the traffic actor switch and hold it. Then release as I move off and flick the flashers back to off. I find the trafficators actually help alert drivers as to my intentions especially at night as they're pretty bright!

[dalgrae]

Moved on a bit with my existing switch I could get it to delay for approx 5 seconds but not with consitent results , stripped it all down again and after a long look I found that the leather washer had a small hole in it at the fold line , so I have made a new leather washer from a leather swatch from DFS I had in the drawer . Now it delays for approx 12 seconds , the next thing is to try slightly lighter springs

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

It might be worth soaking the leather in Neat's Foot oil to preserve the leather, keep it supple and working well.