Indicator (not trafficator) Issue

[dikallen]

I say “issue” rather than problem; it’s annoying rather than serious.

It’s on my 1967 Convertible; 2 issues have occurred pretty simultaneously, so I think must be connected. Both indicators work OK ….. but. The right indicator, when selected, doesn’t return to the off position, unless/until I do it manually. Conversely, the left indicator won’t stay selected, unless I hold the stalk in the ON position. If I don’t, it switches itself off and the stalk returns to the central position.

I’m pretty certain they happened at the same time; anyway, is it too much of a coincidence? Surely the fault(s) must be connected.

Grateful for any suggestions…..

[les]

Maybe the indicator stalk is not in the correct position radially, needs to be turned anti clockwise?

[dikallen]

les That’s a great suggestion - seems so logical and obvious! I’m busy over the next day or so, but I’m due a garage/Minor day later this week. Can’t wait to try it…

Thanks again; I’ll let you know how it works out.

[svenedin]

The indicator assembly is clamped to the outer steering column and only goes in one place because there is a little peg in the indicator assembly that locates in a small hole in the outer column. Therefore, if the position of the indicator assembly has shifted with respect to the self cancelling peg on the inner column this is most likely because the outer column has rotated in its clamping bracket under the dashboard. To fix this properly you will need to remove the horn push, steering wheel nut, steering wheel and indicator assembly shroud. Then you will be able to see if the self cancelling peg is central to the indicator assembly with the road wheels in the dead-ahead position.

Stephen

[dikallen]

Well les, sadly it wasn't that simple! Having got into the base of the stalk - after suitable dismantling! - the cause of the "not staying selected" bit was obvious.

There are sort of levers which engage with sort of cogs which hold the selected position. One of these levers was bent (don't know how?) and so was not engaging with the cog and so not staying selected.

Haven't tested the self cancelling bit yet (back on the road later this week), but svenedin's suggestion sounds a good start. That's a lesser problem anyway, which I can more easily live with if I have to!

Thanks again for suggestions, I'll report back further...

[svenedin]

Yes there are detents that hold the arm in the left or right indicators-on position until it is cancelled. It may be possible to bend these detents if they are not engaging properly. If you cannot do this yourself then there are people who can refurbish these indicator assemblies or you may be lucky and find a new old stock unit. The currently available new units from the main suppliers are not recommended as people seem to have repeated problems with the build quality especially the arm failing to lock properly (see photos).

Stephen

IMG_1920.jpeg (1.82 MiB) Viewed 1232 times

IMG_1921.jpeg (1.72 MiB) Viewed 1232 times

[dikallen]

Thanks for the help, especially Sven. The lever which should engage the detents is a bit bent, so a bit of gentle "percussive maintenance" (hitting it) with a "reciprocating tolerance adjuster" (hammer) should fix it. I've tried to post a picture but no joy so far. And apologies for using the technical engineering terms!

Trying the picture:

[svenedin]

Thanks for the help, especially Sven. The lever which should engage the detents is a bit bent, so a bit of gentle "percussive maintenance" (hitting it) with a "reciprocating tolerance adjuster" (hammer) should fix it. I've tried to post a picture but no joy so far. And apologies for using the technical engineering terms!

Trying the picture:

That's good news. It really is better to try to repair your old unit as the quality of new units is very variable. I have kept my new unit that does not lock properly and one winter night when I am bored I will attempt to bend the locking levers.

Stephen

[les]

Hope you’re sorted. Nice pictures from Stephen !