Morris Minor Owners Club

I have had to replace a "shorting" semaphore, with another that I had (used).

It seemed to work well before I fitted it the car, but it is lazy now, fitted on the car.

It needs a help to raise and help to drop.

I have cleaned it, but is there any kind of lubricant that can be applied to the solinoid shaft, hinges etc.

Or any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks Oli

Try running a temporary new wire to the trafficator as the electrical resistance builds up with old age and you get a voltage drop.Check the earth connections are clean.

Thanks for the tip, but the wiring harness is new and the whole car has done only 1200miles.

Check that the two set screws at the top and bottom of the slot are tight as the unit earths through them, also check that the arm is not touching the sides of the slot when it is operating.
I find that a light spray of WD40 on the solenoid shaft followed by repeated operation of the trafficator results in a speeding up of the trafficator
As my trafficators are operated from the same switch as the indicators they are in constant use.

I have very recently removed the semaphores from my car to check them out. Both worked on removal, lights as well, not bad considering the car has been off the road for 20 years!
I sprayed all the working end with a white spray grease and they worked even more positively, especially after the moving piston was lubricated and they were then worked a few times. Also I suspect that they need to be mounted very centrally in the mounting, or they may touch the sides which won't help.
I haven't yet tried mine with battery power in the car, we will see!
Colin

They sometimes are lazy but free up the more you use them. As others have said a dab of oil right at the top of the mechanism inside when the arm is fully out will help.