Trafficators....

[darcher121]

I need some advice if I may....
My 1960 2 door saloon has side indicators fitted but also has non functioning trafficators.
I would like to get the trafficators working as well as the side indicators.

I took out the off side trafficator and in actuates when a charge is applied but does not cancel when the charge is removed.
Should it drop down again when the charge is cancelled?

I am assuming ( ) that when working normally they would cancel as the sidelights do when the stalk returns to centre position.

Am I barking up the wrong tree or in the entirely wrong forest???
Cheers David.

[bmcecosse]

Welcome to the forum.....you are right enough - copious WD40 will be your friend........

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Aye, they seize up without regular use. They will tolerate a degree of bending should they get stuck on the body either going out or returning, but bear in mind they are quite fragile and alterations of this nature should be done with the plastic arm removed.

[darcher121]

Many thanks for the comments!
I've given one a good but gentle spring clean and it now jumps out great when a charge is applied, but it doesn't cancel when the charge is removed. It is very easy to push back manually. Should there be some kind of return spring I may be missing?
Thanks again!
D

[cheezy_munkey]

Hi there,

I had the same problem as yourself. I gave them a really good clean and put lots of grease around the moving parts. They both return quite easily now. Returned to the car, they still get stuck from time to time but a thump in the right place before going round the corner normally sends it out . Good luck. Persevere. You'll get it.

[David W.]

Make sure you have them upright. If you are testing them on a workbench they will not return. Gravity is the mechanism.
I'm sure they'll need a good cleaning as well.

[mike.perry]

The vibration of the moving car will help the arms to drop.
The wiring diagram to operate indicators and trafficators is on http://seriesmm.mmoc.org.uk Tech Info, Trafficator and Indicator Wiring Diagram.

[darcher121]

I now have 2 working trafficators after a good wash in WD40, a clean off, then some grease.
One is still a bit sticky but far better than it was. Next job is look at the wiring so they work together with the side lights.
Many thanks for all your comments. Most helpful! A very friendly bunch of moggy fans.
No doubt I will be on again soon with more questions.............

[David W.]

Read over this thread, and search others for trafficators. There is a lot of good information on this forum.
http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=48579

[darcher121]

How can I find out what equipment the car left the factory with?
My 1960 2 door saloon has trafficators fitted, as well as an indicator stalk and later "twin lens" side indicators both front and rear. Would it originally have had only trafficators and just front white sidelights and the all red rear and brake light?
If so, would the trafficators be controlled from the stalk, or a twist switch?
I can't imagine it would have been originally fitted with trafficators and later side/indicator lights all controlled from the stalk?

Would a Heritage Motor Centre give this level of detail?

Confused.....

David

[bmcecosse]

Certainly it would only have trafficators fitted and single white front lights and red rears. My 1958 Minor had a stalk - but not with a light in the end - I'm fairly sure. Someone who really knows will be along shortly!

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

A heritage certificate wouldnt detail that, its more about numbers and colours. A 1960 would have the indicator switch with a green light on the end and this would have worked the trafficators, think this came in around 1958ish.

The hole thats left from the bigger amber flasher and sidelight can just about be covered by the older white sidelight and if you want to retain an indicator you can fit a stop tail bulb and just have a flashing white light, thats what Ive done on my traveller.

[darcher121]

Help!
Trafficators now working great using the indicator stalk with the green light on the end. But how do I get the stalk light to come on?
I've tried various combinations with no luck, even tried running another wire from the light green wire to the other side but of course that makes a common point at the bulb, so the indicator bulb lights but both trafficators pop out!
What is the correct way to wire this in properly?
1960 2 door saloon originally fitted with trafficators and the stalk, though the wiring does seem to have been chopped about a bit..

David

[bmcecosse]

There is no 'correct way' since the stalk with green light wasn't used with trafficators. You will need to wire the bulb across the two circuits - where it will light up, but not cause enough current to flow to operate the 'wrong side' trafficator. Probably easier to use a separate warning light. Of course a couple of relays (probably diodes would do) could be rigged up to do the job if you are determined.

[ManyMinors]

There is no 'correct way' since the stalk with green light wasn't used with trafficators.

It most certainly was. From 1959 to 1961.
The green light should indeed show a warning light for the trafficators. Maybe your bulb has failed?
You say the wiring has been chopped around so that might also be the trouble. Should be an easy fix though.

[darcher121]

I'm trying to find out where the light green wire from the stalk bulb plugs in.
Is the a wiring diagram for this as I can't seem to find the right one in the manual?
Everything works as it should except the telltale light and I can't find where to put that wire!

[bmcecosse]

If it was used in 59/61 cars - then I suggest it must have been a different stalk to the one used on later cars. The light only has the one wire - so you can't connect it to both sides at the same time - or as you discovered - both arms will work together. The light on later cars operates from the separate contact on the flasher can - so if you want it to work with your trafficators, you will need to use either diodes or relays to do the job.

[darcher121]

I imagine the original indicator stalk was wired differently, perhaps with very thin wires to the telltale bulb?
Does anyone have an idiots guide to sorting this with diodes? Specifically which diode/s and a diagram.
Logic says put a diode (or 2?) at the end of the stalk light wire and wire the other end of the diode/s to the left and right trafficator wire, but I am learning that logic doesn't always apply to electricity. Well, not my logic anyway!
Which way round for Pos earth?

[bmcecosse]

Yes - that's the idea. You'll soon find out which way round when you try it - and won't do any harm.