QuestionQUESTION: Just picked up a quality 73 Midget. Car runs pretty well. However, there is now power to the dash/odometer/speedometer/headlights tailights/blinkers. Former owner said this happened when a radio (which is working) was installed. I am not a gear head but feel like I can address this with a little guidance. Your help is appreciated.
Secondary issues. The car takes alot of nursing to prevent from stalling when I am approching a stop. Any thing I can try to address? Also, I found the accelerator stick a couple of times. I ended up lifting with my toe to address. Any part in need of replacement to address?
ANSWER: Hi John,
With that many electrical items out (I take it you meant "NO" instead of "NOW") your first place to look is the fuse box.
The Lucas fuse boxes are noted for bad fuse contact. So you need to check all the fuses and then remove all of them and clean with Emory cloth or sand paper, clean the clips in the fuse box and the fuse ends. Then test with a 12v test light.
If that is not the problem you need a wiring diagram to start tracing the circuits. You must pick ONLY one of the failed circuits to trace at a time. Most of the time when you have several failed circuits if you trace one circuit you will correct all failed circuits. If you don't have a wiring diagram, let me know and I will put one on my web site for you to copy.
I like to pick the simplest circuit when I have several failed. I start at the load (item that don't work) and follow the diagram a step at a time back to the power supply (battery) This is a 100% fix rate method.
As for a sticking throttle you need to feel the pedal to be sure it is loose and free. Then look at the return spring on the throttle cable between the two carburetors to see that it is in tact and pulling on the cable. Check the linkage to see that it is loose and free. If all that is ok you need to remove and lube the inner cable.
Howard
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QUESTION: thanks for the info provided. I would appreciate a wiring diagram as you offered. Look forward to being able to run this baby at dusk.
ANSWER: Go to, http://mg-tri-jag.net/73Midget11x1.jpg for the diagram and change the end to /73Midget21x1.jpg for the index to the diagram.
Howard
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QUESTION: thank you again howard. Last question for now. How should I fuel up my tank? Unleaded plus fuel additive? If so, what fuel additive and how often do you recommend?
AnswerMost unleaded fuel today has additives in them to cut down on valve seat recession and the octane of the high test works ok. I hate to say it but BP high test works ok. (You may want to ask if it is fresh gas or from the oil they scooped up from the Gulf and if they filtered the fish out)
Howard
