MG Car Repair: turn signals, resistor type, mike whalen

Question
QUESTION: hi hope we can figure this one out i have a 1977 mgb the right directional stays on all the time dim but its on and so are the right front an right rear directional bulb. and the flashers for either side dont work .sure would like a hunt please !!
thank you mike whalen usa

ANSWER: Hi Mike,
I worked on MGs for many years in dealerships and I found it to be useless to try to figure out what is wrong in an electrical problem by symptoms. The ONLY way I found to correct an electrical problem was to take a wiring diagram and a 12v test light and turn on the item that does not work and start testing at the load (item that don't work) and follow the wiring diagram with the wire color code (Lucas is very good about that)and check at each joint on the way to the source (battery). Somewhere along that line you HAVE to find the fault. It is a 100% method to correct any fault. Don't forget to test the ground wire too because many times a dim bulb is nothing more than a bad ground. If you are not up on ground testing with a test light let me know and I will go over it with you. Also if you don't have a wiring diagram, let me know and I will put one up on my web site for you to copy.
Howard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi again thank you for the help with the grounding. now my tack doesn't work so i checked the wire at the coil slid it off and on still nothing but i did notice the coil was so hot you could have fired a egg on it!!i changed the ignition many years ago and the balist resister was eliminated. and i see the coil says it is a resistor type coil.would that have anything to do with it getting that hot ? or with my tack not working now Please give me an idea thank you mike

ANSWER: Yes, if you use a low voltage coil with no resistor the coil will get hot while in operation and could affect the tach.
Howard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi its is the original coil, but i disconnected the resister should i put a different coil in it.the new ignition didnt call for it to be hooked up .

Answer
If you replaced the ignition system, then you need to check with the manufacture or supplier of that ignition system as they dictate what coil must be used with their system and if a resistor is used with that coil/ignition system.
All I can tell you is what is used with the original system. I have no data on any of the aftermarket systems.
Howard