MG Car Repair: 1965 mg midget tach, starter switch, peaces

Question
QUESTION: the tach on my 1965 midget does not work. Can i bench test it. I do not Know if it is conected properly. Before i buy
a new one what should i do.
glen

ANSWER: Hi Glen,
I don't know of any way to bench test an electric tach. The car is the best bench test. If the tach worked and has died you should test the green wire for power with the key on and check to see that the tach is grounded. Then confirm that the white wire is looped on the "U" shaped bracket as it should be. As long as the ignition wiring has not been altered that is about all you can do.
Howard

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

QUESTION: Hi Howard. I got the car in peaces, what do you mean looped on the "u" shaped bracket. I just connected the white wire from the alternator to the nut. Then from the nut to the starter switch.

Answer

Tach wiring   Glen, the white wire does not make contact with the tach. It only loops around a "U" shaped clip and small white plastic piece and a very small nut holds the plastic piece to the back of the tach. The only wires that make contact with the tach is a green wire that plugs on to a flat spade connector and a black wire that connects to the tach case or on one of the mounting studs. That's all. See the picture attached.
Howard