MG Car Repair: 77 mg midget ignition woes, starter button, key switch

Question
Hi,
I bought a 77 midget about 6 months ago and it ran fine up until two days ago. Then it stopped. The motor turns over and tries to start but instantly quits. a little background on the ignition: It has been "rewired" with a starter button. Previously all you had to do was turn key switch and then a red light came on on dashboard. Press starter button and then you were off. The other day I got into car, turned key and noticed no red light on dash. Tried to start and it would turn over then quit. The key took quite a lot of pressure to get it to return to the off position.Also ,previously,my radio would only work if the key were in the "on" position but now it will work even without the key in the car.HELP!

Answer
Hi Ed,
All of that tells me nothing other than you need to take a wiring diagram and start testing circuits to and from the ignition switch although it does sound like your ignition switch itself may be a problem. If you don't have a wiring diagram go to my web site and download one.
http://mg-tri-jag.net/77Midget11x1.jpg
http://mg-tri-jag.net/77Midget21x1.jpg
Howard