T-Series Access to ignition switch '68 MGB

[David_Reaka]

I am helping an older gentleman get his '68 MGB running. Alternator light has been coming on intermittently and increases in brilliance as electrical load increases. In going through all the electrical connections, I have found an intermittent connection at the ignition switch. How does one get the plastic cowling off the steering column? I have it loose and have dropped the steering column but cannot get the cowling free. Do I need to remove the steering wheel? Thank you, David

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Hi, David -

As I recall, you shouldn't have to remove the wheel. There are several screws that hold the two halves together, along with some locating tabs. Maybe the tabs are binding...

I'm sure someone else we be along shortly with some more info.

Mickey

 

[Lynn Kirkpatrick]

You may have to pull the steering wheel. I think the halves have a lip that fits into a recess in the backside of the wheel.

There are some long screws that you have probably already found. I think they are different lengths, so keep track which goes where.
Good luck

 

[David_Reaka]

Thank you Mickey and Lynn, Got to the switch; white and brown wires were loose. Also found other loose connections with white and white/red. Corrected this and got the alternator light to go out once the engine was running. However, after a run of 4 or 5 miles the light started flickering when letting off on the gas and the revs start to drop. Doesn't matter if you are 2K or 3.5K(RPM's) there is some slight activity with the light. Alternator was just sent away and checked. I have not tested the rectifiers yet... My other thoughts are to contiue to look for bad connections in the white wire circuit and get the battery tested. Thank you again. David

 

[David_Reaka]

One last comment, the battery measured 12.6v which increased to a max of 14v with the engine running. It is my understanding that a shorted cell can cause alternator light issues. David

 

[JPSmit]

One last comment, the battery measured 12.6v which increased to a max of 14v with the engine running. It is my understanding that a shorted cell can cause alternator light issues. David

that seems correct.

how tight is the fan belt?

 

[David_Reaka]

Thank you John=Peter. Fan belt tension is good!! This all started with fuel and temperature gauges not functioning - apparently hadn't been for 2 years - they failed after rebuild on engine. Sometime in the past the voltage stabilizer has been upgraded to Moss's solid state unit. Transistor was blown, replaced this and have been chasing electrons and other things since!!!! David

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Just so's we'll all know, what was the trick to removing the shrouds?

Mickey

 

[David_Reaka]

Mickey, the trick was dropping the steering column far enough to allow the shrouds to slide past the lower portion of the dash and then disengage their lip for the steering wheel. Getting them back on was more of a challenge then getting them off. David

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Ah! Thanks!


Mickey