• Hi Guest!
    If you appreciate British Car Forum and our 25 years of supporting British car enthusiasts with technical and anicdotal information, collected from our thousands of great members, please support us with a low-cost subscription. You can become a supporting member for less than the dues of most car clubs.
    There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Subscribers don't see this gawd-aweful banner
Tips
Tips

MG Midget 1500 Alternator change

Share this page

Gerry9870

Gerry9870

Freshman Member
Country flag
Offline
Hey guys

I am wanting to swap put the alternator for a new one, read some posts regarding rad removal etc and bottom bolt needing cut.

Before i start to butcher it, thought to ask if anyone has replaced theirs.

Cheers
Gerry
 
Not that big a deal as I recall. I put a delco alternator on mine - which admittedly I would have done while the engine was out, but, I recently had the lower bolt strip and was able to repair it without removing anything other than the fan belt. You might want to consider an alternator change. Lucas is fine but underpowered. If I was doing it now I would get a denso alternator as it is smaller. IIRC alternators from John Deere utility vehicles are what the cool kids are using. Happy to provide pics.

Also grateful that you are posting these questions as they motivate me. Not sure if this is your first car or first Midget but know that there is next to nothing that you can do that is irreparably harmful. These cars are simple and easy and very very forgiving!

enjoy!

:cheers:
 
JPSmit said:
Not that big a deal as I recall. I put a delco alternator on mine - which admittedly I would have done while the engine was out, but, I recently had the lower bolt strip and was able to repair it without removing anything other than the fan belt. You might want to consider an alternator change. Lucas is fine but underpowered. If I was doing it now I would get a denso alternator as it is smaller. IIRC alternators from John Deere utility vehicles are what the cool kids are using. Happy to provide pics.

Also grateful that you are posting these questions as they motivate me. Not sure if this is your first car or first Midget but know that there is next to nothing that you can do that is irreparably harmful. These cars are simple and easy and very very forgiving!

enjoy!

:cheers:
Click to expand...
1st Midget JP, came from the BMW Z4 fraternity until a drop side vsn decided to rearrange the convertable too 2 wheels 🤣 so thought for a while and plumped for my 1st Midget.

Yeq its a change of unit JP, swapping out the old stuff for new, so Altetnator, Starter, fan belt, water Pump, Thermo Stat, Rad, new rocker cover, csrbs rebuilt, etc etc all going for new shiny stuff. Only thing im undevided abt is the electronic ignition and as previously stated the rubber bumper delete.

I read the lower bolt is a struggle with the rad, dome cut it and reverse when refitting.

I thought i would be viewed as a pain for posting but its a good steer before I start the rebuild etc.

Cheers for the reply
 
first off - never a pain for posting.

If you are doing the rad then by all means take it out you will be grateful for the space. I would also add a new oil pump. (don't ask me how I know) you can do it in situ.

With the rad you might want to take it to a shop and get a drain intalled before you reinstall it. Otherwise it will always be a PITA to drain. (with a tap it will still be a pain but marginally less so) If you go that route get the tap installed on the front of the rad not the rear as there is more space there.

Does yours have SU carbs?

Also, yes, the rubber bumper delete is lovely.
 
Oh and, I wouldn't worry about the ignition. Yours should have an electronic ignition already from the factory. (I am reliably told it is the same as a Chevrolet Chevette) Either way it may be the most reliable piece of kit on the car.

Also, I presume you have the manuals? Haynes and Bentley? (you really need both)
 
JPSmit said:
first off - never a pain for posting.

If you are doing the rad then by all means take it out you will be grateful for the space. I would also add a new oil pump. (don't ask me how I know) you can do it in situ.

With the rad you might want to take it to a shop and get a drain intalled before you reinstall it. Otherwise it will always be a PITA to drain. (with a tap it will still be a pain but marginally less so) If you go that route get the tap installed on the front of the rad not the rear as there is more space there.

Does yours have SU carbs?

Also, yes, the rubber bumper delete is lovely.
Click to expand...
JPSmit said:
first off - never a pain for posting.

If you are doing the rad then by all means take it out you will be grateful for the space. I would also add a new oil pump. (don't ask me how I know) you can do it in situ.

With the rad you might want to take it to a shop and get a drain intalled before you reinstall it. Otherwise it will always be a PITA to drain. (with a tap it will still be a pain but marginally less so) If you go that route get the tap installed on the front of the rad not the rear as there is more space there.

Does yours have SU carbs?

Also, yes, the rubber bumper delete is lovely.
Click to expand...
Yea I have anew ally Rad, want planning on changing this just now, want the Alt and Starter fone as it has a laboured start.

Yea twin HS4 SU's just finished the rebuild with red jets etc, can upload pics but not sure if allowed too
 
JPSmit said:
Oh and, I wouldn't worry about the ignition. Yours should have an electronic ignition already from the factory. (I am reliably told it is the same as a Chevrolet Chevette) Either way it may be the most reliable piece of kit on the car.

Also, I presume you have the manuals? Haynes and Bentley? (you really need both)
Click to expand...
Not sure if it has elec ignition, need to check, I quite like the old points and condensor set up, the flaff of TDC and cylinder 1 set up can wait lol

I have the spitfire engine 1500.
 
Gerry9870 said:
Yea I have anew ally Rad, want planning on changing this just now, want the Alt and Starter fone as it has a laboured start.

Yea twin HS4 SU's just finished the rebuild with red jets etc, can upload pics but not sure if allowed too
Click to expand...
You are allowed to upload pics (and encoursged) though there is a size restriction for the basic membership level
 
Back
Top