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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Hyanes Sprite/Midget manual not quite correct.....

Whilst researching possible fitment of an ammeter and/or voltmeter to my midget, I naturally needed to refer to the appropriate wiring diagram, so dug out my copy of the Haynes manual for the Sprite/Midget. The only problem is the wiring diagram for the 'Sprite Mk II / III and Midget I / II' has a glaring omission - they've forgotten to show the connection between the igniton switch and the starter solenoid. Am I the first person to spot this?

Adrian

mk2 Sprites don't have one.
Jeremy Cogman

Definitely one on my MK 2 Midget - it's a thin white/red or red/white wire (I can't remember which). Further, the wiring diagram shown in the small workshop manual I have clearly shows this connection present on the wiring diagram. If the Mk 2 Sprite doesn't have this, how does the solenoid become energised when the ignition key is turned when attempting to start the car?
Adrian

It has a cable-pull starter switch.
Dave O'Neill 2

IIRC MKI Midget had pull starter; and MKII the solenoid operation via the white/red. Frankly I initially found this to be a little too modern and confusing ;)

And when the MKIII had steering lock and an interior light, I knew MG had lost the plot(!)

A
Anthony

Check the wiring diagram here
http://www.spridget-tech.com/page2.html
Greg

Nope, it's missing there for the Sprite II/Midget I + Sprite III/Midget II diagram. It appears on the Sprite IV / Midget III diagram.
Adrian

Adrian, perhaps it has not been spelt out - the early cars (Sprite Mks 1&2, Midgets Mk 1) did not have a starter solenoid. The starter is actuated by a mechanical pull cable which physically closes the contacts. See Horler page 81 Electrical para 2. The exception was certain export markets - has yours been repatriated or fitted with a later loom, do you know its history?
HTH
David Smith(davidDOTsmithATstonesDOTcom

Mine is a Mk 2 Midget, a RHD car built for the UK market. I'll check all the wiring diagrams in the manuals I have tonight, but I'm pretty sure that the manual in the link below showed this connection as being present in the wiring diagrams for a Mk 2 Midget / Mk 3 Sprite:


http://www.motorbase.com/shop/profiles/by-id/40/
Adrian

This thread was discussed on 06/05/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index