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Well I finally got most of the work done on the car.. A few changes for the new season: Exhaust header installed, polished alum valve cover, total tune up including 8mm red wires, plugs, points, cap etc. All new hoses and belts, chrome flex fan, painted the timing cover white to match the car. Rerouted the wires and hoses, just for the looks.
Had some trouble with the timing, it was about 30* off (ran really rich) and the vacumn advance wouldn’t clear the steering shaft to adjust far enough. Ended up pulling the distributor and moving it 2 teeth over. She runs so much better now.. I posted some before and after pictures in my gallery.
Also replaced the shocks and put new springs on the front, new rear shocks, added a couple new leafs in the back too. Now shes setting level and fenders won’t rub when I hit a bump.
Hope to get her out for a test run tomorrow.
Montie,
I took a look at your pictures and noticed you altered your valve cover oil filler to a breather cap. I had a Ford breather cap and noticed it was a source of an oil leak. I hate oil leaks. This weekend I believe I will be going back to a setup you started with and will alter my setup to more closely what you had prior which I believe is more emissions friendly, not that I care. I just didn’t like the oil seeping out of my breather cap over the rear of my valve cover. Nice touch on the red wires which is on my todo list as well. It’s fun to putter on these things, well done.
Rob Baker
Ed,
I put the pictures in my gallery.
Rob,
I ask a couple of Ford mechanics about the breather thing. Got 2 different answers. Thought I’d try it, not a big deal to change back they make a chrome one with the hose conection.
Thanks Montie
Test drive was great!!!! She ran soooo much smoother the new shocks and springs really made a difference in the ride.
Had one problem, for some reason the turn signals, radio and most of the gauges dont work now. Fuses were ok.. Anyone got any ideas??? As far I know nothing was touched fuse wise or in the wiring harness..
Montie,
Car looks great! Are those A/C vents under the dash?
Re the electrical problems. Odd, because they all would seem to be on different circuits. But if you are certain about the fuses, I would start with loose or bad grounds.
The harness for my Duchess had a main ground line that handled anything going to the dash. No idea how your’s is wired, but it is possible that one ground line could kill everything you mention. Radio and guages are probably tied to that ground. And the turn ssignal indicators may be also, and that might,might affect the turn signals themselvees.
Electrical problems are annoying to find…but at least it’s clean work.
You’ll probably end up having to trace the wiring for each circuit before you find the problems.
PMOSSBERG40255.9802893519
Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica RoadsterIf you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)
Sure is Pretty!
I’m trying the breather cap on mine, so far no leaks.
Yeah, betcha it’s a ground problem. My gauges and turns ground to the steering column, and it wasn’t a very secure ground to start with.
Thanks for the compliments, and advice..A work in progress, still a few things I want to do to her, as money allows.
Paul, yes she has air too, not sure why. I guess if I get caught in the rain and had to put the top up it might come in handy. So far I’ve avoided the rain.
Back to the wiring. I’ll start by checking the grounds Saturday. In the build book that I got with the car, there is a wiring diagram, but they referance a more detailed instructions that came with the wiring harness. Unfortunally I didn’t get that with the car.. Anyone know anything about that?
Thanks
Montie
Montie,
I have the schematics for my Duchess, but it is a VW based car. regardless, if you think they will help, I’ll scan them and email them to you.
Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica RoadsterIf you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)
Thanks Paul,
Is it the same one thats on the “Download Manuels” section, this one is labeled REV E for the MIGI II. I already ran a copy of it in case I need it tomorrow. I looked at the other one thats for the Chevette too. I hope they are all wired about the same.
Montie
Hey Montie,
No, not like what is in the download manuals section.
I have actual schematics for a Classic Roadsters VW based Duchess.
Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica RoadsterIf you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)
Paul,
They might help, if it’s not too much trouble. I’ll send you my email address in a private msg.
Thanks
Montie
Found the wiring problem, it was a copper wire soddered under the fuse block tying several fuses together. One connection, one sodder joint, stopped it all. Easy fix, but a well hidden problem.
On Vacation this week, hope to get a few more details worked out on her and of course some drive time in if the weather permits..
Montie
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