MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - 1500cc throttle cable

First thing i noticed when i got the car was how stiff the throttle was. I replaced the cable and oiled it and it was fine for a couple of days. Now its stiff again, the initial 1/4" of movement being the worst so you get a very jerky start.

Ive had a look and Ive come to the conclusion that were the outer cable goes into the "cup" on the bulkhead/inner-wing, the inner cable then runs through the shell and to the pedal, it doesn't seem to be pulling straight down through the hole in the bulkhead and because its at a slight angle when being pulled the inner is rubbing on the body.

I cant think how to rectify this and was wondering if anyone else has had the same problem?
D Tetley

I assume that this is a dual HS4 installation? What did you use for a new cable? Best results are usually to be obtained by going to the nearest bicycle shop and acquiring their finest braided stainless steel brake cable (it makes the bike slow down, but it makes the Spridget speed up.. go figure) and their best teflon-lined housing for it. The length of the housing is critical to the angle at the bulkhead, but you also have to be careful about having it rub on the underside of the bonnet. You will be surprised at how well it works.
David "braking my Spridgets to go faster" Lieb
David Lieb

Hi, yes its a dual hs4 set up.
I bought a cable from a mg specialist over here, I presume its either because its aftermarket or theyre all like that?

I could have ago at making a cable up and soldering the ends but the cable is £5 so i really dont think it would be worth the effort.
D Tetley

while you're at the bike shop get yourself one of these 90deg bend jobbies


a harrington

Teflon lined bicycle brake cable worked best for me.
Less than a tenner from Halfords.
Bob T

Is there any specific way of attaching the correct ends or just solder?

Also that 90deg bend looks a good idea, any idea what its actually called?
D Tetley

AA patrols get a kit of cable acessories which include Crimpable ends to suit the various cars they are likely to come across

Ask the next patrol you see in a layby waiting for a job if he has one or two he can spare

(Sorry but, I sent all mine back when I retired...)
Bill

My brake cable is fitted at the engine end using the lead nipple already on the cable.
At the pedal end I just used a solderless nipple attached by a small screw. Has stayed intact for a few thousand miles now with no dramas.
Bob T

This thread was discussed between 08/08/2008 and 14/08/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.