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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Fuse Ratings. Help Please!!

Hello there

Does anyone know what size fuses should be fitted to a late 1500 midget.

I have 15A in at the mo on all of them but not sure if this is correct and if there should be different sizes in different positions.

I can't seem to find the ratings anywhere.

Thanks

Simon
Simon Taylor

It is probably in the handbook (which I don't have to hand at the moment as I'm at work).

There is your cue Nigel...

Will have a look when I get home if there is no response in the meantime!

Malcolm
M Le Chevalier

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j279/foggythomas/modernfuseratings.jpg

Here are some alternative ratings, otherwise 17/35 amps is what is shown on them. 17 amps continuous, 35 amps blow.
rob thomas

Ah Ok, I am still as confused. Do I put ones in that have 17 stamped on them or 35?

I suppose it's more complicated than that?

Thanks

Simon
Simon Taylor

Simon the owners Handbook will tell you this type of stuff and loads more about your car, ownership, driving, and servicing

it's the best £8 (or near) you can invest in your Midget and will repay many, many times over

Ref: 0058 - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue_Handbooks_5.html

as Rob's put 17/35 amp glass fuses (glass centre and metal end caps)

a tip from experience - still test the fuse even if it doesn't look blown, fuses melt and the dramatic blow only happens when something is serious wrong in the curcuit so the fuse may not blow immediately you put it in or switch on the offending item

Rob, I love the guide and have seen at lest the first two used
N Atkins

Simon sorry I was still typing as you were posting

the fuses will be stamped 35 amp on the end (as far as I remember)
N Atkins

Simon, the original fuses are actually marked 17/35. Newer fuse types are usualy marked with just the high end amperage. In most cases if you can't find the correct 17/35 type using a 20amp glass fuse will suffice.
B Young

Ah that makes sense, I have some fuses which just have 35a on them but when I looked at the ones in the car they are market 15a. I guess I should start using the 35s?
Simon Taylor

Simon if none of the 15A have blown then stick with them but carry a couple of spare in the fuse box (spaces provided)

better to under rather than over fuse unless they keep melting because they are so close to limit

I gave away all my old glass fuses so can't check what was stamped on them

I could look at what's in the fusebox now but I wont unless you're desperate as it's an awkward job for me with fat figures

good idea to check fuses and terminals are not gunged up - clean with battery disconnected
N Atkins

this might help or confuse

aplogises for my (as usual) poor memory

http://www.car-fuses.co.uk/content/glass-fuses.php
N Atkins

I suspect your 15 amp fuses are of newer type and will therefore be a couple of amps shy of what you would need. I would agree with Bill a modern 20 amp fuse is the one you want. There is nothing worse than having too small a fuse installed and then on a dark small lane in the middle of the night the lights fail and you are suckered!
Fuses protect the circuit wiring not the items associated with it. So no problems the Spridget wiring is happy at 20 amps.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

I bought the 35s of eBay presuming that they would be the same. Here is the link to the items, maybe someone can tell me if they are correct. It's all confusing.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GFS3035-35-AMP-GLASS-FUSE-X-5-MG-MGB-MIDGET-/250820943309?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a6617ddcd#ht_500wt_922

Ta

Simon
Simon Taylor

Simon they look correct (and as per my link, white = 17/35)

the ones have a wire going through them and the new ones a flat strip

also that seller is a good one and knows what he's doing - http://www.sussexclassiccar.co.uk/

pity they're not in packet of six though
N Atkins

Yes I would agree

Sussex are a reputable supplier and I would therefore assume these fuses are made to original lucas specification. Just looked at Nigel's link, very good explanation I thought.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

On the subject of fuses. If you have an electrical problem on the road and are blowing fuses you'll soon run out before you can trace the problem in many cases. I have found that an automatic reseting circuit breaker is a great addition to the tool kit. This will allow you to trouble shoot the problem and when the CB trips all you have to do to reset it is to remove the power from the circuit for a bit. When you find the problem then install the correct value fuse and you're on your way. Circuit breakers are available in most common ratings and clip into the same fuse block but will be tall enough to not allow the cover to be installed, hence their use only for troubleshooting.


B Young

This thread was discussed on 10/06/2011

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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