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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Voltage Stabilizer Test?

I need a little help!

I'm trying to trace down the cause of an inaccurate fuel guage (reads 3/4 when full). I know it could be various things, so I started with easiest to reach first: the voltage stabilizer.

I tested the switched input & had 12.6 volts, but when I tested the other terminal, it fluctuated between 12.6 & .02 volts...that's if I got a reading at all!

That can't be right...does anyone know how to test the stabilizer & could it have been hooked up backwards by a PO?

Does it have a diode inside?

I can't find any information on it in manuals or on the web.

Help please!

Thanks,
Dave
Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

Dave.

Inside there is heat sensitive bimetalic strip holding two points together, round the bimetalic strip is wound a resistance wire, as the current flows the wire heats up and bends the bimetalic strip opening the points - current stops - point close - the cycle starts again.I have not tested one for years but you should get an average voltage of about 7 volts. your reading of 12.6 - 0.2 is correct just leave it on for some time and the voltage change will get quicker and you should see your volt meter neddle swing and average about 7 volts. Dont use a digital meter.

Mike
M J Pearson

Thanks Mike

Ok, that makes sense, I had thought maybe it was a resistor & diode combination to drop the voltage, but not let current pass in the unwanted direction. I was using a digital meter, but I do have a Simpson analog meter in the shop.

Next question: I jumped the leads together at the stabilizer, engine not running, and the guage went up to full (I had filled the tank prior to testing), it had been at the 3/4 mark, which it always is after fill up. Does that really tell me anything, since the actual voltage to the guage should not be 12.0?

Thanks again, I'm learning more & more with each new project.

Dave
Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

Get yourself one of these and fit and forget

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Semiconductor-Voltage-Stabilizer-MG-midget-MGB-MGC_W0QQitemZ280547957176QQihZ018QQcategoryZ27380QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Nigel Atkins

Yep...found their website, will order one tommorrow & see what happens.

http://classicstabilizers.webs.com/

Thanks
Dave

Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

Oh well, no easy way out...it turned out to be the sender unit in the tank.

I'll wait to the weather ccols off a bit this fall & drop the tank.

Thanks for the input!
Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

This thread was discussed between 14/08/2010 and 15/08/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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