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MG MGA - Hot Key

First let me say that my car's electrics are working absolutely fine (kiss of death).

I have just arrived at work this morning - a 3.5 mile drive. I had the headlights, wipers and radio on the whole way. (For poet Glen's benefit I put the hood up in the garage!). When I took the key out of the ignition switch it was rather hot. Is this anything to worry about or just what is to be expected with the heavy load going through the system?

I have not been aware of heat in the key on dry, light days.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Sounds like you switch needs a good clean out or a new switch. You will only get heat with a high resistance, usually through corrosion or wear.
Ian Pearl

Ian

I'm inclined to agree with you. I am just checking for a concensus of opinion before I start an upside down investigation behind the dashboard. I usually end up with a horrendous back and neck ache after a contortionist session in the footwell.

Steve
Steve Gyles

If it were me, I'd at least have the battery disconnected while at work and such until the fault can be determined.
Paul Hanley

Paul

I do. I have battery isolators for both my batteries. I always isolate the electrics every time I get out the car. Also forms part of my anti-theft precautions.

And I carry a large powder fire extinguisher in the cockpit!

Steve
Steve Gyles

Hi Steve:

Having a hot ignition switch
Frankly, can be a *itch
By ignition switch turning
Your fingers could be burning
Better keep burn ointment in car
Cause a trip to emerg is pretty far
Because you love your little British heap
And because you want it, still to keep
Perhaps you should be hiring
Someone to check Lucas wiring
Glenn

Oh my Gawd, not him again!

Thank you for your remarks dear Glen
Yet another ditty from your pen
Let's wait an hour for Steve to wake
Another poem for his site to take
All said and done I've got a switch
The old one in the bin I'll ditch

Steve

Steve Gyles

Hi Steve. "Poem Wars" eh? lol

Steve you're quite welcome for my wit
I Really dont mind one little bit
Glad you found another switch
But in the garbage I would not pitch
I'd save it for use as emergency spare
Unless you choose not, and really dont care
Hope this ends our poem war
For otherwise, could be a bore.
Glenn

Not a war with our Glen
You’d beat me love ten

Just a great deal of fun
When no heat in the sun

Golly, the thin air over there
Really brings the prose to bare

And did I say in the bin?
Yes, sorry, too much of a sin

Watch on Ebay maybe
Plenty of bids for me
Steve Gyles

Hi Steve

I am starting to think that:

We are both poets
and our feet show it
Cause they're Longfellows


Not my poem, but lots of fun anyway! Glad you figured out your electrical problem. It's not surprising that 50 year old electrical parts are beginning to fail on our antiques! Guess we can only hope that the replacement parts we purchase last as long. Cheers, and thanks for the fun, Glenn (the poet?)
Glenn

You guys are both good, but don't mess with the master:

http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&mode=thread&access=&subject=18&source=T&thread=200412160606253602
Wray Lemke

HiWray. I read your poem, which is done to the tune "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" by Mel Torme. Not bad for an "armature"

Here is my version, done to the same tune.

SU’s flooded with stuck needle valves
Rear Main leaking like a Sieve
Tires as bald as a newborn’s behind
And brake pads, so worn metal glows
Everybody knows
That swivel pins need lots of grease
Helps to keep the steering tight
Tiny zerks with their chrome all aglow
Allow the molly grease in all right
I know that Moss will save the day
By bringing lots of parts and goodies, I should say
And every police man is gonna spy
To see if MG drivers drink too much rye
And so I’m offering this good advice
To owners and mechanics too
Although car’s been dead many times, many ways
You can fix it, yes you

Glenn Hedrich
Glenn

This thread was discussed between 17/12/2004 and 18/12/2004

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