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MG TD TF 1500 - Battery to starter switch support clip

Hi all - I've recently got a copy of the new paperback version of the 1998 Graham Robson 'T Series The Complete Story' book. On page 107 there is what looks like a factory picture of a post Jan 1953 (dynamo date visible!) under bonnet TD with a clip coming off the battery clamp, supporting the battery to starter switch heavy cable. I've never seen one before yet in my TF Parts List one is listed under K7 as 'Clip-battery-main feed and.starter cables' Part No 80492.

It looks like a piece of sprung steel in a curved tapered form, yet is not listed in any of the new parts books I have. The cable supports itself, so I can understand why the clip may have been discarded over the years. Does anyone have more info. on this item, dimensions? photos? type of metal?

Cheers, John.
J.C Mitchell

John,

The part number 80492 is just a clip that holds the battery cable to the wiring harness. I have attached 2 photos (1 here and the other on the next post). My 1951 TD (TD9855) is a very original 42,900 mile car and this looks like it came from the factory.

I have looked at the photo that you are referring to and I have not seen that type of bracket an a TD (but I have not been looking for it).

I hope this helps you out.

David....




David Honness

John,

Second photo from a different angle.

David.....




David Honness

David H. - That looks very much like the clip that holds the starter handle to the back of the seat in a TD (there are three of them for that purpose. The othe observation is that the clip has rather sharp edges that are not curved outward as normally seen on clamps for electrical cable, which would give me pause for use on a battery cable. I am not saying for sure that the clip is not original, it may well be, but only that it doesn't conform to what is normally seen for cable clamps. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

David DuBois,

The clamp is not the same as the crank handle as it is round around the wiring harness and open where the battery cable fits into it. If you look at the discription in the original factory parts manual on page K.5 part number 80492 is discribed as Clip - battery feed and starter switch cable.

Are you aware of a bracket, that John is refering to in Graham Robinson's book?

I would be interested in seeing if anyone knows of it. I do not remember it on any of my other TD's.

David.....
David Honness

Hi to all, and thanks for comments.

The picture in the Graham Robson book looks a bit of a 'lash up', as far as the clip is concerned and may never have been used. In which case why is a clip referred to in the TF Parts List, where the wiring close to the battery is different from the TD - horns re-located. David, are you sure Part No 80492 is the clip on your car?

If no one else is aware of the clip in the Robson book, I'll do some further research.

Cheers, John.
J.C Mitchell

The clip that David H. shows is original, at least for the TD's and I think the TF too.

David H. I noticed that your heavy power cables going to the starter are encased in a rubber like sheath. I would like some better views of that if you could email them to me.
Chris Couper

My MKII came with a clip the same or very simular that was used on the two fuel lines between the fuel pumps and carbs. Helped keep the fuel lines more securely in place. Marvin


Marvin Stuart

Chris,

You have an e-mail with photos.

For the otheres I have attached one of the photos here. The rubber casing is covered with a woven cloth material and is worn away by the battery clamp.

JC - My original TD parts manual does not show a photo of it but the discription in the manual seams to match the location.

David.....


David Honness

There was some confusion. Chris was asking about the cable that was covered with the rubber shield. That wire is part of the wiring harness that goes to the starter sh*tch. The rubber shield covers the cable from where the 2 wires come out for the fuel pump, to the end at the starter switch.

David......


David Honness

Second photo.


David......


David Honness

Hi, thanks for all the responses. David H, your photos are very helpful, and I've come to the conclusion that on the TD the clip is correct and probably never removed from the TF parts list in error.

Because the fuel pump and horns are relocated on the TF there is no similiar wiring to tidy up with a clip, and the battery to starter cable is certainly strong enough to 'stand alone'. The photo in the Graham Robson book is probably a 'lash up' never used - never discount the human error factor, even with old cars!

Cheers, John.
J.C Mitchell

Reactivated thread.

Useful info here as I'm installing the starter switch, cabling & horn at present. I see a rubber grommet at the rear of the horn where the horn wiring enters & I also note the orientation of the horn cover, both of which appear to be original. Confirmation of both welcomed. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Just found this in my photo archive. It suggests that the horn cables do enter from the rear though this is from a recently restored car. Shows a grommet but not the same as the one in the pic above. (Note that the battery has been reversed, (terminals at the front), as the polarity here has been changed to a - ve earthed car). The other points of interest are the two vacant holes in the bulkhead. I believe that one of these is for the earth wire that has been connected here to the horn bracket & the other is for a securing clip for the fuel line. In all of the published penetration diagrams that I've seen these two holes are either omitted or their purpose is listed as unknown. Their only function in this restoration is to permit fumes to enter the cabin. Cheers
Peter TD 5801


P Hehir

Does anyone know where this clip can be purchased? I have been unable to source them so I made a "pretend" aluminium replacement, but the original spring clip is preferable.
P G BANCROFT

I did not find that clip on this 50 TD but I took the original harness out of the box and spread it out to have a look at it. I found a couple of these clips which I'm not sure where they go yet.


L E D LaVerne

Three straps still attached on the rear of the harness. Also notice the P clip for the tail lights.


L E D LaVerne

Cable from the starter switch to the starter


L E D LaVerne

Cable from the battery to the switch


L E D LaVerne

Curious steel sheathed battery cable?


L E D LaVerne

P clip after exiting the bulkhead


L E D LaVerne

LED: "I found a couple of these clips which I'm not sure where they go yet."

These are on the front of the chassis on the drivers side and hold the wire for the fog lamp when not used. The wire wraps back and forth.

I am curious about the two large rubber covers on your battery and starter cable. Have not noticed that before. There are rubber boots that cover the starter switch but maybe these were before that? But they would not protect the connections like the boots do.
Christopher Couper

This thread was discussed between 18/11/2007 and 07/03/2018

MG TD TF 1500 index

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