MG Midgets: Alternator aggravation

Sunday, 19 June 2011

Alternator aggravation

So a couple of days into owning ABW and already the gremlins are starting to attack!

Engine cutting out on deceleration when hot (probably fuel vaporisation in the carbs), a soaked floor under the driver’s seat in heavy rain (small rip in roof), a disintegrating grille and an annoying misfire (yet to be diagnosed).

The latest problem is the alternator. Originally ABW would have had a dynamo, but at some stage (fairly recently, judging by the cleanliness of the components) she has had an alternator conversion. Whilst trying to discover the cause of the misfire, I noticed the alternator was loose, only to discover cracks fore and aft in the mountings.

A quick bodge with some penny washers to keep things going, whilst I sort out a new alternator and bracket. This seems like an unusual place for the failure of a fairly new component, so I must investigate any root cause.

Old cars, don't you love 'em!

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A quick history

The MG Midget sprang from the Austin-Healey Sprite, a basic, cheap to run, fun to drive two-seater which first appeared in 1959. Affectionately known as the “Frogeye” –due to the distinctive headlamp and grille arrange, the Sprite was manufactured in Abingdon. With twin SU carburettors, developing around 42 bhp, the Sprite was capable of reaching around 80mph.

The Mark II Austin-Healy Sprite appeared in 1961 and featured significant restyling. The De-Luxe version, rebadged, was launched as the Mark I MG Midget. Sprites and Midgets (“Spridgets”) continued in parallel until 1970.

In 1963 the Midget Mk I was given a 1098cc version of the A-series engine, developing 55bhp. Disc brakes became available and options included wire wheels. In 1964 the Mark II was launched. This had improved suspension, a new windscreen, and wind up windows – luxury!

The Mark III was introduced in late 1966, with the engine further enlarged to 1275cc, using the A-series unit developed for the Mini Cooper S, capable of producing 65bhp and speeds of over 90mph. In 1970, the Sprite version of the Midget (the Sprite Mk IV) was axed. Further refinements were made in 1972, including the short-lived but distinctive round wheel arches at the rear.

US emissions and safety regulations put increasing pressure on MG to make changes for the important US export market. The Mark IV was launched in 1974, which included rubber-bumpers to meet US crash test legislation and the 1493cc, four-cylinder, pushrod, OHV engine from the Triumph Spitfire. The larger engine produced 66bhp, giving a top speed of over 100mph.

With a production run of nearly 230,000 the Midget finally ceased production in 1979.