On the road with charging problem

Hey guys -- I'm on the road to MG2003, and in for the night in Columbus, Ohio. Logged about 450 miles today.

Car ran flawlessly . . . except I developed an electrical / charging problem.

Was driving at highway speed when ignition / generator light started glowing dimly. Stayed that way for about 45 minutes, then shut off.

After stopping for gas, I tried to start the car, and got nothing when I turned the key. (Dead silence.) On the third try, it started right up.

Going down the highway again, the generator light came back on. Then I started losing power to the accessories. (Fuel gauge, wipers, turn signals.) Which was fun, as we were driving top down in strong intermitten rain showers. So I had to choose between the headlights and the wipers. (I took turns using each.)

The ignition light stayed on this time, and eventually lost the turn signals altogether.

When we got to the hotel, and I tried to restart the car, of course I got nothing. We're suspecting the voltage regulator, or maybe the starter relay. Haven't had a chance to check it out yet, because we're just too darn tired. Have lots of MG nuts here, so we're going to try to figure it out in the morning.

Of course, I just replaced the generator and voltage regulator last year. Put a new starter relay in two years ago. But maybe it's the starter itself?

Oh, you should also know that I had been noticing what I thought of as a 'flat spot' in the ignition. Occasionally -- but not every time -- when I went to start it, I'd first get nothing when turning the key, but as I turned the key further, it would start up.

Thoughts?

Kim!! One other thought!! Your battery connection!! If it is bad, nothing will work!! Anyway, I just went tru this, and I got some fabulous aftermarket battery clamps!! I will give you one in St Looie!!

Check your generator belt first. The wetness could be causing it to slip if it happens to be a little loose. Next I'd check the connections at the battery and starter since id didn't start for a few tries then it did and the light was glowing and then got bright. You'll have plenty of help right there otherwise.

if you have to you can swap batterys with Charles, and keep going. I have a really good rebuilder in evansville. We can probably get it taken care of Tuesday.

Sorry to hear about the troubles, Kim. If none of the afore mentioned turns out to be the problem, I believe I'd go buy one of those self-contained battery packs and a battery charger. Charge them both at night at the motel and use the battery pack as a back-up. I'm betting on the voltage regulator being bad

Gerry, that iks what I said in my e-mail!! But she should check the clamps first!!

You bet, check the simple things first, just might lucky. Just wish I could be there to help

I will be soon!! :o)

You lucky dog, you!

we may have it taken care of before that Gary

Good man!!

1) loose connections
2) bad voltage regulator
3) bad/corroded generator wire

I have the 'dead spot' on my igniton switch too, only it's when I turn it too far. It will jerk then stop. But if I turn it just right it will fire up every time.

Thanks, guys! I thought about the battery connections too. It's 6:30 am, I'm going to get up and go check all connections before everyone else gets there. Maybe I can get it going by myself and be super impressive...

I'll keep you posted! (Man, I love the internet ... and lap top computers!)

KOOOOOL!!! Keep us posted!!

Yea, boy, internet and laptops are great! Wonder why we have not heard from Kim? Reckon she is back on the road and having too much fun? Hope so!!

I talked to her she is still running and still has the problem. I should see her here Tuesday

for those of you with gererators this might be an idea to look into. Have not read the whole thing but it looks interesting <http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/electric/ssvreg.htm>

phil is supposed to be bringing a new regulator and I have a line on a couple of generators here and a good rebuilder if necessary

Has she tried cleaning the points on the old one?