Indicators not self cancelling

[Paul Heffernan]

Hi all,

As per the title, my indicators work but will not self cancel. I've removed the cowl and can confirm the metal self cancelling cam is in place on the steering column (the car is 1974)

My instinct is to assume the plastic "ears" (or their levers) on the indicator stalk mechanism have gone soft and therefore are just not engaging as they should and that I should just replace the unit.

However, before I do that (ie spend ££'s) can anyone please advise the resting place for the cam when the wheels are in the straight ahead position. On mine, sitting in the car, the cam is pretty much at 9 O'clock. The cancelling "ears" do run over the cam, but it doesn't have any effect. Also, is there a simple "fix" I might be missing?

Sorry, being a bit of a twit, I replaced the cowl before thinking I should have taken a picture.

[Ian F]

Paul,
I had quite a bit of trouble getting mine to work properly - some time ago now so I am speaking from memory.

The metal cancelling device clips onto the column and is adjustable in two directions.

The indicator stalk unit sits in one location determined by a locating groove (I think!)

The cam on the cancelling device has to sit equidistant from each of the plastic arms which are activated by the cam.

On my 72 BGT the plastic arms had become weakened over many years and simply bent away when in contact with the cancelling cam. I did try reinforcement with wire wrapping but it was never successful and I eventually replaced the unit.

One thing you have to be aware of is any "in-out" movement of the column. This can cause issues with getting the parts aligned. This movement is a failure of the inner column joint.

If you get really stuck I can take some photos of my components, but this will mean some dismantling of course!

Ian F

[Paul Heffernan]

Oooh errr missus, photo's of your components eh? Is that legal? (Sorry couldn't resist, I really do need the smilies!)

What you say makes perfect sense, I suspect the little plastic arms that are meant to click over the self cancelling cam just kind of slop over it. Sounds like yours were the same, which supports my initial assumption - Fit a new indicator switch/stalk.

Thanks for the help, and the laugh.

[Ian F]

You need to get out more!!!😁

[Paul Heffernan]

So, I bought a new stalk. Mine has the horn in the centre of the steering wheel, so I ordered the "no horn" version.

Stripped out the old one easily enough, and popped the new one in easy peasy. But although the new one fits and appears to work ok, ie it now self cancels, I simply can't get the cowl to fit back over it.

It seems a slighly different design and the two parts of the cowl just will not close and fit together neatly over it.

Any pointers?

[Ian F]

Paul, there are a few variables that allow adjustment which might make things tricky.

One fixed point (I think) is the locating groove for the unit? Have you got the unit into that slot?

The stalk should be approximately horizontal at 3 o'clock. if it isn't the outer column may need adjustment.

Does the inner column move in/out? Of so then the collapsible joint may have failed. This can cause several alignment issues.

The cowl itself has no fixed location, so can accommodate adjustments.

All this is from memory so hopefully accurate 😊

Perhaps post some photos showing where it doesn't fit?

IanF

[Paul Hollingworth]

Indicators not self cancelling - They all do that Sir.
I've got a new Chinese Lucas stalk and the b*gger still doesn't self cancel. Cam is catching the plastic arms too but they just don't seem stiff enough to flick it off (Ooh 'Er Missus)

[Ian F]

Well, it seems self cancelling is not the issue? My replacement unit works fine, just needs correctly setting up. I am guessing these replacement units are all the same and all made in the People's Republic (now there's a thought🙊).

Ian F

[Paul Heffernan]

Ian Fozzard wrote:
> Paul, there are a few variables that allow adjustment which might make
> things tricky.
>
> One fixed point (I think) is the locating groove for the unit? Have you
> got the unit into that slot?
>
> The stalk should be approximately horizontal at 3 o'clock. if it isn't the
> outer column may need adjustment.
>
> Does the inner column move in/out? Of so then the collapsible joint may
> have failed. This can cause several alignment issues.
>
> The cowl itself has no fixed location, so can accommodate adjustments.
>
> All this is from memory so hopefully accurate 😊
>
> Perhaps post some photos showing where it doesn't fit?
>
> IanF

Thanks Ian

I'll check for the location groove - fingers crossed it's that.

The stalk is pretty much at 3 O'clock and there's no in/out movement on the column.

Just a bit frustrating as I thought I'd sorted it. the joys of MG ownership hey? 😂 (look I've got the smileys!)

[Paul Heffernan]

Paul Hollingworth wrote:
> Indicators not self cancelling - They all do that Sir.
> I've got a new Chinese Lucas stalk and the b*gger still doesn't self
> cancel. Cam is catching the plastic arms too but they just don't seem stiff
> enough to flick it off (Ooh 'Er Missus)

🤣