MG Car Repair: turn signals dont flash, flasher units, hazard flasher

Question
QUESTION: Hi my hazards work fine everything flashes inside and out but the turn signals come on but won't flash. I replaced the flasher but still have the same results. My car is a 1976 MG Midget

ANSWER: Hi Jim.  There are two separate flasher units on a 76 Midget.  A 48 Watt unit is used for the two turn indicator lamps (plus the dashboard tell-tale lamps), and a 96 watt unit is used when the hazard switch operates all 4 turn indicator lamps.  My guess is that you have replaced the hazard flasher unit, but it is the turn indicator flasher unit that needs to be replaced.

 

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QUESTION: Hi Barrie sorry I wasn't clear when I said flasher. I replaced the turn signal one in the glove box. They will work when I first start the car for 8-10 flashes then they stop flashing and just stay on. I'm wondering if my new flasher is bad?

Answer
Hi Jim.  The fact that the hazard unit is capable of flashing all 6 bulbs (including the 2 on the dash) tells me that the lamps are all ok.  If the turn signal works and then stops, it sounds like a faulty flasher unit to me.  I would replace it with a different one.  Modern flasher units use an electronic timer instead of a bit of hot wire, so they are more reliable.  The Lucas part number is FL17 but any make will do.  They usually have 3 connections.  You just need to run the extra wire to earth (ground).