MG Midget 1979 Driver's Handbook Manual page 9

15 m.p.h. (24 km /h)
25 m.p.h. (40 krn /h)
40 m.p.h. (64 krn /h)
Starting and Running Instructions
Starting Sit in the car, then wear and fasten the seat belts ; this appl ies to both driver an d
passenger.
Switch on the ignition and check:
That the ignition warning light glows.
That the fuel gauge registers.
Depress the throttle pedal fully and release.
Operate the starter. Do not depress the throttle pedal while the starter is operated.
As soon as the engine is started check:
That the oil pressure gauge registers.
The ignition warning light has gone out.
Quickly depress and release the throttle pedal to set the automatic choke to its
correct position.
NOTE: Fo r cars operating in sub-zero temperatures, slowly depress the throttle
pedal until 2,500 rev fmin is attained; maintain this speed until the engine reache s
normal operating temperature.
Ignition The lamp shou ld glow when the ignition is switched on, and go out and stay o ut
warning lamp at all times while the engine is running above normal idling speed. Failure to do
so indicates a fault in the battery charging system. Check that the fan belt is
correctly tensioned before consulting your authorized Austin MG Dealer.
Gear change Under normal dr iving conditions, it is recommended that to maintain the most
speeds favourable exhaust emissions and fuel economy, the gears are selected at the
following speeds:
1st to 2nd ..
2nd to 3rd . .
3rd to 4th . .
Tachometer For normal road work, and to obtain the most satisfactory service from you r
engine, select the appropriate gear to maintain engine speeds of between 2,000
and 4,500 rev Imin.
When maximum acceleration is required upward gear selections should be made
when the needle reaches the yellow sector (5,500-6,300 rev/min) . Prolonged or
excessive use of the highest engine speeds will tend to shorten the life of the
engine. Allowing the engine to pull hard at low engine speeds must be avoided
as this also has a detrimental effect on the engine.
The beginning of the red sector (6,300 rev/min) indicates the maximum safe speed
for the engine.
Never allow the needle to enter the red sector.
Wet brakes If the car has been washed, driven through water, or over wet roads for prolonged
periods full braking power may not b v ilabl . Dry the brakes by applying the
foot brake lightly several times, while th r i in mo tion. Keep the hand brake
applied while using high pressure wa hing uipment.
Oil pressure
warning lamp
The lamp will glow when the ignition is switched on and go out soon after the
engine is running.
Vehicle loading Due consideration must be given to the overa ll weight carried when fully loading
the car. Any loads carried on a luggage rack or downward load from a towing
hitch must also be included in the maximu m loading.
Towing Should it become necessary to tow the car, use the towing eyes prov ided.
for recovery
The ignition/steering lock key must be at positions 'I' or 'II' and must not be
removed during the tow. For tow starting the key must be at position 'II'.
If the light continues to glow, stop the engine immediately and investigate th e
cause. Start by checking the oil level.
Starter Do not operate the starter for longer than five to six seconds.
If after a reasonable number of attempts the engine should fail to start, switch
off the ignition and investigate the cause. Continued use of the starter when the
Starter Do not operate the starter for longer than five to six seconds.
If after a reasonable number of attempts the engine should fail to start, switch
off the ignition and investigate the cause. Continued use of the starter when the
engine will not start not only discharges the battery but may also damage th e
sta rter.
If the starter pinion fails to engage .with the flywheel ring, or fails to disenga ge
when the engine starts, the starter will emit a high-pitched whine; release th e
ignition key immediately. Should the starter pinion become jammed in mesh with
the flywheel ring, turn the squared end of the armature spindle with a spanner.
Temperature Normal operating temperature is reached when the pointer is in the 'N' sector.
gauge
Overheating may cause serious damage. Investigate any upward change in the
temperature gauge reading immediately. Check coolant level and fan belt tension.
Towing
The towing weight of 1,3441b (610 kg) is the maximum that is permissible. When
using bottom gear a gradient of up to 1 in 8 can be ascended while towing a
weight not exceeding this figure. It may be necessary to adjust the maximum
towing weight to comply with local conditions and regulations. The recommended
downward load of a trailer or caravan on the towing hitch is 75 lb (34 kg), but
this may be reduced or exceeded at the discretion of the driver. Any load carried
on the luggage rack or downward load from a towing hitch must also be included
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weight not exceeding this figure. It may be necessary to adjust the maximum
towing weight to comply with local conditions and regulations. The recommended
downward load of a trailer or caravan on the towing hitch is 75 lb (34 kg), but
this may be reduced or exceeded at the discretion of the driver. Any load carried
on the luggage rack or downward load from a towing hitch must also be included
in the maximum loading of the vehicle.