I've read a couple of the replys to this. I too have had my share of
problems with electrical systems. I have the benefit of being familiar
with Bosch, Marelli, Marchal, and Lucas. It does seem that older Lucas
charging systems (i.e. regulators and generators) are not the best built
things around. That said, when I finally gave up on the generator in my
MGB, what did I replace it with???? A lucas alternator. And I've had no
problems since.
As far as switches burning out and overheating - that is simple. It is a
design issue, most likely by the car manufacturer. If there was too much
load for a switch, there should be a relay in the circuit, or a sturdier
switch should have been specified.
As far as wiring, I like the lucas/lucar whatever it is system best. As a
matter of fact, I've soildered in lucas butt end connectors in porsches
and VW's, because they are a better system. The biggest problem seems to
occur when after years of non-attention, they start to corrode a little.
Rather than clean them, people cut them off and put on crimp fittings.
Then they complain about the "lucas" problems that they just created. I
can't begin to relay my degree of frustration with Marelli and Marchal
items. My citroen's wiring insulation is about 3/4 gone in any location
with a bend, and the connectors fit too loose. Then again I do like
Marchal/Marelli/Cibie aux. lights a lot.
Phil Bates
'58 MGA
'59 or so Wolseley 6/99 - actually it's not my car, but it's on my
property and it will be one day
'66 Citroen DS21 Pallas
'66 Land Rover 88
'67 MGB
'69 Porsche 911T soft window Targa
52/72 MG-TD replica/Volkswagen beetle
Have worked on other cars for fun - but that should give you an idea of
the electrical systems I've worked
on.
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