The main problems with the Lucas system as presented on our cars are really not
with the components themselves (except maybe the switches, which do conk out a
little sooner than they should, but that's not a biggie). The problems we see
are usually related to:
An under-rated alternator. It's not a bad alternator, but when it drops to 12
amps output on idle we have a situation there, folks....The designers just made
a typical engineering-student error and didn't uprate the thing enough to cope
with the real world (looks ok but marginal on paper, goes to hades in the field
with gradually deteriorating connections and components over time and use).
Put in the classic Delco 60-amp bulletproof unit and you're set for years. No
comment on you generator-powered drivers - don't know how good-bad they are in
use.
And bad grounds. For some reason the grounds corrode more easily than American
car ground connections. Bad grounds account for the crazy "mind-of-its-own"
problems that crop up, that are so hard to troubleshoot.
A higher-capacity alternator, and some attention to good clean grounds, and the
Lucas system is fine - nothing mysterious. The wiring is straightforward and
easy to follow. One caveat - if you have the late-model Midget with electronic
ignition, THAT really can be a bad component - replace with a reliable ignition
system. I've been told those were often brain-dead right off the ship.
--- "Peter C." <nosimport@mailbag.com> wrote:
> At 10:03 PM 5/9/2000 , Toby Atwater wrote:
> >Another example of why I'm majoring in Engineering... this is good stuff!
> >Although Lucas, I think, doesn't follow standard physic laws and electric
> >theory.
> >>Toby
> >I gotta start a LUCAS 101 class at the university. Completely new physics to
> >learn heh.
> -----
> Toby (and others),
> I believe the laws of physics still prevail in Lucas made products. I
> think there is also evidence of the laws of economics. Remember, the lowest
> bidder likely won the contract from the car maker. Perhaps that is where
> the blame should lie?
> Peter C (flame suit on)
>
> Sometimes the wet dreams of engineers are interrupted by the nightmares
> imposed by the accountants.
=====
Michael B. Dietsche, P.E.
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