[Healeys] Northern Hemisphere Lucas Demons

[Derek Job]

I agree, the original Lucas parts were of excellent quality. You can still
buy Lucas branded products but they are made by a company (or companies)
that have licensed the name.

Derek

On Thu, Jun 4, 2015 at 8:54 AM, Patrick & Caroline Quinn <
p_cquinn at tpg.com.au> wrote:

> G’day
>
>
>
> For once I must agree with Kees!
>
>
>
> The original Lucas parts were built to a very high standard and rarely
> gave any problems. Everyone laughs at the saying “Price of Darkness” but
> when was the last time you actually cleaned the connectors, terminals or
> switches?
>
>
>
> When I restored the BN3 I wanted to reuse the old wiring hardness as it is
> unique. So after I removed it from the car it was stripped of all outside
> covering, taped at strategic locations and then soaked for three days in a
> mix of water and laundry powder. While soaking it was given the occasional
> stir. All this removed the years of built up crud. Then I went through
> every wire, terminal and connector with a cloth and mineral turpentine.
> Every bullet connector was tested and if found wanting, removed and
> resoldered. Only when I was happy with its cleanliness did I have it
> completely rebound in the correct cotton. I did exactly the same with all
> the electrical components. Clean, clean and more clean.
>
>
>
> That was in the 1980s and have not had a single electrical problem since.
> The secret to Lucas equipment (and any other brand) is cleanliness.
>
>
>
> Hoo Roo
>
>
>
> Patrick Quinn
>
> Blue Mountains, Australia
>
>
>
> *From:* Healeys [mailto:healeys-bounces at autox.team.net] *On Behalf Of *
> Oudesluys
> *Sent:* Thursday, 4 June 2015 5:39 PM
> *To:* healeys at autox.team.net
> *Subject:* Re: [Healeys] Northern Hemisphere Lucas Demons
>
>
>
> Most Lucas parts were of excellent quality. They rarely gave any trouble.
> In those days cars did only last for about 5 years or 40.000miles. We are
> now 40-70 years on and most of the original stuff is still working, quite
> impressive. That some fail now after all those years because of wear cannot
> be attributed to lack of quality. Anyhow, most probably it is because of
> lacking use and/or maintainance that they fail. A drop of oil, cleaning and
> lubricating switches etc., most don't bother, until it stops working and
> breaks. Contacts in switches will corrode and if not used regularly they
> will built up resistance, than heat and burn out. Just a small bit of
> contact spray now and than will keep them in good nick. The big old Lucas
> relays are of excellent quality, but the same applies here. Used regularly
> and there is rarely any trouble. If not used regularly clean the contacts
> now and than using a piece of thin hard cardboard.
> Where the car manufacturers went wrong was the wiring, they were skimping
> on that and the connectors and corrosion protection of those. And the lack
> of fuses but that was a universal problem.
> These days new "Lucas" parts have nothing to do with good old Joseph's
> joint.
> Kees Oudesluijs
>
>
>
>
> J. Armour schreef op 4-6-2015 om 5:16:
>
> Down –Under in the land of OZ I purchased my first BN.4 in 1966 and drove
> it every day. Sold it for a home deposit, purchased another BN.4 and drove
> it every day.Then went crazy and purchased a car that had been hammered
> around Sebring for 12 hours and not having learnt my lessonI purchased
> another Healey that did three LeMans 24 hour and two Sebring 12 hour races
> all fitted with Lucas stuff and they have never stopped. What is going on?
> Maybe it is time to identify the reliable repair / retailer outlets ( and
> there are many about from the input I see on the list ) and pay the price
> they have learnt from experience to select the better product.
>
> On another occasion I was tuning the BN.4 and it only had 4 spark plugs in
> the head. I was lazy and turned the engine on the starter to check the
> valve clearance and bless my soul the old Lucas and SU system started the
> engine with two cylinders pumping air and unburnt fuel
>
> When I purchased the second BN.4 it had been freshly serviced by the not
> so well informed ex-owner working at a service station. Two weeks later the
> car had been performing well but then would not start. It turned out the
> good old Lucas system had fried the two stroke lawn mower spark plugs the
> before mentioned service station attendant had fitted!
>
>
>
> I even drove a the 3000 home 90 km with the rotor button held together
> with a piece of electrial tape.  Good old reliable Joseph Lucas.
>
>
>
> Joe
>
>
>
>
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