My 55 Plymouth has been converted to 12 volts and everything works just fine. I rewired the whole car myself. I'm using a Lucas 12 volt generator that I was given, and it puts out plenty. I was also given a Lucas two bobbin regulator, and it worked briefly until the current limiter points welded shut and blew the 30 amp fuse I have in my ignition circuit. I got another regulator (same model) and after about 10 minutes of driving the same thing happened. Two options here.... either the reg is insufficient for the gennie, if that's possible, or the gennie is throwing spikes, if that's possible. When it was working it was reading 14.4 volts across the batt posts. So, does a gennie have to have the proper matching reg? Or does that not matter?
if you hook it up to the correct terminals it should work OK,but you should really look into getting some decent Autolite or Delco-Remy parts. a friend of mine used to have a Rover 2000TC,when the regulator acted up he would smack it with a "calibrated" screwdriver handle just hard enough to unstick the points
Free is free huh - you've already blown out two regulators, how free is it now and how about the aggravation. .
I'm thinking a 30 amp fuse isn't big enough. Most maxi-fuses are in the 50 or 60 amp range. You might borrow or purchase a clamp-on ammeter and see how much current your pulling out of the battery. If it's 28 amps under normal driving conditions, then you can see how a minor surge will blow the fuse. I would think the headlights, tail-lights and engine would draw more than 30 amps. Points welding shut, would mean the regulator is designed for a smaller load, and you need a larger rated regulator. My favorite quote: Sometimes "free" is too expensive.
Lucas huh? Prince of darkness? I'd search ebay and get yourself a good ole 56 mopar gen. Electrical issues will make you pull your hair out...I've been there. Just did the 12v conversion on my 55 Dodge. No problems..but I got a 56 gen and regulator. Tim MBL
Sounds like Lucas troubles to me too I used to work on old British cars for people and I have seen those Lucas generators do some weird stuff. If they get shorted they can produce crazy voltages. They work a lot better as a doorstop. I have included the factory Lucas guide for fuse replacement.
unless you really want a generator for the look , i suggest you install a GM internal regulated alternator and be done with it..they are cheap and common around here , not sure about down there but you should be able to find one
I gotta go w/ 3-window. I had a motorcycle shop for years, and they don't refer to Lucas as the " Prince of Darkness" for nothing. I will have to do many years in purgatory for the language I've used working w/Lucas. Our Brit bros are many things, but electricians they ain't. The GM alternators are plentiful, easy to work on and damn dependable....Ole Pork
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