CONTROL BOX SOLUTION

[angelfj]

From my post on BritishCarForum.com

 

I have never understood the exact relationship between the Generator and voltage regulator on a tr3. My question is should I replace the regulator and generator as a unit if I suspect the generator is the problem. The generator light came on while I was driving, and perhaps I should have unplugged it as I drove home, but I did not. Anyway, I could hear a mild rattling noise coming from the generator, so I pulled it. Now as I am putting on a new generator the thought came to me should I replace the regulator also. My concern is what if the generator shorted out and that fried the regulator is that going to now toast this new generator. Thoughts?

steve

 

 

Steve: During the TRA meet I realized that my LUCAS control box was not operating properly. Most of the time we were running on battery even though the generator was fine. At one point the battery voltage got so low that the ignition system was failing to fire the spark plugs. When we returned we attempted to adjust the two relays and clean up the contacts. This helped a little, but operation was not reliable. I ordered a new box from Moss. This was right off the shelf not tested, not cleaned. It worked right out of the box.

 

I question the practice of offering a tested and cleaned box at a premium price. First of all, each installation is unique and for optimum success the box should be tested with the generator in your car. Second, it takes approx. 1 minute to "clean" the contacts. Perhaps we were lucky that the box operated correctly, but I was satisfied.

 

Update: As a retired electrical engineer, I knew that any electro-mechanical device like these control boxes will eventually require maintenance, contact cleaning, testing, etc. I was prepared to deal with this as a routine PM requirement and then I became aware of Wilton Auto Electric, in Wilton, NH. They have designed a solid state voltage regulator for DC generators. They have designs for most of the old cars originally equipped with DC generators, including Autolite, Bosch, Delco Remy and Lucas. Yes. Lucas.

Details here: http://wiltonae.com/home/index.aspx

 

So, I called WAE and spoke to Bob Jeffers. He said he had supplied units for hundreds of LBC's including all of the TR range. He gave me this link for an MGA conversion: http://mgaguru.com/m...ctric/et232.htm which provide some additional details and photos. All Bob needs is your donor box. It doesn't have to be functional. In fact, it can be empty. Bob removes the guts and mounts his solid state unit inside. From the outside of the box there is no indication that a modern solid state units is hiding inside. Bob charges $80 for the conversion plus $5 shipping.

 

I have been driving with this unit in place for 3 weeks and it works great!

 

BEFORE & AFTER

 

CONVERTED BOX WITH COVER IN PLACE

 

Edited October 26, 2012 by angelfj

[tthomson]

Hi Frank,

 

You got a bargain.

 

The electronics may be low cost, but getting them manufactured is not!

 

I switched to alternator, otherwise I would be very tempted.

 

TT

[Menno van Rij]

I'm using an alternator, but I think this is a brilliant upgrade! Fantastic find, Frank!

 

Menno

[2SwissTriumphs]

Most interesting - thanks for sharing the information Frank.

 

This may well go onto my shopping list !

[Mike Graham]

I think I have a spare regulator. Might be a good idea to get it converted. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Mike

[Andrew Smith]

Excellent - thanks for posting Frank, I must have half a dozen RB106s sitting idle!

 

I'll fire off Bob an email.

 

Cheers

Andrew

Edited October 27, 2012 by Andrew Smith

[Richardtr3a]

This is very significant for me. I have a collection of 3 or 4 old units and six newly overhauled units by Cox Automotive which are as brand new. This was an investment for the furure after years of aggravation with new units. Since fitting my first Cox Automotive unit I have had no trouble at all. It is such a relief. So I got carried away and over enthusiastic in case the specialist at Cox retired and sent him more.

 

Now there is another answer and it looks to be a winner. I am delighted that the new control box suppliers will have to give up their supplies of poor quality rubbish. This aslo means the future will provide answers to problems of all sorts, and old sports cars may well live for ever after all. I had envisaged a time when supplies run out and the cars are all locked away in museums or scrapped.

 

Please post some results after the units have done some miles and suffered engine heat and vibration. It looks great.

[Andrew Smith]

I also have a brand new refurbished Cox Automotive RB106 which I'm keeping as a spare. However, the current Moss supplied regulator has been on TuRK for about 3 years (as long as I've had the Cox unit) and hasn't giving a hint of trouble in over 8,000 miles.

 

Cheers

Andrew

[foster461]

Cool, thanks Frank. I have several broken control boxes and he is only 24 miles from me.

 

Stan

[stuart]

Be interesting to see how the electronics hold up in this installation. FWIW the new Electronic Kenlowe control unit doesnt like working underbonnet in a sidescreen car.

Stuart.

[Guest ntc]

Yep

Heard the same, I just don't get it unless a show car dump it and fit an alternator with new loom while you are at it

[stuart]

After 2 failures Kenlowe replaced it FOC with an original type control unit which has worked happily ever since. Cant beat old technology

Stuart.

[MikeF]

Be interesting to see how the electronics hold up in this installation. FWIW the new Electronic Kenlowe control unit doesnt like working underbonnet in a sidescreen car.

Stuart.

 

 

Interesting indeed. After some study in this instance I plan to remain bored.

 

Mike