angelfj Posted October 26, 2012 Report Share Posted October 26, 2012 (edited) 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 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tthomson Posted October 26, 2012 Report Share Posted October 26, 2012 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 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Menno van Rij Posted October 26, 2012 Report Share Posted October 26, 2012 I'm using an alternator, but I think this is a brilliant upgrade! Fantastic find, Frank! Menno Quote Link to post Share on other sites
2SwissTriumphs Posted October 26, 2012 Report Share Posted October 26, 2012 Most interesting - thanks for sharing the information Frank. This may well go onto my shopping list ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Graham Posted October 26, 2012 Report Share Posted October 26, 2012 I think I have a spare regulator. Might be a good idea to get it converted. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew Smith Posted October 27, 2012 Report Share Posted October 27, 2012 (edited) 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 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richardtr3a Posted October 27, 2012 Report Share Posted October 27, 2012 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. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andrew Smith Posted October 27, 2012 Report Share Posted October 27, 2012 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 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foster461 Posted October 27, 2012 Report Share Posted October 27, 2012 Cool, thanks Frank. I have several broken control boxes and he is only 24 miles from me. Stan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted October 27, 2012 Report Share Posted October 27, 2012 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. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ntc Posted October 27, 2012 Report Share Posted October 27, 2012 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 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted October 27, 2012 Report Share Posted October 27, 2012 After 2 failures Kenlowe replaced it FOC with an original type control unit which has worked happily ever since. Cant beat old technology Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MikeF Posted October 28, 2012 Report Share Posted October 28, 2012 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 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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