Installing a Lucas 16 ACR alternator on Bugeye

[twas_brillig]

I did some searching on the Forum last night regards alternators for Spridgets, and then found that I've got a Lucas alternator from the later models in my parts bin. I've ordered a rebuilt one and Jeff will lengthen out the current rear engine support and we'll get it installed next week.
I'm feeling a bit of an idiot for not exploring the 'stock' approach, but I never saw this option referred to in my reading. The Lucas alternator puts out 34 amps at 6000 alternator rpm; the Sprite shop manual advises 19 amps for the original generator.
Any particular reason to not take the 'stock' approach (other than I'm assuming that the Mitsubishi et al produce more amps and can be sourced more cheaply)? Thanks, Doug

 

[Trevor Jessie]

The quality in the rebuild of Lucas alternators seems more "hit and miss" than other brands. Just from my personal experience.

 

[nomad]

Trevor, I think the quality of all rebuilds lately has become "hit or miss". Used to have local rebuilders but now they come from across the pond somewhere. A friend got a Lucas rebuild by Delco not long ago and it seems fine and about the same cost as rebuilt Delco cost by the same company. Personally, I like the little "skeleton" alternators by the usual Japanese company's.

Kurt.

 

[twas_brillig]

We had a choice between a Woods and a Dixie (if memory and spelling serve) and randomly picked the Woods. I believe that the voltage regulator is built in, so we'll keep the black plastic BE item in place but not wired. The remaining item is to decide what to do for a tach - I've got a used electric around somewhere and will find it and check to see if it fits etc. etc. And report back here sometime this summer as to success (or un-success). Doug

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Speedhut for GPS Speedo and Matching Tachsolves the issue. Search forum for Speedhut and you can see the jewels they crafted for me, complete with AH Logo on dial faces. Pretty Cool.

 

[JPSmit]

Coming back to the original question Doug. No reason at all not to take the original approach - it will look right and if it works it works. As long as you don't power your lowrider air system or your 5000 watt stereo system from it you should be good to go.

 

[twas_brillig]

Just picked up my shiny 'new' alternator and dropped the old one off. The chaps at the parts counter transferred the wire plug retaining loop from the old plastic housing to the new one (and had to stick a drill bit in to open the hole up on the new one), plus also pulled the old Lucas tag off the core and we'll stick it on the new one. And Jeff cut the old rear generator mount off at the flange, welded in a piece to lengthen things out, and the alternator is now installed. Minor note: the parts guys did not have a compatible plug for the 3 prongs on the alternator so we'll have to cobble something together there.
But a question: why is the 3 corner Mercedes Benz star on the Lucas part number tag? Sure looks like it anyway. Doug

 

[apbos]

Doug
Doing the same thing. Just got a monting bracket and have a Smith's tacho to replace the stock mechanical one. Could you supply some pictures. How are you handling the regulator wiring?
Regards
Paul

 

[twas_brillig]

For those interested in rebuilding their Lucas ACR alternator, have a look at https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/forum/phpbb/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4513
My understanding is that the alternator has an internal regulator so there is no need to connect to do anything in this regard - We'll just leave the existing device in place but I haven't thought about making it look like it is wired into the system. I'll have another look at the alternator tomorrow. Doug

 

[twas_brillig]

One other small item: the pulleys don't line up (alternator; water pump etc.). The alternator pulley is roughly 3/16" further back and we'll probably use washers to space the two mounts forward. Not sure, but guessing that the pulley has been pressed on further by the rebuilder than originally. Another minor note: the cooling fan blades on the rebuilt are after market and all asymmetric - the guys at the parts counter advised that their understanding was that the asymmetry eliminated some harmonics and sound. Doug

 

[twas_brillig]

We don't have the proper plug-in for the alternator; Jeff went on-line looking for Lucas alternator pigtail (or some such) and found what was needed, and then popped by a local auto-electric shop and picked up the plug-in. Doug