Lucas Smoke in Wiring System????

[PAUL161]

Could someone explain to me just what Lucas smoke is and what is it's purpose in a wiring system? It seems like some TRs and some Jags have it in thier wiring harnesses. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif PJ

 

[martx-5]

It's whats responsible for carrying the electricity trough the wires. If you lose it, the flow of electricity stops.

If you need new smoke, it's available...see attachment. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thirsty.gif

 

[DrEntropy]

And here I thought the only way to recharge th' smoke was to send the harness back to the factory.... Next time, I'll know: "Lucas part number 530433, please.... Oh! Better send me two units, so's I have a spare onna shelf."

 

[rick_ingram]

Keep that extra can in the boot...won't help you on the shelf at home when he smoke escapes out on the road somewhere.

 

[jlaird]

And for crying out loud make sure your Lucas smoke dector instrumant is working correctly.

 

[rick_ingram]

...and just how DOES one test a Lucas smoke detector?

Let one's smoke out because it only detects Lucas smoke?

 

[jlaird]

Well guess you must have a Lucas smoke detector test kit.

Maybe Doc can help. He's one of the few I have seen with the insturmant, he insists it is a very important part of his kit. On second thought someone else here on the site has one as well still in orginial box as I remember.

 

[vping]

There was one on ebay recently and it was a great deal.

 

[DrEntropy]

Mine's older: only works on the cloth wrapped wiring looms, not these new-fangled PLASTIC covered wires. "Upgrading" would require equipment purchase we here at Chaos & Mayhem PTY.,LTD are not willing to afford at this time.

...I think there was a "planned obsolescence" program in place at Lucas & Sons quite a while ago... As evidence I offer "rocker switches." /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif

 

[DrEntropy]

...then they went and changed the fitting for the recharge system. Bloody inconsiderate, if ya ask me!

 

[JamesWilson]

[ QUOTE ]
... because it only detects Lucas smoke?

[/ QUOTE ]

Be sure not to use any of that cheap after-market, non-Lucas smoke, the silicon in it can cause problems with the seals....

 

[rick_ingram]

My MG didn't come with any seals from the factory....did have a couple of penguins, but it was a little too warm in the engine bay of the MGC for them to survive long.

 

[GB1]

I had an LBC that had lost all of its smoke and it was a pain to get it primed then charged. Took three bottles of the Prince's smoke, which is no longer available here.

If anyone knows a source please let me know.

 

[jlaird]

I been getting a bit of smoke from eBay. Saving it up for Miss Agatha when I hit the switch.

 

[martx-5]

Funny you should mention e-bay. That picture that I attached in my post WAS from e-bay. IIRC, that bottle of Lucas smoke went for about $35. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif I kid you not.

 

[rick_ingram]

The following was(quite appropriately timed) posted on a different BBS ...enjoy!
************************************
Posted by: Eric (66.128.188.---)
Date: October 3, 2006 05:03PM



Folks, this was recently published in Rider Magazine, referring to an older BSA, but does apply to MG's. So, to increase your knowledge, I submit the following.

“ Positive ground, or earthing, depends on proper circuit functioning, which is the transmission of negative ions by retention of the visible spectral manifestation know as ‘smoke.’”

Smoke is the thing that makes electrical circuits work; we know this to be true because every time one lets the smoke out of the electrical system, it stops working. This can be verified repeatedly though empirical testing.

When for example the smoke escapes from an electrical component (like, say, a Lucas voltage regulator), it will be observed that the component has stopped working.

The function of the wire harness is to carry the smoke from one device to another; when the wiring harness “springs a leak,” and lets all the smoke out, nothing works afterward.

Starter motors were frowned upon in British motorcycles for some time, mostly because they consumed large quantities of smoke, requiring very large wires.

It has been noted that Lucas components are possibly more prone to smoke leakage than Bosch or generic Japanese electrics. Experts point out this is because Lucas is British and all things British leak. British shock absorbers, hydraulic forks and disc brakes lead fluid, British engines leak oil, British tires leak air and the British Defense establishment leaks secrets...so, naturally British electric’s leak smoke. I hope this helps.”

Professor R Reichenberg PHD (Piled High and Deep).

Eric
74 BGT
76 Suz RE5, Rotary
79 Chrysler sailboat

 

[Nunyas]

ROFL! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif

 

[PAUL161]

In over 60 years of growing up with and working on, cars, airplanes, power boats, and just about anything that runs, including heavy construction equipment, I never heard the term (smoke) when talking about electrical wires or wiring, unless it's burning up and then you will get plenty of smoke.Is this a foreign term? What is the chemical composition of (Smoke)? Is it in a compressed container in a fluid form or is a gas? To me, a wire will transfer electricity if it isn't broken and the connections are clean and tight. The amount of electricity and amps depends on the type of metal it's made of and it's diameter and length. Where does this thing called Smoke come into play? I thought that I was a fairly intelligent person, but I sure am missing something here! Try and educate me some more. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif PJ

 

[Rob_P]

I refuse to admit how long it took me to catch on to this one, mostly because of fake (hilarious) web sites like this one.

web page

which was the first one to come up on a google search of Lucas smoke.

It wasn't til i got halfway through the web page (similar to Ricks post) that i noticed the smoke coming out of my ears!

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif

 

[DrEntropy]

*SWOON*....

*THUD!*