Which Lucas coils have PCB oil in them?

[AEW]

So... a 'friend' of mine... was cleaning up some old coils to see if any were useable and one started to leak dielectric oil. One of the Jag clubs on the net noted some Lucas coils have PCB oil in them. This coil was being used on a TR3, but is surely not an original part. Does anyone know which coils had PCB ?

LUCAS 12V SA-12 *4505BL 29 70

 

[jsfbond]

PCBs - PolyChlorinated Biphenyls - were manufactured by a one company - Monsanto Chemical - starting in the 1930s. They were promoted as a nearly indestructible replacement for hydraulic oil, pump oil, and the oil bath for electrical transformers and capacitors. It was known even in the 1930s, when production began, that they were extremely toxic. Exposed workers began showing signs of toxic exposure almost immediately.

Oh Grand! If you still want to sleep at night do not go to this site.
https://www.foxriverwatch.com/monsanto2a_pcb_pcbs.html
Good thing God told us that this is not our home, we certainly have treated it that way.

 

[TR3driver]

I don't know for certain, but it's a pretty safe bet that it does contain PCBs, since it was made before 1980 when they were banned.

Personally, I think the dangers of casual contact are somewhat overstated by the above link, particularly if the PCB oil is not contaminated with dioxin and other toxic chemicals. But it still calls for careful handling, gloves and so on. If any of it touches your skin, wash the area immediately with strong soap and water. Put the offending coil in a baggie, and take it to your next neighborhood toxic waste roundup.

PS, forgot to mention, I think the "29 70" is a date stamp, indicating it was made in the 29th week of 1970.

 

[AEW]

Thanks for the feedback and caution. I thought too that the date on the coil was not encouraging. I was hoping that there was a narrow window in which Lucas used PCB instead of mineral oil. Some years back I had a conversation with "Little Giant Pump Co" about their motor cooling oil and that worked out to be fine.

I hate to do it, but I guess the coil will go to the local HHW collection.

 

[Guest]

Seems that a lot of those involved might be taking the down elevator in the after life. Very informative site. Thanks.

 

[TR3driver]

Good thing God told us that this is not our home,

Don't mean to be picky, but I have just been having an off-forum conversation with some folks that got banned. Religion is one of the taboo topics on BCF.

Also, PCB oils were manufactured by lots of companies, in lots of countries, not just Monsanto.

 

[Guest]

Not to be picky,but Im sure the man up stairs has never been called upon for help while working on a LBC. I say this living in a 2 family house. Lighten up.The main issue is not getting contaminated.

 

[TR3driver]

Not to be picky,but Im sure the man up stairs has never been called upon for help while working on a LBC.

Not my point at all, John.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]The main issue is not getting contaminated. [/QUOTE]

 

[AEW]

Gentlemen, Thanks again for advising. The coil is safely in a box and the leak is stopped with epoxy. HHW events are a regular thing around here and to be safe I will properly dispose of the damaged coil. (since a portion of the oil is gone, I suspect it would fail rapidly if used) No need to presume I would be irresponsible. The oil that escaped went into a rag which also is bagged up for disposal. No question this is more than necessary for both TOSCA and my health. But sometimes we need to dance the dance and move on.