Check for poor quality work/parts....and the often suspect previous owner...who can revert to the moniker of DPO for 'dreaded previous owner'.
It's not rocket science.
http://www.theautoist.com/multimeter.htm
"These cars were products of their time and market and several factors influenced the electrical systems, not the least of which was the manufacturer’s budgetary considerations. The electrical systems provided primarily by Lucas were reflective of BMC and BL’s budget considerations.
A former Lucas engineer once told me that BMC would approach Lucas with a new car and a fixed amount allotted for the electrical system for each car. Lucas provided that system for the money BMC wanted to spend. Lucas takes a lot of criticism, much of it unjustified. Their products were reflective of what the manufacturer wanted. Higher end cars got better components. The lower end cars, MGB's, TR's, Healy's, etc. got more budget conscious components which actually were pretty well designed, and many were downright ingenious.
One of my LBC's is a 44 year old MG Magnette ZB Varitone. The wiring and devices all still function correctly and the electrical problems I resolved were all caused by a PO not being careful when he took things apart. Many of our beloved LBC's were not high end cars, rather, they were low cost sports cars designed to give a maximum of performance for the most money. So, don’t start out by blaming Lucas; they did a good job for the money."
http://www.jhps.com/Merchant2/merchant. ... y_Code=ELE
"Our Lucas alternators are the highest quality remanufactured alternators available anywhere. Don't be fooled by an inexpensive rebuild or lower quality "new" units that claim to fit and actually don't (such as Bosch)! A cheap rebuild or new mis-sized unit is always a bad investment. Our remanufactured Lucas alternators cost more because they they get all new (not recycled) rectifiers, diodes, voltage regulators, windings, stators, brushes, bearings and even get the bottom mounting ear rethreaded per the original specification. Guaranteed for one full year with unlimited mileage.
The only thing wrong with original Lucas alternators is the poor quality rebuilding done to them. You get what you pay for and with our alternators you get the best."
"Greg, installed the alternator, what a difference. My lights are brighter, the voltmeter is reading voltages like it should, and the signal lights even work properly. This is truly a great addition to the offerings for owners and a very worthwhile purchase. Thanks, Lash Russell, Castle Rock, Colorado."
