Darrens Restorations
Darrens Restorations
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Lucas A115 Alternator Testing, Repair and Restoration. Bearings Diode Regulator Oh My!
I've had this Lucas A115 alternator in my parts pile for a few years and I finally got around to finding out what was wrong with it.
This alternator was used as an upgrade for the ACR alternator for a few years before the A127 alternator came out.
It had higher output of 45 amps vs the ACR of 30 amps
In Part 1, I fully dismantle this unit to clean and inspect all the components.
Cleaned and vapor blasted the aluminum cases.
Replaced the bearings with new SKF sealed bearings.
Tested the outer strator windings as well as the motor winding.
Tested the diode and rectifier assembly
Tested the voltage regulator.
Checked the brushes and slip rings.
let me know if you found this useful or interesting in the comments below.
Thanks for watching
Переглядів: 38

Відео

Lucas Starter Motor Rebuild for Classic Mini: Inertia type NO COST Repair!
Переглядів 23316 годин тому
Lucas Starter Motor Rebuild for Classic Mini: Inertia type NO COST Repair!
Mini Rod Change Axle Seals and CV Boot, tips and thoughts.
Переглядів 13514 днів тому
this is a follow up video to supplement information omitted to the Green MPI video I uploaded last week. I elaborate on oil leaks coming from the inner pot joint and discuss bearing replacement as well as the rubber boot replacement.
Green MPI Oil Leaks, engine mounts, and Key Fob programming
Переглядів 17014 днів тому
This beautiful Almond Green MPI mini came in for some service work. It had a terrible oil leak from a failed selector shaft seal as well as a bad engine mount. The owner also asked for some new key fobs to be programmed. This particular Mini uses the Lucas 5AS alarm module and the key fobs need to be programmed to the module.
Lucas 65D Dizzy recurve with specs!
Переглядів 18221 день тому
This very nice condition Lucas 65D distributor was sent to me to be recurved. I disassemble it, clean up all the internals and check for wear. Then I start the process of checking the advance curve and making adjustments as needed. After that, I put it on my distributor machine and changed out the springs to make the distributor match the specs provided. Thanks for watching!
Poor fuel economy? Get a tune! 60mpg+
Переглядів 1,7 тис.Місяць тому
This 998cc Mini Mayfair came to me for some repairs and a tune. After completing the minor repair work as well as changing out the exhaust manifold gastket, I turned my attention to tuning the engine. The car drove fairly well to my garage and I thought that it would be needing only minor needle fuel profiling however I ended up replacing all of the ignition system including a new recurved dist...
Weak Strobe or No Strobe?? Innova 5568 Timing Strobe Light Repair
Переглядів 168Місяць тому
Got an strobe light that wont strobe or that has a weak strobe ? Watch this video! I take apart an Innova 5568 Strobe light to diagnose why the strobe was not flashing or was intermittently flashing. Warning There are high voltage components contained within this strobe circuit, Do not attempt to disassemble anything unless you have drained the capacitors first. Failure to do this will potentia...
Tuning Day with Jay plus New AC Dodd HIF44 carb!
Переглядів 463Місяць тому
Jay recently purchased this nice Green Mini and was having running problems. He traveled 8 hours to see me for tuning. After testing the ignition system and replacing parts, we then swapped the carb to an AC Dodd rebuilt carb.
Emissions and Twin carb tuning
Переглядів 6472 місяці тому
Tuning day for Brian and Peter Brian's 80 era mini had a nice surprise, a Swifttune built 998 motor. Peter's MK1 S was fun to tune as it had twin carbs. Here is a chance to see what goes into a Tuning Session as well as before and after data from the gas analyzer. I found a worn needle and carb, restrictive air filter, bad distributor advance, and had to do a custom SU carb needle profiling.
Red mini Project Part 5. Final tuning!
Переглядів 8042 місяці тому
This is a different type of video. Instead of showing just the tuning process, I had an opportunity to do an in depth tune and repair of this classic mini. It was towed to my garage due to its inability to start or run properly. It also smokes quite a bit. In Part 1, I started by checking the ignition system as well as doing a compression test. Part 2 includes a valve adjustment, fuel pump issu...
Brakes, clutch, and other maintenance issue with Red mini project, part 4
Переглядів 1713 місяці тому
I decide to take a bit of a break from the tuning and work on issues related to drive-ability. Specifically the brakes and clutch were in terrible condition. Both pedals were soft so I started by taking the brakes apart to inspect the parts. I also adjusted the clutch arm. I bleed the entire brake and clutch hydraulic systems. This is a different type of video. Instead of showing just the tunin...
Red mini Project Part 3. Valve Stem seals, Dizzy and Carb work..
Переглядів 5233 місяці тому
This is a different type of video. Instead of showing just the tuning process, I had an opportunity to do an in depth tune and repair of this classic mini. It was towed to my garage due to its inability to start or run properly. It also smokes quite a bit. In Part 1, I started by checking the ignition system as well as doing a compression test. Part 2 includes a valve adjustment, fuel pump issu...
Unboxing freshly rebuilt carbs from AC Dodd! Plus bonus sticker and mug
Переглядів 3883 місяці тому
I just received my latest order of rebuilt carbs from AC Dodd. Though it would be fun to do an unboxing video.
Lucas 65D Distributor Repair, Restoration and Recurving. Red Mini Project part 2.5
Переглядів 4773 місяці тому
In this video I take the Lucas 65D distributor from the Red mini project apart to see why it was not giving a suitable advance curve. After that I recurve the advance profile to match the needs of the Red Mini. This will be Part 2.5 of the Red mini project as it was a side project to the main tuning and repair process.
Valve Gaps, Fuel pump woes, and first start! Part 2 of Red Mini repairs
Переглядів 6533 місяці тому
This is a different type of video. Instead of showing just the tuning process, I had an opportunity to do an in depth tune and repair of this classic mini. It was towed to my garage due to its inability to start or run properly. It also smokes quite a bit. In Part 1, I started by checking the ignition system as well as doing a compression test. Part 2 includes a valve adjustment, fuel pump issu...
Tow-In, Crank No Start, 998cc Mini - Initial diagnosis and ignition setup
Переглядів 1,4 тис.4 місяці тому
Tow-In, Crank No Start, 998cc Mini - Initial diagnosis and ignition setup
New Coils and Dizzys and Wires! Oh my! Unboxing my latest order
Переглядів 764 місяці тому
New Coils and Dizzys and Wires! Oh my! Unboxing my latest order
Powerspark 59D recurving, lets get all that power!
Переглядів 4224 місяці тому
Powerspark 59D recurving, lets get all that power!
New Powerspark 65D Re-curving for Red 998 Mini project
Переглядів 4114 місяці тому
New Powerspark 65D Re-curving for Red 998 Mini project
Common Mistakes when setting up Twin Carbs for a Mini
Переглядів 1,4 тис.5 місяців тому
Common Mistakes when setting up Twin Carbs for a Mini
Mini MPI Main Relay Failure! Tear down and Diagnosis
Переглядів 2455 місяців тому
Mini MPI Main Relay Failure! Tear down and Diagnosis
Considering a new distributor for your classic Mini? Pros and Cons of Powerspark, Part 2 of 2
Переглядів 1,8 тис.5 місяців тому
Considering a new distributor for your classic Mini? Pros and Cons of Powerspark, Part 2 of 2
Aftermarket 59D dizzy with BAD advance curve!
Переглядів 4446 місяців тому
Aftermarket 59D dizzy with BAD advance curve!
Tuning Day with 1984 Mini 998cc, Strict Emissions test!
Переглядів 4706 місяців тому
Tuning Day with 1984 Mini 998cc, Strict Emissions test!
Tuning Day with a 1963 Mini 1275 "S"
Переглядів 2226 місяців тому
Tuning Day with a 1963 Mini 1275 "S"
Considering a new distributor for your classic Mini? Pros and Cons of Powerspark, Part 1 of 2
Переглядів 8396 місяців тому
Considering a new distributor for your classic Mini? Pros and Cons of Powerspark, Part 1 of 2
The basics of Tuning a Lucas Distributor
Переглядів 1,1 тис.7 місяців тому
The basics of Tuning a Lucas Distributor
Classic mini won't pass MOT emissions??
Переглядів 917 місяців тому
Classic mini won't pass MOT emissions??
Tired Lucas 25D, when to replace a worn out dizzy
Переглядів 2 тис.8 місяців тому
Tired Lucas 25D, when to replace a worn out dizzy
Repairing a Lucas 25D distributor with a Bad advance curve
Переглядів 1,7 тис.9 місяців тому
Repairing a Lucas 25D distributor with a Bad advance curve

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @gregorybond2859
    @gregorybond2859 Годину тому

    This is bull crap this car there's no way you can get 60 plus miles per gallon!

  • @Gomer8759
    @Gomer8759 17 годин тому

    I enjoy these vids Darren. Very informative 👍

  • @chooiseah1377
    @chooiseah1377 4 дні тому

    ❤❤❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍

  • @Slack3rDav3
    @Slack3rDav3 7 днів тому

    what grease was used for the bendix? I assume this rebuild is in the haynes manual, but would be useful info for ppl watching this.

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 6 днів тому

      I used a bearing grease on the shaft bearing and a light spray on oil for the bendix.

  • @chooiseah1377
    @chooiseah1377 7 днів тому

    👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍Good tutorial...

  • @Slack3rDav3
    @Slack3rDav3 13 днів тому

    quite helpful, good to know what to look for on whether the pot joint needs replacement. can you buy the pot joint 'innards+boot' as a replacement item, and is there something to look at inside to know if you should just replace?

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 11 днів тому

      Replace if you can hear noises when rotating them. They should move smoothly in and out of the joint as well as articulate in any direction freely but in a controlled way. If sloppy feeling then replace it. Yes complete inner joints are available already assembled.

    • @Slack3rDav3
      @Slack3rDav3 11 днів тому

      @@darrensrestorations991 ah, unfortunately mine has been disassembled for about 20 yrs prior to my ownership. I have inner pot joint 'bases' with no internals. Was just wondering if it is worth considering trying to reuse the housing and purchase new internal+boot or just say screw it and buy the whole pot joint. Thanks for the reply!

  • @grahamwoodier5066
    @grahamwoodier5066 14 днів тому

    Thanks for that. One thing to add though. You can't fit a fully assembled pot joint drive shaft because the gap in the subframe is too small. Either the pot joint or the outer CV has to come off first.

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 13 днів тому

      Oh ya, I forgot to mention thay frustrating detail about the subframe openings. Thanks for clarifying. If the inner joint wont come off the axle, then the boot can be removed to allow the axle to pass through the opening with the inner part of the pot joint still attached.

  • @Gomer8759
    @Gomer8759 14 днів тому

    Thanks for the extra info Darren. What size is the reamer for the side cover bushing?

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 14 днів тому

      It gets reamed to a final size of 1.250. But its best to check the diameter of the pot joint before reaming as they vary somewhat in diameter. The clearance is 0.001 to 0.003 so if you have a joint that measures at 1.250 then you will need to ream to at least 1.251.

  • @deancook2377
    @deancook2377 14 днів тому

    Helpful information Darren, thank you.

  • @davidsmall5421
    @davidsmall5421 14 днів тому

    Thank you. I found this addendum quite informative

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 14 днів тому

      I made this after seeing your comment on the green mpi. I had some fun while filming.

  • @davidsmall5421
    @davidsmall5421 18 днів тому

    Perhaps a Little video of what is involved with he repairs you have performed would make for some educational viewing

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 17 днів тому

      I was wondering if it was a bit short. Maybe I can put together another one just on the axles.

  • @truethought369
    @truethought369 20 днів тому

    Nice to see, that the old school mechanics are being kept alive! I worked on all sorts of engines, over 40 years ago, tuning was a pleasure for me ! NO AI, screwing up the efficiency of the motor. All modern stuff, is right out of tune. Due to over restricted air flow: input, & output. Apart from setting up an engine properly, "all engines have to breathe", like us. 🔧🇬🇧🤪. Thank you, we need to go back to the old way of tuning. 👍

  • @grahamwoodier5066
    @grahamwoodier5066 22 дні тому

    Very interesting. I see you are using an AFR gauge to get a Lambda reading. Where do you attach the sensor on a customer's car?

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 22 дні тому

      I have made an adapter to connect to the end of the exhaust pipe and then it connects into another long pipe to keep the gasses flowing smoothly.

    • @grahamwoodier5066
      @grahamwoodier5066 21 день тому

      @@darrensrestorations991 So, it isn't necessary to fit the sensor into the exhaust manifold then?

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 20 днів тому

      @@grahamwoodier5066 It is best to have it permanently mounted into the exhaust manifold. When I am on the road tuning, having it at the tail pipe is the next best option.

  • @thomascatford2627
    @thomascatford2627 26 днів тому

    That car does not do 60 mpg

  • @codelocust3297
    @codelocust3297 29 днів тому

    when distributor in place, can the rotor arm rotate a bit or is it wear?

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 28 днів тому

      If the rotor rotates but the shaft does not, that is an issue. The rotor and shaft will rotate together and swing out the weights which is normal.

  • @timsminigarage
    @timsminigarage Місяць тому

    It's great to see the before and after comparison of the lambda: No air filter Stock air filter Stock with holes Seeing the data back up the theory is always nice

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 Місяць тому

      I try to be scientific about what I am doing as well as helpful to others. Thanks for watching!

  • @geoffburch9389
    @geoffburch9389 Місяць тому

    What AFR meter are you using? What is it connected to? Thanks

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 Місяць тому

      It is a innovate wideband gauge kit. Hooked up to a pipe I connect to the end of the exhaust.

  • @bernardbouchereau215
    @bernardbouchereau215 Місяць тому

    Great video. Learning something new each time

  • @minmog
    @minmog Місяць тому

    Great work Darren

  • @deancook2377
    @deancook2377 Місяць тому

    A very successful tune! I learn something new with each of your tuning presentations, thank you.

  • @Gomer8759
    @Gomer8759 Місяць тому

    Enjoying the vids Darren! Impressive gas mileage for sure

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 Місяць тому

      I was not expecting the mileage to be so good. I used my gps to track the mileage and speeds traveled. Glad you liked the video

  • @hillarylevenworth8824
    @hillarylevenworth8824 Місяць тому

    .003 difference in the jet depth is about 1/2 a flat on the jet nut.

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 Місяць тому

      Which doesn't sound like much of a difference but at idle it is significant.

    • @hillarylevenworth8824
      @hillarylevenworth8824 Місяць тому

      @@darrensrestorations991 Curious, what tolerance are you using to set the float level? +-.003?

  • @paulmuff9883
    @paulmuff9883 Місяць тому

    Good video 😀😀👍

  • @XxbooktroutxX
    @XxbooktroutxX Місяць тому

    I have been enjoying your restoration videos. They're like the MOSS Motors videos as they are informative and very educational with a wide range of subject matter, car stuff and other closely related topics.

  • @bernardbouchereau215
    @bernardbouchereau215 Місяць тому

    I would love to see a demo on using one of these timing lights to check the timing. Great video

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 Місяць тому

      Ok, ill put together a demo showing how to use one and the difference between the stobe lights that I have.

  • @paulmuff9883
    @paulmuff9883 Місяць тому

    I just drill them out oversized and make bushes to remove the slack in the shaft 😀👍 great video 👍

  • @paulmuff9883
    @paulmuff9883 Місяць тому

    Hi I’ve just found your channel and loving it , have you done a post on your machine? Is it a bought one or have you made it?

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 Місяць тому

      Hi, i made my own distributor machine as well as the electronics to run it. Thanks for watching!

  • @davidbrooks1971
    @davidbrooks1971 Місяць тому

    I have known Adrian (AC) for years and he is a decent ordinary bloke with a great sense of humour. However when it comes to all things Mini, SU and Dizzy, its as if he changes into a superhero and pulls his tuning pants on over his trousers! I think he knows more about the A series than the people who originally designed the engine and probably knows more about SU's than SU do. I had an old Land Rover and just for giggles he designed a tuned length induction for its SU, and tweaked the timing and carburation on a rolling road for me. The motor was a different beast after that. I'm old enough to remember when all young men would tinker under the bonnet tuning their cars. From speaking to him now it is obvious that 99% of us did not really have a clue what we were doing! Watching his UA-cam videos where he custom grinds needle profiles and adjusts advance springs in distributors is almost voodoo. Coming from a strong engineering background he has questioned and analysed every inch of the mini engine over the years and i doubt that there is anyone else who can match his knowledge. I don't have a mini or anything related but it is extremely entertaining to watch him at work in his videos. If they taught tuning at university, he would be the professor...

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 Місяць тому

      He is a great person and a great teacher. We are all in his debt for what he brings to the Mini community.

  • @GTE_Channel
    @GTE_Channel 2 місяці тому

    Is that a RSP Cooper? Sounds sweet. I notice you seem to have a higher lambda value (leaner on idle) than AC uses, why is that?do you have different location for the lambda sensor in your setup, or do you have different emission standards? Well done on the tuning, another Mini on the road that can be used to its full potential!

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 Місяць тому

      The lambda reading at idle is different depending on what ignition system is in the car. It also depends on carb wear and air leaks at the intake. It is also sensitive to any leaks in the exhaust system which can bring air in and cause the sensor to read leaner. This car did have some minor exhaust leaks.

  • @GTE_Channel
    @GTE_Channel 2 місяці тому

    Keep the videos coming! A great addition to AC's videos and really motivating!

  • @roselh1
    @roselh1 2 місяці тому

    Hi Darren, are you selling the Powerspark billet 6mm fuel filters? How do I get in touch with you? Thanks, Lin

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 2 місяці тому

      Hi yes they can be purchased. Contact info in the channel about page. Or via messenger

    • @roselh1
      @roselh1 2 місяці тому

      @@darrensrestorations991 Hi, Darren, I have a Facebook account but I am not a big Facebook user. I do not find an "about" link when I open your you tube channel. If I use Messenger, what address do I use? I tried darrensrestorations991 but that did not work. Sorry, but i am having trouble contacting you.

  • @roselh1
    @roselh1 2 місяці тому

    excellent series, Darren. Nice sequential diagnosis. Well done. Lin

  • @roselh1
    @roselh1 2 місяці тому

    Hi Darren, I have a 45D Powerspark tuned by A.C. Really happy to see that with you we now have a “local” tuner. I am in Florida so not exactly local but at least in the U.S. Also using an HIF 44 prepared by A.C. These are on a 1275 Bugeye that I am restoring for my son. Lin

  • @GTE_Channel
    @GTE_Channel 2 місяці тому

    I love these technical detailed explanations. Well done.

  • @paulgomes9207
    @paulgomes9207 2 місяці тому

    Great video. Could you show how to adjust these settings please.

  • @GTE_Channel
    @GTE_Channel 2 місяці тому

    How did you test how many degrees at what rpm the engine likes?

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 2 місяці тому

      By knowing the curve and then driving on the road and making timing adjustment. At some point the performance will drop off with too much timing or it will develop pinking/knocking.

  • @GTE_Channel
    @GTE_Channel 2 місяці тому

    You sound quite knowledgeable about the details of the ignition. People tend to mix and match all kind of parts on these cars. I would think that heatgrade 5 might be better on a relatively stock engine spec.

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 2 місяці тому

      The 5 might be better or too hot. If it only gets used for city driving then id go with 5. The best answer comes from driving a tuned engine and checking condition. Then reassessing the heat grade based on your driving conditions.

  • @georgemoore2928
    @georgemoore2928 3 місяці тому

    So I have one of these in my 1982 Land Rover. The Haynes manual says that the mechanical advance should go as much as 42° at 4500 rpm. But mine has the same cam in as yours with 12° stamped on it. Does that mean that I have the wrong cam? Should it say 42° on the cam? Thanks

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 3 місяці тому

      The distributor cam is not the same as total advance. 12 deg of distributor advance is 24 degrees at the crankshaft. Add on the static idle advance and you should get to total advance. The Haynes manual may be referring to the total advance including any vacuum advance.

  • @classic1989mini
    @classic1989mini 3 місяці тому

    AC tuned my car in Feb, still runs like a dream

  • @deancook2377
    @deancook2377 3 місяці тому

    Nicely demonstrated, you covered a lot of territory and I'm looking forward to future episodes. Thanks Darren.

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 3 місяці тому

      This mini was a good example of what happens when regular maintenance is neglected. Im glad i was able to work on it. Thanks for watching

  • @VarandMusic
    @VarandMusic 3 місяці тому

    Powerspark is a cheap Chinese knock off. Fix your original one or find a good used 25D unit.

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 3 місяці тому

      There are no good used 25D units. The shaft wear alone make them no good. Plus the curve on an original 25D needs to be adjusted to match the engine it is going on. The powerspark units are cheap but they can be tuned and have high power modules. High power module = more spark energy. No one else has a high power option for the A series motor.

    • @VarandMusic
      @VarandMusic 3 місяці тому

      @@darrensrestorations991 Agreed, by the way; the work you do is amazing, it’s definitely a lost art.

  • @4272005
    @4272005 3 місяці тому

    Thanks for the excellent video. It's RPM not rpm's though. Keep up the great content.

  • @minmog
    @minmog 3 місяці тому

    Nice to see someone that knows what they're on about, top work.

  • @daranleighton9813
    @daranleighton9813 3 місяці тому

    Where did you purchase your springs from?

  • @deancook2377
    @deancook2377 4 місяці тому

    Well demonstrated and explained Darren; thank you.

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 4 місяці тому

      Thanks for continuing to watch my channel. I do have an original Lucas 45D restoration video coming after the red mini series is finished.

  • @TomWoodwardLooksmarvlus
    @TomWoodwardLooksmarvlus 4 місяці тому

    So would the Powersport be more appropriate for say a 998cc?

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 4 місяці тому

      Whats appropriate is what fits into the block. A series can have the 25D or 45D. A+ has 59D or 65D. The powerspark units are appropriate for all engines. I recurve them to suit the application.

    • @user-gl5kj1fm5x
      @user-gl5kj1fm5x 4 місяці тому

      @@darrensrestorations991 i think the point to be made is the curve needs to suit the application ie cam profile and compression ratio and any applicable emission regs

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 4 місяці тому

      @@user-gl5kj1fm5x yep, that what I am doing.

  • @brianbrookespayne3286
    @brianbrookespayne3286 4 місяці тому

    if the dwell is too long it will overhear the HT coil.

  • @davidsmall5421
    @davidsmall5421 4 місяці тому

    sadly, I've taken the Lucas distributor for granted. This series of videos gives me a much greater appreciation for the intricacies of proper tuning

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 4 місяці тому

      I think Lucas did a good job with what they were tasked with. They are still working to this day but its time to move forward with new components

  • @bernardbouchereau215
    @bernardbouchereau215 4 місяці тому

    Great video. Yes please on the 25d and 45d dizzy recurve.

    • @darrensrestorations991
      @darrensrestorations991 4 місяці тому

      Yes thanks for the reminder, I will a few with original 25d and 45d .

  • @deancook2377
    @deancook2377 4 місяці тому

    Great, explanatory video; I would very much like to see additional videos with other distributors undergoing recurving. Thank you.