Thread: Electrician needed, conversant in the dark art of Lucas

Hi, I'm looking for a mobile electrician who can help me troubleshoot my Series 3 electrics. I know my limitations - My Landy is in my garage and putting her back together after a full rebuild, can't work out why some things aren't working so I've decided to get some help. Would probably take someone who knows what he's doing an hour or so to get everything working. Some local guys here but would prefer someone who knows Lucas electrics and a recommendation from the guys on the forum. I'm in Sydney Nr. Hurstville area.

Thank you for any contacts in advance.

Shaun

Hello Shaun, been there, done that. A big tangle of wires that only does a few things, usually very weirdly or wrong is jolly intimidating.

it's a good idea to print out the correct wiring diagram, found near page 48 from part six of the workshop manual, obtainable from here: what an excellent source of information!

The tangle can slowly become understood by following the colour codes, and you will find that many wires are still in place, but some will have been replaced over time. When you find something unusual, write it down on your printed out wiring diagram, you can work out whether it matters later.

The original wiring harness is surprisingly well thought out; it's only designed to look intimidating. In most places where something might need to be replaced, like side lights or brake lights, indicators, etc, actually have push-fit bullet connectors. When you buy a replacement light fitting, the wires are usually the right length to reach the correct bullet connector; so if it doesn't fit, you may be trying to connect to the wrong wire. (yes, I did learn that the hard way...)

Get yourself an aerosol can of electric cleaning solvent (from Jaycar, part NA1004 or similar,) and squirt it down every bullet connection. As you do, note the colour of the wire, so you can say 'aha', it's for that fitting, and you'll start to get your head around what goes where. Do the same for every light bulb socket as you take the bulb out and see what works. It's a good idea to make a map or to scribble on the wiring diagram as you go. Also, squirt some cleaner into the dashboard switches.

I'd then go behind the dash to check out the other end of the wires. When you do that, take the cover off the steering column first, ( again, learn from my pain..) I think it's six screws to get it off from memory, and then you can spray contact cleaner into the back of the small fuse box too.

Does the petrol engine run? if so, you won't need to worry about the wires between the ignition, the coil and the distributor. If it doesn't run, let me know.

Above all, use pen and paper and sketch things out as you find them. This will give you time to stop and think about what is going on; it will give you time to map out the confusing tangle, and help you to work it all out. Don't rush it, just work one thing at time, systematically. Find both ends of a wire, make a continuity tester of some kind so you can check that the wire behind the dash really does connect with the other end! (I use a couple of wires with croc clips at the ends and a bodged-in LED torch.)

Blknight's tips look really cool: I'll be setting up my own 100W thingy in the near future, instead of touching wires together lightly in case something sparks..

Be brave, be methodical, and safe it as spare project for when you get stuck on something else and want something different to do. That way, you'll have more time to ponder as you you work out wot goes where.

Have fun! Cerise