Thread: Lucas 15 AC alternator in a Series III?

Originally Posted by jimmyg

Hi

Can anyone shed some light on why my Series III 109 ute (943 VIN) has a Lucas 15AC alternator fitted? Every manual I can get my hands on refers only to the 16 ACR.

I'm also puzzled as to why, given that the 15 AC lacks a voltage regulator, there is no external regulator fitted (4TR?) Isn't one required? What is under the hood matches the circuit diagram except for the alternator spec.

Is it possible that this batch of Aussie Series IIIs were produced with the 15AC or was this fitted during a later fix?

The reason I ask is that this alternator is just not delivering the juice at the moment and I'm about to try out one of the myriad of alternator repair kits available.

Cheers
Jim

I've got an aftermarket 15AC with 4 wires in a Series with 2.25l engine, but it's connected to an external 4TR regulator. I've also got a spare 15AC with 2 wires which, I assume has got an internal regulator. Yes I know , never assume anything. How many wires are connected to yours ? It needed new brushes a few years ago, apart from that it never gave me any trouble.
.W.

Originally Posted by B.S.F.

I've got an aftermarket 15AC with 4 wires in a Series with 2.25l engine, but it's connected to an external 4TR regulator. I've also got a spare 15AC with 2 wires which, I assume has got an internal regulator. Yes I know , never assume anything. How many wires are connected to yours ? It needed new brushes a few years ago, apart from that it never gave me any trouble.
.W.

Thanks. That's good to know. Mine has two wires (a spade terminal for the charge/warning light and a nut/bolt terminal for the 12v connection. I'll post back once I've cracked it open and can confirm the presence or absence of a regulator.

Originally Posted by jimmyg

Thanks. That's good to know. Mine has two wires (a spade terminal for the charge/warning light and a nut/bolt terminal for the 12v connection. I'll post back once I've cracked it open and can confirm the presence or absence of a regulator.

Lucas alternators went to internal regulators around 1972, so many of them are so. Having only a single IND terminal for the warning light in the T slot means you almost certainly have a later internal reg version. The DF position should not have a terminal. The regulator's main power transistor should be visible on the other side of the end plate to the 3 power diodes. If you do open it up, there is a hole in the end plate that allows you to insert a pin to retain the brushes for assembly. A pop rivet is about the right length. The bearings are standard 6201 and 6203 types from memory.

Hi,
I got one of these from Repco.
Straight swap.

UNI POINT, LXA119 12v 65A.

whitehillbilly

Thank you for all the help. I ended up fitting a new Lucas 17 ACR and avoiding the refurb. It works a treat.