TD5 engine - origins?

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Originally Posted by Bigbjorn

The ECU was developed in conjunction with Lucas!!!!

Does this explain the multiple and ongoing electrical/electronic problems and failures suffered by writers to this forum?

My experience with British cars and trucks has firmly convinced me that the Poms have absolutely no idea when it comes to designing auto electrics and gearboxes.

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One of the best ECUs for its time.
Incredibly robust.

Had functionality that was never utilised too. Like the ability to control active engine mounts - a development to reduce NVH.

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Originally Posted by motoafro

Mr Lucas....colloquially known as "The Price of Darkness"

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Indeed, up to around 1989 [bigwhistle] post that era they really lifted their game.

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Obviously you are lacking in experience! Not only the alternators, but their switchgear, their fuseboards, their wiring, their lights, their connectors - need I go on?

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Well funnily enough by 1991 when I had my latest RRC , I never had an electrical problem once I replaced the crap alternator(Magneto Marelli Ne Lucas). Oh the aircon fans died also but I don't think they were Lucas. I had more problems with Land Rover stuff like the 3.9 head gaskets leaking, seals constantly drooling, a swivel with the pivot bearing not driven home from the factory. It took me years to find that one. Maybe I was lucky it was a Vogue without air suspension or power seats. Or the Borg Warner Transfer with the self destructing output shaft . How come the Japanese can make cars that don't leak but the Brits find it impossible?

Lucas could hardly be blamed for the 3 fuses in a 77 RRC . I did have a headlight switch go in my 77 as well as the alternator but fixed with relays and harness. The bullet connectors in the oldies were always a worry. My 81 in Saudi was OK once I had changed the alternator.
Regards PhilipA

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Originally Posted by PhilipA

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Lucas could hardly be blamed for the 3 fuses in a 77 RRC .....

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Yes they could. Rover did not design the wiring loom, Lucas did.

Go back before the war, Britain had a number of competing auto electrical suppliers. Starting in the aftermath of the depression, but not complete until somewhat after the war, Lucas took over or put out of business its competitors, one by one, simply by cutting the cost and quality of their products to the bone and convincing motor manufacturers that it was silly to pay more. By the time the manufacturer realised the drawbacks of this approach, there were no alternatives.