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MG TD TF 1500 - Voltage Regulator/Control Box Testing

In putting together a list of spares to take for the upcoming 4,000 mile trip I've come to the voltage regulator, or control box. The one I've been using for a number of years now is one of the late Bob Jeffers' solid state conversions. I certainly don't expect it to fail, but .... I have a few 5-terminal units of unknown quality sitting on the shelf. I'm wishing for a technique to test them without having to do a full installation. Anybody recall seeing such a documented procedure? TIA. Bud
Bud Krueger

Bud -

I envy your planned 4,000 mile trip. I'm still apprehensive about taking my TF on a 40 mile trip!

I checked some old Delco-Remy publications and I did a fast Google search, but didn't find any simple tests. Looks like cleaning the points and a simple continuity test of the coils is about all that you can easily do.

I'm not an auto-electric expert, but I feel that you will need a variable voltage power supply, variable loads, etc to test the elements within control box if it is not connected to the charging circuit in the car. I don't think that a simple VOM would do the job. Might be easier to replace the existing control box with the ones to be tested and run the tests in the "Lucas Tests" publication and the "Lucas Control Box" publication. Probably wouldn't need to actually mount to the firewall if you ground them. I believe that you will need an analog voltmeter instead of a digital meter. The control boxes need to be adjusted to match to your generator anyway.

FYI -
Here are plans for a solid state retrofit for a Lucas RB106 control box. I don't know anything about the validity of the plans.
http://www.worldphaco.net/uploads/The_Simple_Electronic_RB106_MK2comp.pdf

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

Bud

I posted considerable detail about solid state regulator options, check the archive.

You would not bother playing around with the original fitments when this option is available. You cannot distinguish that the modification has been carried out all components are housed in the original case.

Graeme
G Evans

Graeme, the one that I'm using is a solid state conversion done by Bob Jeffers. Being a retired EE I'm well aware of MTBF, so the issue is in how to prepare for the worst case. Don't think I have time to build up a new circuit board in the next three weeks. Bud
Bud Krueger

Bud

If you look in the document for the solid state regulator I built you will find some testing criterion for the original regulators that the developer used to design his device. From memory the information was extensive however you will need equipment to duplicate the tests.

The brain fails these days however I think there was some like information written by Bob Jeffers when he developed his device. A Google may find it.

Graeme
G Evans

Graeme, downloaded the Holden article last night but haven't yet had a chance to read it. That'll be rectified shortly. Thanks for the nudge. Bud
Bud Krueger

More info ...
http://www.worldphaco.net/#2903

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

Bud, would you mind sharing your 4000 miles trip list. Greetings, huib
Huib Bruijstens

Bud, could you post your proposed route for your 4,000 mile trip? If so, perhaps the members here will identify/locate themselves as aid stations and parts resources. It may come in handy, you never know.
Jim Merz

This thread was discussed between 19/04/2014 and 20/04/2014

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.