S4 Voltage Stabilzer

[Bob]

Hi,
I am currently replacing the loom on my S4 it had been rewired by its previous owner I simple could not work out faults. I am putting it back to a standard loom and fuses etc. However the Voltage Stabilizer is missing there seems to be no part numbers in the manual or on this site, does anybody know its (I assume Lucas) part number?

I have found this item
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Classic-Voltage ... 997&sr=8-3
Anybody advise if this could be used?
Or better still anybody have one spare?
Bob

[types26/36]

It is listed in the +2 parts list but with a Lotus number 050 M 6096

[Bob]

Brian,
Thank you, the little drawing looks remarkable similar to the SC Products item. Pity there is not technical data.
Bob

[richardcox_lotus]

Be careful when comparing usage of voltage stabilizers between Elans and Plus 2s. Plus 2s used them on the temp guage & fuel guage. Elans didn't !!

[types26/36]

Plus 2s used them on the temp guage & fuel guage. Elans didn't !!

That's not quite accurate, the S4 & Sprint uses a stabilizer for the fuel gauge.
The Dave Bean book lists the Elan with a part number 036N 6118.
The plus2 the same as the Elan but the plus2 S as 050N 6096 although I think the only difference is the connections.
Even the Lotus Cortina is listed with 036N 6118.
I dont think the specs vary as many of the 60/70's British cars used the same gauges/stabilizer and its job is just to supply a constant current to the gauges.

[TroonSprint]

To read about the "voltage stabiliser" as supplied by Lucas (The Prince of Darkness), have a look at Paul Hunt's marvellous MGB site. Many of the electrical bits on an Elan are the same as on MGs. Here is the specific link http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/electricstext1.htm#stabiliser

I bought an electronic stabiliser for my MG Midget from an ebay seller. I thought that it must be better than the cranky electro-mechanical device. Recently the fuel gauge has been completely useless as it showed empty with the tank over half full. After thinking about replacing gauge or sender, I applied the meter to the voltage regulator. It was only supplying just over 3 volts! As a temporary measure I connected the gauge to battery voltage, and it works fine, so one has to ask, "Is the stabiliser necessary".

Mike

[ricarbo]

To be pedantic, it doesn't supply a constant current (which would cause only one reading to show on the gauge!!). nor does it work as a true voltage stabiliser with a steady output. What it does do is to use a bimetallic strip to turn the supply off intermittently, so that the average voltage is 10 volts. This only works because the gauge is slow to react. I am told that the orientation is important to the accuracy of this average voltage, but suspect that might be an old wives tale.
regards
Richard

[stugilmour]

Moss Motors or Moss Europe have electronic replacements ($17.95) with a nice write-up. Other than getting one for positive or negative earth I believe they will work fine in either the Elan or Plus 2; they supply the same replacement for all of the British cars with Smiths gauges. Advantage of the electronic type is you can measure the 10v output with your meter; measurement won't work with the bi-metallic type as explained above. Working fine in my Plus 2. I prefer the electronic type as it is easier to trouble shoot and is expected to be more reliable.

http://www.mossmotors.com/graphics/prod ... 31-555.pdf

http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/SearchRe ... xt=voltage stabilizer&WebCatalogID=0

HTH