Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Car must be making progress,I spend all my time trying to find answers from you knowledgeable folk.Ive got a regulator with connections
e
D
WL
F
B
Please could someone give me info on the wiring,can't. Find any info with this regulator terminal configuration thanks

Try

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=dynam ... AKAQ7AkIJg

First diagram top left...

John

Thanks John ,but have you got a diagram for wiring conversion to alternator cheers

As the topic is "Dynamo to Alternator conversion" I assume that is what you are doing.

I am attaching Ray (of RDEnterprises') instruction sheet showing how to convert your Lucas RB340 wiring for an alternator installation.


If you are considering installing an alternator, please consider Ray's kit - http://www.rdent.com

Here...

http://www.askthemechanic.co.uk/classic ... alternator

John

Note that the alternator conversion doesn't actually USE the dynamo regulator. It just uses the terminals of the regulator control box as handy connection points.

Also your Elan 'looks' more original if the control box is still in there.

Old-style alternators did use an external regulator, but it would have to be a regulator for that alternator, not a left over regulator for the old generator/ dynamo.

Most modern alternators have a built-in regulator and require only one voltage sensing/ input wire. If that's what you're using, then delete the regulator all together.

Alternators have no residual magnetism, so once the engine is shut off and the alternator ceases to function, it's working magnetic field goes away. Then upon start-up, the alternator has no field with which to interact, so it puts out no current. The single 12v priming wired provides a small exitation current to the field, the alternator starts producing current, and then is self-exciting after that, until every thing is once again shut-off.

There are many ways to hook up that priming wire. On some cars, it gets a 12v switched source from the ignition switch, goes to an idiot light on the instrument panel, then to the alternator. While the alternator is starting up, but not yet producing voltage, current flows from the 12v source to the 0-volt alternator, and the idiot light illuminates. Once the alternator gets going, there's 12v (nominal, actually more) at both ends of the wire, so no current flows, and the idiot light goes out.

Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North (LOON)

Love that beautifully simple/clear explanation, Tim. Even I can understand it!!

Randy