Electrical problems explained.

[Ol'89r]

For those of you doing your own electrical diagnosis, this may help. Note, this theory pertains to mostly British motorcycles but is can also be used to trace electrical problems in other systems.

Electrical Theory by Joseph Lucas.

Positive ground depends on proper circuit functioning, which is the transmission of negative ions by retention of the visible spectral manifestation known as "Smoke".

Smoke is the thing that makes electrical circuits work.
We know this to be true because every time one lets the smoke out of an electrical circuit, it stops working. This can be verified repeatedly through empirical testing.

For example, if one places a copper bar across the terminals of a battery, prodigious quantities of smoke are liberated and the battery shortly ceases to function.

In addition, if one observes smoke escaping from an electrical component such as a Lucas voltage regulator, it will also be observed that the component no longer functions. The logic is elementary and inescapable!

The function of the wiring harness is to conduct the smoke from one device to another. When the wiring springs a leak and lets all of the smoke out of the system, nothing works afterward.

Starter motors were considered unsuitable for British motorcycles for some time largely because they consumed large quantities of smoke, requiring very unsightly large wires.

It has been reported that Lucas electrical components are possibly more prone to electrical leakage than their Bosch, Japanese or American counterparts. Experts point out that this is because Lucas is British, and all things British leak. British engines leak oil, British shock absorbers, forks and hydraulic brake systems leak fluid, British tires leak air and British Intelligence leak defense secrets.

Therefore, it follows that British electrical systems must leak smoke.
Once again, the logic is clear and inescapable.

In conclusion, the basic concept of transmission of electrical energy in the form of smoke provides a logical explanation of the mysteries of electrical components especially British units manufactured by Joseph Lucas. LTD.

Signed. Joe Lucas. Prince of darkness.

 

[High Lord Gomer]

LOL! *Now* I understand!

 

[Okiewan]

Yes. I agree whole heartedly.

 

[MXSparx]

:laugh:

 

[IndyMX]

Definitely applies to pre 1980 Kawasaki street bikes.

 

[Ol'89r]

A few Lucas quips.

The Lucas motto: "Get home before dark."

Lucas is the patent holder for the short circuit.

Lucas, inventer of the first intermittent wiper.

Lucas, inventer of the self-dimming headlamps.

Inventer of the six position switch-Dim, Flicker and Off. The other three positions are- Smolder, Smoke and Ignite.

The original Anti-Theft device,, Lucas Electrics.

It was once said,,, If Lucas made guns there would be no wars.

Question: Why do the British drink warm beer?
Answer: Because Lucas makes their refrigerators.

Back in the 70's, Lucas LTD decided to diversify its product line and began manufacturing vacuum cleaners. It was the only Lucas product that did not suck. :nod:

;)

 

[High Lord Gomer]

LOL...were they really that bad?

 

[Ol'89r]

LOL...were they really that bad?

Yeah they really were Mike.

It was just the technology of the time period.

Prior to the mid 60's everything was 6 volts. A 6 volt system requires a larger diameter wire to support the heavier load. Bigger wire, more smoke to escape. ;)

Most electrical components of the day were large, magnetic relays/regulators with open copper windings. They had metal covers but were not insulated very well. Moisture and dirt would get in and short out the windings. Hence,, more smoke.

Stators had unprotected windings that ran in a primary case with oil mixed with the swarf (metal bits) coming off of the primary chain and sprockets. The magnets on the rotors attracted the metallic swarf and packed it into the unprotected windings until it shorted them out and they stopped producing electricity. In the late 60's they started to incapsulate the stators and that helped. They also went to 12 volt systems in the late 60's and that helped too.

If a bike spent much time in the UK before coming here, all of the plug-in connectors were usually corroded from the moisture in the UK. Those connectors were not sealed like the one's we have today. The solder joints were usually corroded too and had to be replaced.

Vibration was a big problem and you always had to carry a spare headlight and especially taillight bulb with you. The vibration would shake the bulbs apart,, hence the Lucas self-dimming headlight.

We never thought much about it because it was the best we had. Of course, everytime good ol' Joe Lucas failed, we were usually 30+ miles from our homes/trucks so it gave us a lot of time to think up more Joe Lucas quips. :yell:

Today everything is solid-state, transistorized, miniaturized and fully encapsulated. Electrical problems are almost a thing of the past. Almost.