Lucas RB340 control unit

[Bob perry]

So much for my boast last week about my HA starting on the button whilst the newer cars around all needed charge ups!!

Went out this morning, bleep all on the key turn!! Fit up the boost charger boom!! first pull, so I left her in tick over for around twenty minutes at a faster tick over to put a bit of charge in!
Switch off went to start again...ZIPPO!!!

Looks like a new battery, although meter across shows 21.5 volts.

Dynamo is recently refurbished, and belt is tight, so I'm also wondering about the control unit.

Thought I might treat her to a new battery anyway, it is around five years old, with little use apart from the odd show!!
Then I thought I might change the control unit as well to make sure.

It seems there are two types listed for RB340 22 amp and 25 amp.
Manual says 21-23 amp, but would fitting a 25 amp one make any difference??

Next question has anyone got one they would like to sell please, before I go on to Flea Bay, where there are several listed??

Still going to put the car out on the front tomorrow for the pseudo Classic Drive-It Day.

[HC Fairley]

Dynamo is recently refurbished, and belt is tight

Probably an irrelevant point if the car started last week first time but was the dynamo polarised after it was refurbished? Had this problem with my tractor.

[Bob perry]

No, the dynamo was fully refurbished last year, by a specialist, and it's been running fine until the lay up because of lockdown, so I don't think it's a dynamo problem!
Hasn't done any real miles since Christmas really! Been out once a week and started up o.k. just to keep her ticking over, and the oils flowing round, but this time no!
Bit more investigation needed tomorrow, but she WILL be out on the drive for NON Drive It Day!!
I suspect the battery has died, or isn't holding any charge, despite showing over 12 on the multi meter.
Have to wait for Halfords to re-open dammit.

[HC Fairley]

I was at Halfords yesterday Bob, getting a buckled bicycle wheel straightened. Maybe they have only reopened in N.I though. Best of luck with the new control unit.

[Bob perry]

Yes, our Halfords is open as well, but I thought I would give the battery one last chance.

Jeesh, have you see the price of batteries?? Long time since I bought one!!

Removed it, topped up the distilled water, and gave it a mega charge for about 6 hours.

Meter reading of 13.0 exactly. Back on to the car and she fired up like a good un!!

Checked again today, still holding 13.0 and fired up first crack.

Perhaps I was a bit hasty, but will continue checking over the next week to see if it still holds, then re-check the charging system and control box.

Might just need a damn good run up the motorway!!.....Hmmm, I should be so lucky!!