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Lotus Europa Forums => Technical Articles and DIY tools and tips => Topic started by: EuropatcSPECIAL on Sunday,March 09, 2025, 01:43:31 AM

Title: tc Alternator
Post by: EuropatcSPECIAL on Sunday,March 09, 2025, 01:43:31 AM
Good morning all, my alternator has finally given up the ghost after 50 years. I have bought a new one from SJ Sports cars but unfortunately the connections are different. Can anyone please advise where the old wiring connects to the new alternator, in simple terms please. Much appreciated, thank you
Title: Re: tc Alternator
Post by: EuropatcSPECIAL on Sunday,March 09, 2025, 01:45:21 AM
This is the new one
Title: Re: tc Alternator
Post by: 4129R on Sunday,March 09, 2025, 06:56:18 AM
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331634116055
Title: Re: tc Alternator
Post by: Bainford on Monday,March 10, 2025, 06:38:18 PM
Just curious, what is the output of the new alternator? Mine has been to the repair shop twice now, and I should probably start thinking about just replacing it outright.
Title: Re: tc Alternator
Post by: EuropaTC on Monday,March 10, 2025, 11:45:56 PM
That looks similar to the A127 I fitted to my car although there look to be some differences, I don't have that white block with "tested" and a lead which looks like it's going to earth for example. 

On my car the OEM unit had a seperate earth lead whereas modern alternators ground through the body so the black earth lead will be redundant. 

The plug Alex has posted a link for is the one I used, basically the large terminals are the charge output to the battery via the ammeter, the small one is the field terminal. 

When my original unit failed I didn't bother trying to fix it but instead I fitted a Lucas 17ACR unit with around the same output. That was a tight fit against the luggage tray and I later replaced it with a higher output Lucas A127 unit which is smaller and comes in several output levels. The lowest output one (55amps IIRC) use the spade terminals, the higher outputs use a bolt on lead instead.  I made some notes for my records at the time and have attached the pdf which shows the wiring terminals and what I did back then.

Brian
Title: Re: tc Alternator
Post by: Bainford on Wednesday,March 12, 2025, 08:51:21 AM
Thanks for posting that document, Brian. I haven't read through it yet, but saved it for future reference.