Electrical Theory By Joseph Lucas

Gregger

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For those of you that owned an early BSA or Triumph..... brings back memories :) Have fun!


ELECTRICAL THEORY BY JOSEPH LUCAS

Positive ground depends on proper circuit functioning, which is the transmission of negative ions by retention of visible spectral manifestation know 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 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, hydraulic forks and disk brake systems leak fluid, British tires leak air and British Intelligence leaks national 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. And remember: “A gentleman does not motor about after dark.” Joseph Lucas “The Prince of Darkness”1842-1903

A few Lucas quips:
- The Lucas motto: “Get home before dark.”
- Lucas is the patent holder for the short circuit.
- Lucas - Inventor of the first intermittent wiper.
- Lucas - Inventor of the self-dimming headlamp.
- The three-position Lucas switch--DIM, FLICKER and OFF.

The other three switch settings--SMOKE, SMOLDER and IGNITE.


- The Original Anti-Theft Device - Lucas Electrics.
- If Lucas made guns, wars would not fire.
- Back in the ‘70's, Lucas decided to diversify its product line and began manufacturing vacuum cleaners. It was the only product they offered which did not suck.

Q: Why do the British drink warm beer? A: Because Lucas makes their refrigerators.

This has been referred to as the smoke theory, when the smoke comes out its finished, cooked or done for.
 
I'm familiar with "Lord Lucas Prince of darkness" as I still have a 1962
Land Rover Series IIA

Another British engineering tip often quoted is " If it's not leaking, it's empty":coffee:
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That was great and not far off base. The first thing I would try to do back in the 60's and early 70's on a newly acquired Triumph would be to delete all the Lucas electrics (except magneto) and replace with Honda coils and battery eliminator. Second would be to replace the Amal gas leak valves with Mikuni carbs.
 
That's true if it's electrical and you let the smoke out its f#cked. Don't matter if it's a coil, drill, angle grinder, electric razor if the smoke gets out it's not going to work. I read a similar Lucas story when I was in my teens. Have found the smoke theory to be spot on ever since.
 
Lmfao, all true, so painfully true. I let the smoke out of circuits frequently. Jim must be searching for water in Cali or he would have responded by now. I used to curse Lucas wiring and I switched to Mikunis as well.
 
Ah yes all these great British inventions plus a few more, as the country with the most inventions it's certainly considered to be the British, by a considerable margin.

In the 19th century, Britain was by far the richest country in the world, and the wealth/profits reaped from global colonies ended up in the UK and were invested in science, engineering, arts etc...

TV, radio, internet, computer, jet engine, steam engine, iron ships, printing press, the list is endless.
And do not forget the best by far special forces unit in the World the SAS.
 
Once experienced you never forget the sound of the short and smell of plastic melting .. on the way home from the auto sparkies. Old British bikes you gota love'em :thumbsup:
 
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