The Knowledge - Velocette Owners Club

C.3. Dynamo, Magneto and Battery -
L #112 By the way, are there any sources for good used or rebuilt Lucas K1F mags, or is this a
cry in the dark. Even though I have electronic ignition and 12V sparks for the lights, I'd like to have a
standard mag in reserve.
#157 Would it be possible to get the names and contact info regarding the Lucas K1F mags we talked
about?
#159 Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Below you are the telephone numbers of UK suppliers
of reconditioned mags, I have not used them so I can make no recommendations. Some may only
provide exchanges. Dave Lindsley +44 (0) 1706 365838 FTW +44 (0) 114233 6269 Independent
ignition supplies +44 (0) 1237 475986 Dynamos only P Dunn +44 (0) 1782 856839
#165 I am sure many people are familiar with Dave Lindsley. There was an article on him in FT 310
which describes his attention to detail. He has reconditioned both my mag and my dynamo and I am
very pleased with the results. Independent Ignition supplies have a website at www.magneto.co.uk
L #346 Don't know if people are generally aware of this, but a modern alternative self-generating
magneto ignition system is being developed by Rex Caunt Racing using the BT-H trade mark. The
results can be seen by following the links from www.rexcauntracing.com . Rex makes ignition systems
for classic racers which are considered to be one of the best. The magnetos are not cheap, estimated
price on his web site is £500, but it might be worth it for a reliable system and a weight saving of over
3/4lb over a Lucas K1F. Base mounted units already in production for AJS/Matchless etc are available
with a choice of 2 advance curves built in so I would guess that they can be run without an ATD -
another positive point for those who want to run a tacho drive from the timing cover but don't want the
hassle of manual advance.
L #592 Just "lost" the battery retaining strap on my '61 Venom this morning on the way to work
.Found the old-type black battery cover on my left foot at a set of traffic lights! Retraced my route with
special emphasis on the gutter - found the retaining strap but no sign at all of the bolt. Question - what
is the size and thread type of the bolt?
#593 The bolt is a 2BA thread, I think about an inch and a half long. There is a trick which might
prevent future losses - fit a nut to the bolt before running it through the threaded trunnion, as you
tighten the bolt it will trap the nut between the two strap ends and act as a lock nut, and if the bolt
should come loose after this the nut will usually help to retain the bolt and plain trunnion in the strap.
L #652 Spent part of the weekend investigating a low / zero charging rate on my '61 clubmanised
Venom. The Miller ammeter was showing a very intermittent or zero charge. Dynamo drive is a vee
belt and no sign of slipping. I discovered that although I have a Miller headlamp switch and ammeter I
have a Lucas dynamo - I thought that these did not come into use until '65? I couldn't make out any
model number on the casing - but I assume it must be an E3L? If this is correct can I get 12 volts from
it? I discovered a Lucas RB108 regulator fixed under the seat but the bonded rubber mountings had
parted and hence the regulator was held in place only by the wiring. Does anybody have any
experience / tips for repairing the bonded rubber mountings ? I have done a quick fix of taping the
regulator body to the mounting bracket but clearly this is not a long term solution! The various
tinkerings seem to have solved the charging problem - a nice steady 7 - 8 amps all the way to work this
morning.
#656 Rubber mounts normally go. Answer - Super glue
L #709 Anyway I now have an early Venom and am considering upgrading to electronic ignition.
My question - does anyone know where I can get a waisted 3/16 box spanner to remove the magneto
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