Lucas 5SJ Windscreen Washer Motor

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rossbraithwaite
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#1 Lucas 5SJ Windscreen Washer Motor

Post by rossbraithwaite » Thu Feb 02, 2023 4:36 pm

I have been trying to repair the motor of the windscreen washer pump for my '67 S1.5 for the second time with little success. The carbon blocks have come off the copper springs. The first time I did it I bought a spares or repairs unit and salvaged the carbon brushes on the copper springs. Reluctant to do that again I have tried soldering the carbon blocks back on without any success. If anyone else has had these problems is there a good modification or do people tend to buy a new replacement unit? It's annoying to junk the whole lot just for the brushes!
Last edited by rossbraithwaite on Thu Feb 02, 2023 6:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
'67 S1.5 FHC, manual, maroon with black interior. Originally exported to Arizona but 'repatriated' in '89. Since converted to RHD and triple SUs.

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dlgis
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#2 Re: Lucas 5SJ Windscreen Washer Motor

Post by dlgis » Thu Feb 02, 2023 6:07 pm

I had the same problem with the older 2sj unit. I wasn’t able to successfully solder the brushes back on. It’s a shame the big parts suppliers like SNGB couldn’t get suitable springs/ brushes made so we can save the original washers. Maybe this is one for the group that meets with SNGB to raise??
Darryl
1964 S1 FHC 3.8 opalescent maroon
2007 XKR convertible

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#3 Re: Lucas 5SJ Windscreen Washer Motor

Post by mgcjag » Thu Feb 02, 2023 6:39 pm

Post some photos of the brushes.....someone may know of something similar...there are plenty of different brushes about....you should be able to adapt something....Steve
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69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc

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#4 Re: Lucas 5SJ Windscreen Washer Motor

Post by rossbraithwaite » Thu Feb 02, 2023 6:48 pm

Yes, I’m all over carbon brushes on eBay but the problem of soldering them to the copper springs remains.
I agree, it would be nice to be able to buy the soldered brush + spring assembly as a spare.
'67 S1.5 FHC, manual, maroon with black interior. Originally exported to Arizona but 'repatriated' in '89. Since converted to RHD and triple SUs.

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#5 Re: Lucas 5SJ Windscreen Washer Motor

Post by mgcjag » Thu Feb 02, 2023 7:19 pm

Whats the problem soldering......can we try to help...Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc

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#6 Re: Lucas 5SJ Windscreen Washer Motor

Post by DWW » Thu Feb 02, 2023 10:31 pm

Maybe one of these can help with the soldering or welding....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09ZXRXRPQ? ... ct_details

Not 100% sure whether is suitable for this application though....
Danny

1962 S1 3.8 FHC (1012/1798)
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"Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it."

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#7 Re: Lucas 5SJ Windscreen Washer Motor

Post by rossbraithwaite » Fri Feb 03, 2023 8:21 am

mgcjag wrote:
Thu Feb 02, 2023 7:19 pm
Whats the problem soldering......can we try to help...Steve
The solder doesn't seem to adhere to the carbon brush. I just wondered if anyone else had had any success doing this? I'm not sure how robust the design is and how frequently they fail?
'67 S1.5 FHC, manual, maroon with black interior. Originally exported to Arizona but 'repatriated' in '89. Since converted to RHD and triple SUs.

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#8 Re: Lucas 5SJ Windscreen Washer Motor

Post by mgcjag » Fri Feb 03, 2023 8:50 am

Ross...have a look here...or how about useing a standard type brush with a flexi wire..bond carbon to your spring with epoxy and solder flexi wire to the spring...Steve https://www.tr-register.co.uk/forums/in ... eeded-pls/ just for info this is the type of brush discussed in this thread
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69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc

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#9 Re: Lucas 5SJ Windscreen Washer Motor

Post by rossbraithwaite » Fri Feb 03, 2023 12:42 pm

Thanks Steve, Yes, they are the same ones and the problem is the same as described in the TR forum. TBH I'm not 100% sure if the soldering problem is my lack of skill or material incompatibility. I'm torn between spending £100-170 on a replacement or trying to repair it with a shunt wire + glue.
'67 S1.5 FHC, manual, maroon with black interior. Originally exported to Arizona but 'repatriated' in '89. Since converted to RHD and triple SUs.

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#10 Re: Lucas 5SJ Windscreen Washer Motor

Post by Heuer » Fri Feb 03, 2023 3:47 pm

Very difficult to solder onto carbon brushes. Originally they were copper coated (not sure if this was done chemically or electrically) which allowed the solder to adhere. The copper coating was quickly worn away on the contact area by the rotating commutator.

Without the copper coating you will struggle although I have heard that if you really heat up the carbon brush with the soldering iron for about a minute you can apply solder and wire. Not tried it myself but maybe worth a go.
David Jones
S1 OTS OSB; S1 FHC ODB
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#11 Re: Lucas 5SJ Windscreen Washer Motor

Post by mgcjag » Fri Feb 03, 2023 3:51 pm

Steve
69 S2 2+2 (just sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc

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#12 Re: Lucas 5SJ Windscreen Washer Motor

Post by Phil P » Fri Feb 03, 2023 5:47 pm

It's possible that the original brushes were/are a copper alloy which were used where a motor only worked periodically so that wear wouldn't be an issue.
You may be able to apply electroless nickel or a PVD coating to carbon. Both would be expensive.
Phil
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#13 Re: Lucas 5SJ Windscreen Washer Motor

Post by rossbraithwaite » Sat Feb 04, 2023 6:52 pm

Thanks all for your advice. I tried heating the brush with a small blow torch so it was certainly hot, maybe too hot. Part of the problem is that the notch on the back has disappeared. I think I’ll try a brush with shunt wire + glue.
'67 S1.5 FHC, manual, maroon with black interior. Originally exported to Arizona but 'repatriated' in '89. Since converted to RHD and triple SUs.

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