Quick Question

[henda]

Would putting the 3AW unit into the flasher unit terminals damage the 3AW unit ?

[Jack the lad]

You have a few variables in your question, ie battery connected? Ign. turned on? engine running? alternator connected and a few more. You could just replace the old and unreliable 3AW with a modern solid state one that will run a bright LED light to give you a warning that you might be able to see on a sunny day. I can supply you with a circuit diagram to make your own with easily obtainable and cheap components if needed, cheers John.

[henda]

Hello John, thanks for the reply, sorry I didn't explain it very well. I bought a new 3AW unit from SNG, as I had the flickering charging lamp. However in my haste to get out and about I plugged it into the flasher unit as I was told they look identical. I did have the engine started and did a few miles before I realized I had no flashers. I eventually found where the 3AW should go, which is a small black rectangular block. once I had this fitted and when the ignition is on and there is no red lamp on. Have I damaged it by plugging it into the flasher unit?

Paul.

[Jack the lad]

Morning Paul, I'm unable to give any reliable advice as I do not know what type of 3AW unit SNG supply, perhaps they supply a modern unit with electronic protection for the semi-conductors. If you can get a known good one and try it by substitution on your car it may help you decide. I may have a spare one of my own electronic units, I'll have a look later, I did make a batch of them during lock-down and could have one or two left. cheers John.

[Jack the lad]

Hi Paul, I have found a couple of electronic 3AW modules, I'll post a couple of pics when my phone is charged. Just a quick question, does your car have the original alternator fitted and not a modern substitute that does not need a 3AW unit? cheers John.

[henda]

Hello John, Thanks for your help on this! The old 3AW Unit (small black rectangle unit)was what was on the car, I have replaced this with the new 3AW unit (round aluminum can shape, looks exactly like the flasher unit). I didn't know I would have to change the alternator? Starting to feel as though I had just put up with the flickering light. I am not sure regarding the alternator being original as the car was my late Uncles and he was the only one that knew anything about it.

Paul.

[Jack the lad]

Hi Paul, I think you are getting a little mixed up here, the black plastic small box with three wires sounds to be the 4TR voltage regulator, it is mounted on a small angled bracket below the heater box. You will need a good one of these to be able to charge. The 3AW unit is as you say a unit that looks like a flasher can, this is just the warning light control module for your dash board display. Your alternator should be a Lucas 11AC which needs both of the above modules for it to work. A common mod. is for one of the later Lucas alternators types 17ACR etc. or similar to have been fitted by a previous owner. These ACR units have both the voltage regulator and warning light control built into the alternator and do not require the 4TR or the 3AW units to be fitted. If possible send me a couple of photos of your fitted alternator and we can go from there. I will try to find a photo from my car that may help you id. which system your car is running. cheers John.

[Jack the lad]

Hi Paul, images to follow, hopefully, cheers John.[/img]

[henda]

Hello John,

Will forward pictures as soon as Get car back, currently getting the Carbs tuned.

Paul.