Rotor Arms

[ManxNeil]

Just phoned a Jag parts supplier this morning to order, amongst other things, a new rotor arm for my 3.8 Mk 2. It already has a new and unused arm (I've been restoring the car for a LONG time) but I noticed that the arm set into the plastic body is loose - the pin that secures it is clearly not up to the job.

The chap on the end of the line was very helpful and offered me a choice - an original Lucas rotor at £2.86 or a "high quality" after-market item at £9.20. He explained that the fault I had found with my rotor was well-known, but the manufacturer refused to acknowledge it, whereas the expensive one specifically addressed the poor pin fit and looseness and was therefore "selling like hot cakes". Needless to say, I took the hit.

If the above is true, and the cheaper part is made by Lucas, it's interesting to know that the tradition of British industry's old head-in-the-sand attitude is being maintained in some quarters and that Joe Lucas is still striving to keep the title of Prince of Darkness! However, is making a pin that will securely hold the part tightly together really that difficult?

[velosolex50]

Hi Neil
I suspect the Lucas bit is made for rather than by Lucas....Try some epoxy to stick it down & keep it as a spare
Hope the rebuild is going ok
Huw

[simon4253]

I am sure the lucas part is made for them rather like the unipart ignition bits I got recently that were made in Turkey! Needless to say after changing them the car would not start until I put the old bits back on! Intermotor seem the most reliable at present even though 4 or 5 years ago they were rubbish. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?....