ReOpus print fitting instructions

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The REOPUS replacement board is purchased as a kit for the owner/home mechanic to install. Please read the instructions thoroughly before you start.

If you feel it is beyond your abilities we strongly recommend you take the REOPUS and these instruction sheets, to any auto electrician. He/She should be able to fit it to your car inside an hour. You don’t have to take your car… just unbolt and disconnect your original amplifier, then take it with your new REOPUS kit to be soldered into place.

We also recommend you read, and take action on, the additional tips at the end to ensure you are getting the best from your new unit.

The REOPUS circuit board is installed into the original Lucas OPUS amplifier case and utilises the original Lucas magnetic pickup, ferrite rod disc, and existing wiring.

Three decades later, advanced high-grade electronics allowed us to dramatically improve on the original’s capabilities. However, the circuit still functions in a similar manner.

In redesigning the electronics we have followed the original approach of the OPUS designers to ensure compatibility with the rest of the vehicle electrical system.

The control circuit is voltage regulated and the semiconductor oscillator is temperature compensated. Coupling with hybrid transistors, specifically designed to fire ignition coils, translates to precise timing and a powerful spark every time.

We have included 2 diagnostic LED’s on the circuit board to check the power supply and pickup operation.

· Easy to follow, installation instructions.
· Replacement amplifier circuit board.
· Installation kit comprising 2 x 100mm ¼ NC bolts 2 x ¼ spring washers 2 x 70mm aluminium spacers 2 x ¼ flat washers.

1) Disconnect the pickup connector, the ballast resistor connector, and the positive and negative wires from the coil.

2) Remove the OPUS amplifier unit from your car.

3) Remove the 4 base plate screws from the bottom of the amplifier unit.

5) Carefully cut the 6 wires as close to the circuit board as possible, to ensure they will be long enough to solder to the pads on the REOPUS board. Keep anycolour code sleeves or bands on the respective wires. (See step 9).

8) Fit the 6 wires through the cable slot of the REOPUS circuit board and position the circuit board into the amplifier case. Using 4 of the original screws as per the diagram and screw down the circuit board as shown below.

9) Carefully strip the ends of the 6 wires and solder the wires onto the pads 1, 2, 3 and A, B, T on the component side of the REOPUS circuit board in the positions as detailed in the following lists:

Early Type Pickup
Pad 1 = (Primary) - Red Band
Pad 2 = (Center tap) - Black Wire (No band)
Pad 3 = (Secondary) - Yellow Band

+ Battery, Coil and Revcounter.
Pad A = Batt + Black / Red Bands
Pad C = Coil - Black / White Band
Pad T = Revcounter Blue / white Bands

+ Battery, Coil and Revcounter (Later Type).
Pad A = Red/black wire
Pad C = Black/white wire
Pad T = Blue/white wire

10) Next, reconnect the pickup module connector and the Ballast resistor connector to the amplifier. DO NOT RECONNECT THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE COIL WIRES AT THIS STAGE.

11) Using one of the mounting bolts with aluminum spacer tube and the original spacer temporally fit the amplifier unit upside down to the engine. With the REOPUS circuit board visible.

12) Turn on the Ignition to the run position (do not start the engine) the Red LED on the circuit board should be ON.

13) Now turn over the engine on the starter motor the Red LED will be ON and the Green LED will flash (6 times per engine revolution) indicating the pickup circuit is OK. Turn OFF the ignition switch.

14) Remove the amplifier case refit the base plate
.
15) Refit the amplifier to the engine using the 2 bolts, spring washers, the original steel spacer, the aluminum spacers and the flat washers provided and refit the amplifier unit to the engine. The amplifier is now fitted 70mm above the original position.

16) Reconnect the pickup connector, the ballast resistor connector, the coil wires positive (white Green) and negative (white/Black) wires.

The REOPUS unit will not alter the existing ignition timing, however we recommend the ignition timing be checked using an ignition stroboscope as detailed in the service manual for ultimate performance and economy.

This advice stems from our experience with Jaguar V12 engines and relates primarily to that application. However, much of the advice is well worth applying to any vehicle installation.

Make sure original lead connectors and terminals are clean and protected from corrosion. HT leads and spark plugs should also be in good condition.

Where applicable, make sure the carburettor dashpots are filled to the correct level with the manufacturers recommended oil. Failure to do this can cause misfiring on light throttle due to the fuel mixture being too lean on acceleration.

Whether your engine has carburettors, or fuel injection, the fuel delivery system and the ignition system are interdependent. Many faults can be “Either/Or” scenarios, so ensure the fuelling system is also functioning correctly.

A known problem can be internal fracture of the amplifier connection leads just after entering the distributor. This is due to constant movement of the vacuum retard or advance unit. Hardening of the cable insulation from heat aggravates the situation.

The ferrite rods set into the outside edge of the distributor plastic timing wheel have been known to fall out. This is a very rare occurrence however. Remove the wheel and secure any that look suspicious with a tiny dab of Araldite or similar. Do not use a large blob or it will set up a severe imbalance.

Another fairly common problem is the cracking of the mounting holes for the magnetic pickup inside the distributor. This can be fixed by Aralditing a flat piece of similar plastic, about 3-4mm. thick after removing the same depth from the original carrier mounting point and drill through to create holes that the mounting screws can bite into. If the new piece is carefully shaped, it can actually reinforce the “extension”.

Where the plastic moulding that carries the pickup revolves around the central metal part of the distributor body, ridges can form that could hold back the action of the vacuum advance or retard unit (whichever your vehicle is fitted with) at its extremes of travel. Smoothing these ridges down carefully with a small file cures the problem plus a little high temperature grease.

A very common V12 problem is the centripetal advance weights in the base of the distributor being “stuck” with dried up grease. This will drastically affect the advance of the ignition timing and they need to be cleaned, freed, and lubricated with a high temperature lubricant. While you’re in there, do not be alarmed by the fact that the two weight springs are unequal. This is how they should be. If you remove them, be very careful not to stretch them or reassemble them incorrectly.

The vacuum advance or retard module (early Jaguar V12 carb engines have retard, fuel injection V12’s have advance) is another weak point. The internal rubber diaphragm hardens with age and heat then splits or cracks. This adversely affects engine performance, temperature, and fuel economy.

All the above may seem a bit daunting and you would be very unlucky to have them all. If you still have a problem after fitting the REOPUS unit, these are the items we would first ask you to double check if you contact us for advice.

The manufacturer warrants, for a period of FIVE years from the date of shipment, that the REOPUS circuit board is free from defects in material and workmanship.

The manufacturer’s obligations under this warranty are limited to the REOPUS circuit board only when it is used as a replacement for the Lucas Opus Type AB3 ignition trigger amplifier together with the original car manufacturers pickup sensor and coil.

All warranty claims will require examination at our manufacturing facility, transportation charges pre-paid, and if after examination, the unit is found to be defective we will either repair, replace, or refund the purchase cost only.

The warranty shall not apply to any units which been repaired or altered except by the manufacturer or which have been subjected to misuse.