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-   -   Plane Power 60 amp alternator issue (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=136208)

Shadetree 03-28-2016 08:42 PM

Plane Power 60 amp alternator issue
 
Not sure if it is a Plane Power problem or not but here is what is happening to me. I started out on a flight on Friday and after in the air noticed my fuel flow was way higher than it should be on the D180 and started looking at the other things on the screen. I noticed that the alternator wasn't charging and my voltage was dropping slowly, so I turned around and went back to my home airport and drove for 17 hours. Today I pulled the alternator (60 amp Plane Power with internal regulator) that has no more than 60 hours on it, took it to the parts house and checked it. Didn't find any issues. Put it back on, ran it up on the ground and everything was normal. Cowled the plane back up and went on a flight and the same thing happened. No breakers tripped, just not charging and the voltage slowly going down. Didn't find any broken wires. Gave up after dark and came home.

I am wondering if heat is causing the alternator to stop charging or if the heat is affecting the plug connector where the wiring plugs into the alternator.

I was hoping someone might have seen this before. I need this resolved because my mom is not well and I need to making this trip regularly.
Thanks for any help.

ILikePike 03-29-2016 12:00 AM

Check the connector on the alt. I think this may be your issue.

DanH 03-29-2016 03:38 AM

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=125262

Shadetree 03-29-2016 06:04 AM

Thank you, that's exactly what I was looking for.

Dan B 03-29-2016 07:48 AM

Had similar dropping voltage reading on my D-180 and thought it was the alternator. After putting a voltmeter directly on the battery bus, found that the alternator was OK. Turned out to be the circuit breaker for the D-180.

Shadetree 03-29-2016 08:29 AM

I have a separate volt meter that agrees with my D180, so I think the plug might be the issue.
Will check it out after work today.

RV10inOz 03-30-2016 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanH (Post 1066259)

What Dan said??and check the belt tension is not a bit too slack?.they will slip under load.

Shadetree 03-30-2016 10:54 AM

I took checked the connections, traced wiring, checked voltage. Turns out it is the alternator itself. Took it to a shop and found the stator wires broken. Called plane power to get a replacement alternator and they gave me a couple of distributors phone numbers. So far no joy finding a replacement from distributors close by.

Shadetree 03-30-2016 01:12 PM

I found a replacement alternator at AS, but the alternator in more expensive than the complete kit.

I have talked to 4 vendors so far. Chief, Aviall, Quality Aircraft, AS.
Anyone know other vendors I could call for Plane Power alternators?
Plane Power said I would need to contact an authorized vendor to order.

BillL 03-30-2016 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadetree (Post 1066723)
I found a replacement alternator at AS, but the alternator in more expensive than the complete kit.

I have talked to 4 vendors so far. Chief, Aviall, Quality Aircraft, AS.
Anyone know other vendors I could call for Plane Power alternators?
Plane Power said I would need to contact an authorized vendor to order.

Plane Power does not manufacture the alternator - can an alternator shop find the OEM alternator's replacement stator? This is what Lesters is for, it's what they do. With proper dimensions the shop can call Lesters or their suppliers, who work with them, and identify a proper replacement. A typical stator is only $40-$60

Or just buy a new one.

Edit: just in case someone needs a stator, ASPWholesale.com can get one. Just use the 1995 Toyota Tercel 60A version as the base unit. $55.


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