How long did your JohnDeere VR last?

[Tony_T]

I like Dave12's idea of longer bolts with spacers to mount the regulator (inside location). The longer bolts in an alum tube spacer will be much easier to get started and remove as well as holding the brake lines back away from the regulator.

[E. D. Eliot]

Not flying yet so this is all theory. So why is (relatively short lives of VR) this happening to the RV-12? There seems to be no definitive answer or the problem would have been solved - right?

Many have tried to solve the problem and it seems that we are still guessing. Or is it that there are hundreds of 12 flying with no problems and we on the VAF are reading reports of only failures, not successes. Many other types of aircraft fly with the 912 without any trouble? Just sayin ---

I'll locate my VR inside with a dedicate computer blower aimed at it and be sure that the connectors are secure - I'm guessing that it may last awhile.

I plan to fly my 12 cross country and so far have learned that it is wise to carry a spare VR, mechanical fuel pump, electric fuel pump, inner tube and tire, spare wire and connectors, tools, etc. That will add about 25 # to my gross on every flight and cost .8 aero units or more. Man########

[bajapilot]

The issue of voltage regulator failures on RV-12s has certainly captured my attention as I notice my cruise power voltage now slowly dropping from it's previous 13.8 to 13.9, now sometimes as low as 13.4 volts. I have about 150 hours on the engine now.

As I review other forums I find mention of VR failures but not to the extent as the RV community. I myself also have a Rans S-7S with 1100 hours with the original VR mounted to the firewall without any additional cooling and it's been rock solid at 14.0 volts since day one.

I do agree that it seems to be a heat problem caused by additional load and firewall temps. My Rans only powers a com, transponder and portable GPS. Much lower load then the RV-12. Also reaching under the panels, the Rans firewall is warm but the RV is quite hot to the touch.

I think until Vans or one of us came come up with a way keep this regulator cooler, this will continue to be a problem.

Bill