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  #11  
Old 05-29-2017, 05:47 PM
Steve Melton's Avatar
Steve Melton Steve Melton is offline
 
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Location: Cincinnati, OH
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gasman View Post
I always liked the idea of a direct drive alternator. I never liked the center of mass so far from the mount.

Please let us know how the manufacturer responds.
ditto. no vibration analysis to support but it just doesn't look right with the large overhung mass.
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RV-9A, Tip-up, Superior O-320, roller lifters, 160HP, WW 200RV, dual impulse slick mags, oil pressure = 65 psi, EGT = 1300F, flight hours = 800+ for all

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Last edited by Steve Melton : 05-29-2017 at 07:58 PM.
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  #12  
Old 05-29-2017, 07:59 PM
rockwoodrv9 rockwoodrv9 is offline
 
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Location: Meridian ID, Aspen CO, Okemos MI
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Jim Barry in Denver built a large oil door that is about 1/4 of the cowl in his 10. I was going to do the same on my cowl but forgot about it till reading this thread.
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  #13  
Old 05-30-2017, 08:57 AM
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Guy Prevost Guy Prevost is offline
 
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Location: albuquerque, nm
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Default You're not the first

My PlanePower backup alternator failed in the same manner a few months ago after 30 hours of flight. I've not posted publicly until now--it's really easy to damage a small company in these forums.

The cast (no inserts!) female threads failed in the nose adapter in mine. There is also very little thread engagement. It's really an under-engineered design.

Plane Power spent a lot of time analyzing and inspecting the failed unit I returned without results and without sending a warranty replacement while they looked the unit. I ultimately decided I didn't want another anyway.

Since I had purchased the alternator from Aircraft Spruce I gave them a call. They were fantastic! Due to the lack of appropriate response from PlanePower, Aircraft Spruce took over my warranty claim themselves and gave me full credit towards a B&C backup alternator.

It should be noted that the B&C unit is a one piece casting. A much better design. Installing the remote voltage regulator was a pain, but worth it in this case.



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  #14  
Old 05-30-2017, 10:03 AM
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Steve Melton Steve Melton is offline
 
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that is a poorly designed part. no more to say except that my 15 yr daughter could do better.
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Steve Melton
Cincinnati, OH
RV-9A, Tip-up, Superior O-320, roller lifters, 160HP, WW 200RV, dual impulse slick mags, oil pressure = 65 psi, EGT = 1300F, flight hours = 800+ for all

Simplicity is the art in design.
My Artwork is freely given and published and cannot be patented.
www.rvplasticparts.com
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  #15  
Old 08-16-2017, 08:50 AM
Jackm Jackm is offline
 
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Just received email from manufacturer of FS1-14 that they denied the warranty and provided no options to fix the failed one. It is almost 500 hrs and 3 years old but I was expecting a " it is not under warranty but here is how we can help you and provide a solution" I think there is lack of engineering as the new one I installed looks as though the mating flange to the alternator is not machined precisely to mate the two together for the long term. Any one else have failure or experience with this unit?
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  #16  
Old 08-16-2017, 10:50 AM
sblack sblack is offline
 
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I am attaching my top cowl with skybolt fasteners. It will take less than a minute to remove it single handed. I got the idea from a friend's -6. Not as clean as the hinge pin installation, but they do look nice and they are superior for maintenance and inspection. Of course that won't stop an alternator from falling off, but I might see it sooner.
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  #17  
Old 08-16-2017, 11:06 AM
krw5927 krw5927 is offline
 
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Location: Wichita, KS
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackm View Post
Just received email from manufacturer of FS1-14 that they denied the warranty and provided no options to fix the failed one. It is almost 500 hrs and 3 years old but I was expecting a " it is not under warranty but here is how we can help you and provide a solution" I think there is lack of engineering as the new one I installed looks as though the mating flange to the alternator is not machined precisely to mate the two together for the long term. Any one else have failure or experience with this unit?
From the way the new parent company appears to be handling warranty claims on their all-too-often failing products, the last thing I'd do is throw good money after bad installing another one.

I know they're a forum advertiser, but come on!
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  #18  
Old 08-16-2017, 11:56 AM
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rleffler rleffler is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DRMA View Post
Perhaps a little off topic, but has anyone modified the top cowl on an RV to allow it to be quickly and easily opened on one or both sides for a quick look as a part of every pre-flight?
There used to be, but I don't know if it's still available. Dave ? (I can't remember his last name) was selling a mod of the cowl that was just what you were looking for. But he sold the company a copy years ago. I don't know if they still offer the mod, since Dave was the driver for all the RV-10 mods.
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  #19  
Old 08-16-2017, 08:04 PM
HFS HFS is offline
 
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Location: Lemoore, CA
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Default Dave Saylor - AirCrafters

His -10 was at OSH last month, w/ the cowling mod. Don't know if he sold many - but it always looked like a good idea. Dave sold the company several years ago, but here is the current info - maybe you could call them and see what they say.

Aircrafters
140 Aviation Way
Watsonville, CA 95076

(831) 722-9141

HFS
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  #20  
Old 08-16-2017, 08:28 PM
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Bill.Peyton Bill.Peyton is offline
 
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This is scary. I have the same plane power alternator with 500 plus hours on it. I just had the cowl off a couple of days ago. I think I will take a better look tomorrow.
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