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  #1  
Old 10-21-2018, 03:49 PM
Maverick972 Maverick972 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 115
Angry Recurring low voltage issue...

I have had a recurring low voltage issue and I cannot seem to pin point it.

First, I few months ago I was flying around stopped to visit a friend and could not get the plane to start (Hot, fuel injected and poor pilot techniques all my fault.) flew and the low voltage light came on about half way.

Assuming the battery I charged it. Flew again after about 30-45 min low voltage light comes on.

Flew home and replaced the battery (new Oddesy) as it was 4-5 years old. Test run normal voltage. All is good.

Today finally got to fly as the weather in north Texas has been terrible. Started right up, good run up, 14.2 volts I am thinking good to go. Get on runway, turn on both landing light 13.8 volts, landing lights off 14.2...flew for 30-45 minuets and the low voltage comes on again 12.4... sh!t back to Aerocontry. Low voltage entire pattern. Land, pull back to idle and volts show 14.2. WTF

Now I am frustrated, battery showing 12.8 on the ground. The aircraft has a plane power alternator that has never been a problem. Looked for loose wires and cannot see anything even behind avionics.

I think I have some heat issues behind the dash but that is another post.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Sean
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  #2  
Old 10-21-2018, 04:08 PM
BillL BillL is offline
 
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Location: Central IL
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EI60 PP alternators known have a occurrence of the plug connection for the field to have some high resistance.

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

Start there to trouble shoot the issue. Also, do a basic belt tension check.

There are some posts with the connector, terminals, and a plug for strain relief exiting the connector.

Do the above, but do basic alternator diagnostics too.
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Last edited by BillL : 10-21-2018 at 04:18 PM.
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  #3  
Old 10-22-2018, 07:19 AM
Maverick972 Maverick972 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 115
Default Plane Power 60AMP

It?s starting to make sense, I bounced my landing well enough to wiggle the connector back into place and thus is started to show the correct voltage again.

I will pick up a connection, I did check the belt tension when I replaced the battery as I had the bottom cowl off to fix a cowl flap.

Looks like I am on the right path...
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Last edited by Maverick972 : 10-22-2018 at 07:20 AM. Reason: Title should say Plane Power 60AMP
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  #4  
Old 10-22-2018, 07:48 AM
vic syracuse vic syracuse is offline
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Those are also internally regulated and typically this is the way the regulators fail.

My B&C LR3-B regulator failed in this same way this past week. After I verified it was the regulator and replaced it with an LR3-C I decided to open up the old regulator and see what the problem was.

Watch for a story in KitPlanes on the outcome.

Vic
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  #5  
Old 10-22-2018, 04:47 PM
Maverick972 Maverick972 is offline
 
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Location: Plano, TX
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I am really in the rabbit hole now regarding alternators. Based on a bunch of reading these threads I am tempted to just say the **** with it and convert to a B&C alt with external voltage regulator if the plug I ordered does not cure the problem.

Is the conversion an arduous task? Maybe Walt can chime in as I am close and he may get tasked to just ?fix the **** thing?... I want to fly.
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  #6  
Old 10-23-2018, 04:33 AM
74-07 74-07 is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 474
Default Low voltage

Yep, exact same problem I had with my PP alternator. It was intermittent and, as a result, very difficult to diagnose. After checking everything multiple times, I finally narrowed it down to the alternator and ordered another. Put it on and no more problems since.
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  #7  
Old 10-23-2018, 04:45 AM
Tom Martin Tom Martin is offline
 
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Take your alternator to a local automotive electrical repair shop. They specialize in alternators, starters etc. The repair cost will be minimal compared to a new "aviation" alternator that is just made with car parts.
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  #8  
Old 10-23-2018, 05:09 AM
vic syracuse vic syracuse is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maverick972 View Post
I am really in the rabbit hole now regarding alternators. Based on a bunch of reading these threads I am tempted to just say the **** with it and convert to a B&C alt with external voltage regulator if the plug I ordered does not cure the problem.

Is the conversion an arduous task? Maybe Walt can chime in as I am close and he may get tasked to just ?fix the **** thing?... I want to fly.
I have done this conversion to many of my customers' airplanes. It has been my experience that the B&C alternators are more reliable. They get the voltage regulator out of the hot alternator environment and move it to the cooler side of the firewall, and the alternators themselves are balanced. It's all I use on my personal airplanes.

I don't wish to start a war on which alternator is better. An opinion was requested and I wanted to chime in on experience and practice.

Vic
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Vic Syracuse

Built RV-4, RV-6, 2-RV-10's, RV-7A, RV-8, Prescott Pusher, Kitfox Model II, Kitfox Speedster, Kitfox 7 Super Sport, Just Superstol, DAR, A&P/IA, EAA Tech Counselor/Flight Advisor, CFII-ASMEL/ASES
Kitplanes "Unairworthy" monthly feature
EAA Sport Aviation "Checkpoints" column
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Author "Pre-Buy Guide for Amateur-Built Aircraft"
www.Baselegaviation.com
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  #9  
Old 10-23-2018, 05:51 AM
74-07 74-07 is offline
 
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I actually completely agree with Vic. The fact is, I only replaced my PP alternator with another because I am just wrapping up a two year A&P program and I don't hardly have time to fly much less time to change to a different alternator. Next time, and there will be a next time, I will change to B&C for sure. One more thing, the very best alternator shop around looked at my old one (wanted it for a spare) and, after trying multiple sources, they said that the voltage regulator assemble for the PP alternator was not available outside of PP and they will not sell them. Don't want to start a debate, just wanted to relay what I was told.
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  #10  
Old 10-23-2018, 06:08 AM
BillL BillL is offline
 
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Location: Central IL
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maverick972 View Post
I am really in the rabbit hole now regarding alternators. Based on a bunch of reading these threads I am tempted to just say the **** with it and convert to a B&C alt with external voltage regulator if the plug I ordered does not cure the problem.

Is the conversion an arduous task? Maybe Walt can chime in as I am close and he may get tasked to just ?fix the **** thing?... I want to fly.
Yep, if the plug is not the issue, and taking the alternator to Autozone, or the like, shows it is indeed bad, then a B&C would be my solution as well.

Call B&C before you just order, sometimes they have sales that offset the additional cost of the external regulator. Still, a good value at full list, and with an excellent resource (Walt) nearby, you could not go wrong!
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RV-7
Lord Kelvin:
“I often say that when you can measure what you are speaking about,
and express it in numbers, you know something about it; but when you
cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge
is of a meager and unsatisfactory kind.”
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