We have NO source for reliability data in this market. We are at the mercy of using the community posted experiences to infer that data. Far from reliable. However, the number of reports of failed PP alternators on this site is staggering. On the flipside, we almost never see similar reports on B&C's. Sure, a whole bunch more PP's sold than B&C, but again, all we have.
Understand your need for evidence, but it doesn't exist. If you want to continue buying PP because there is no data to prove anything, that is your perogitive. For the rest of us, we take the data we have and formulate decisions. I hasve seen posts from folks that have gone through 3 PP's in 500 hours. I just don't understand how folks can read that and then buy one for $1600, whenh they can buy a B&C for $600, with no similar feedback.
I do wish we had real data to make decisions
With what I do know, am I going purchase a $1600 alternator or even a $600 one? N.F.W.; cost > value. I'll go buy an N.D. clone for $150, add the over-voltage protection to the field circuit, and cooling to the electronics, and run it out to engine TBO, and use the $1450 I "saved" on 100LL.
This argument is moot now (due to the $1600 price tag), but I'll throw it out for consideration anyway and then we can discuss ad nauseam over beer (hint: I'll "buy" the first round at OSH) -- but I'll tip my hand a bit, I believe the answer was in the numbers to wit:
1. How many P-P alternators are installed, and what percentage are installed correctly?
2. How many B&C's are installed, and what percentage are installed correctly?
Totally subjective, but in my experience, I've never seen a P-P installation that was correct (per the installation instructions or AC43-13B) -- every one has been missing something subtle, or more egregious.
The "3 in 500 hour" example, while the operator will NEVER admit to it, is an example of the egregious. The same can be said for the operator with the shorted starter wire, and other wire chafing issues, or the operator with the home brew heat shield with loose screws -- ignore AC43-13B to your own detriment or peril and then blame it on the alternator...seems legit...
It's like going to a crime scene after the forensic cleaning crew has finished their work then determining the COD as "Acute Sodium Hypochlorite Ingestion."
The aforementioned non-compliant installations and operation causes the P-P to fail at a higher rate than the B&C. P-P are apples and B&C are plums -- you can't make an apple pie with plums and you can't make plum jam with apples.
Main mod is a 4" pulley.
