My Van's 60 amp alternator has just bitten the dust after 182 hours. It's been installed in an RV-7A with ECI O-360 and a fixed pitch prop. The -7A with this engine/prop combo is known to be a bit tail heavy, especially after being painted, which mine is not at this point.
I know extra weight reduces performance, but those planes with the extra weight of a constant speed prop balance out a little better.
So, in my case, it seems like installing a heavier alternator, hopefully more durable than the Nippon Denso 60 amp rebuilds, would help alleviate 2 problems, more durable alternator (perhaps higher capacity than 60 amp) and more weight about as far forward as you can get.
Has anybody considered this train of thought and tried it out? Comments? Opinions?
Thanks for your help,
Mike
I know extra weight reduces performance, but those planes with the extra weight of a constant speed prop balance out a little better.
So, in my case, it seems like installing a heavier alternator, hopefully more durable than the Nippon Denso 60 amp rebuilds, would help alleviate 2 problems, more durable alternator (perhaps higher capacity than 60 amp) and more weight about as far forward as you can get.
Has anybody considered this train of thought and tried it out? Comments? Opinions?
Thanks for your help,
Mike
Last edited: