alpinelakespilot2000
Well Known Member
A couple months ago, in the midst of trying to figure out recurring failures on my Plane Power alternator, I started the alternator reliability poll which confirmed that I was not the only one having troubles. I thus began the process of switching to the 35A automotive version that Van's originally sold and provided support for. I liked the ready availability of the parts (both at home and on cross-countries) and at a cost that was far less than the PP alternative. It's pretty hard to beat the cost of a $23 alternator, even if I pre-emptively replaced it every annual! ) For the majority of VFR aircraft, this is certainly more than adequate in terms of power output. This installation has so far proved completely successful for me.
This post is not meant to convince anyone that the automotive version is right for them, but for those who do want to switch, below should be a complete listing of all parts that could possibly be needed to do the conversion. Thanks to those who went before me in the forums and to Van's for helping me identify the needed parts.
Hope this helps those who may follow.
Local Autoparts Store
35A alternator for 1976-79 Honda CVCC w/out air conditioning, [#14184]* $23.99
VR166-type voltage regulator suitable for 1975 Ford LTD, [#VR730] $21.99
Alternator Belt, Gates XL 7350 (size required may vary depending on your engine/ring gear)**$8.81
B&C Specialty
FastOn 0.1875" red connectors for voltage regulator [#RFO18-10] $3.00
FastOn 0.1875" blue connectors for voltage regulator [#BFO 18-10] $3.00
Overvoltage protection module with drawing, 14V [#OVM-14] $40.00
Vans***
Boss Mount alternator bracket [#VA-151-2] $38.00
Connector plug for 35A alternator [#ES 50-01205] $5.40
Alternator tensioner arm [#VA-152-1] $12.00
Alternator Installation Instructions [#DOC-ALTERNATOR 35/60] $3.00
5/16-18x1" bolts (qty. 5) [#BOLT HEX 5/16-18x1] $0.90
5/16-18x1" drilled head bolts (qty. 2) [#BOLT HEX 5/16-18x1 DH] $2.70
8.8 M5 metric drilled head bolt (qty. 1) [#BOLT METRIC 8.8 M5 DH] $1.96
Altenator mount lockplates (qty. 2) [#HW LOCKPLATE ALTERNTR] $3.30
5/16-24 metal lock nuts (qty. 2) [#MS21045-5} $0.80
5/16 lockwashers (qty. 1) [#WASHER LOCK 5/16] $0.07
AN960-516 washers (qty. 6) $0.30
AN960-516L washers (qty. 4) $0.32
AN5-11A bolt (qty. 1) $0.49
AN5-13A bolt (qty. 2) $1.02
AN5-17A bolt (qty. 1) $0.89
MISC
1/8" steel from local hardware store to fabricate alternator bracket to starter support if needed $1.00
TOTAL $172.94
Notes:
*Alternator #14129 is apparently functionally equivalent to the #14184 except that its fan vanes are pointed to push air a different direction. If using the alternator without the fan, which is how Van's supplied #14184, then #14129 may be used if more readily available--Fan easily removed with impact wrench. The store can usually do it for you.
**Various versions of Van's alternator installation instructions call out Gate 7350, 7355, or 7360 belts--again, the size is dependent on your installation and whether you install the alternator with or without the fan. The easiest thing to do is buy all three from the auto parts store and just return what you don't use.
***Not all parts listed from Vans are necessarily required for your installation but are what used to come in the hardware bag Van's supplied for the 35 and 60 amp ND alternators it sold.
Vans wiring diagram for their 35A and 60A alternators can be found in the FWF drawing #OP-10.
This post is not meant to convince anyone that the automotive version is right for them, but for those who do want to switch, below should be a complete listing of all parts that could possibly be needed to do the conversion. Thanks to those who went before me in the forums and to Van's for helping me identify the needed parts.
Hope this helps those who may follow.
Local Autoparts Store
35A alternator for 1976-79 Honda CVCC w/out air conditioning, [#14184]* $23.99
VR166-type voltage regulator suitable for 1975 Ford LTD, [#VR730] $21.99
Alternator Belt, Gates XL 7350 (size required may vary depending on your engine/ring gear)**$8.81
B&C Specialty
FastOn 0.1875" red connectors for voltage regulator [#RFO18-10] $3.00
FastOn 0.1875" blue connectors for voltage regulator [#BFO 18-10] $3.00
Overvoltage protection module with drawing, 14V [#OVM-14] $40.00
Vans***
Boss Mount alternator bracket [#VA-151-2] $38.00
Connector plug for 35A alternator [#ES 50-01205] $5.40
Alternator tensioner arm [#VA-152-1] $12.00
Alternator Installation Instructions [#DOC-ALTERNATOR 35/60] $3.00
5/16-18x1" bolts (qty. 5) [#BOLT HEX 5/16-18x1] $0.90
5/16-18x1" drilled head bolts (qty. 2) [#BOLT HEX 5/16-18x1 DH] $2.70
8.8 M5 metric drilled head bolt (qty. 1) [#BOLT METRIC 8.8 M5 DH] $1.96
Altenator mount lockplates (qty. 2) [#HW LOCKPLATE ALTERNTR] $3.30
5/16-24 metal lock nuts (qty. 2) [#MS21045-5} $0.80
5/16 lockwashers (qty. 1) [#WASHER LOCK 5/16] $0.07
AN960-516 washers (qty. 6) $0.30
AN960-516L washers (qty. 4) $0.32
AN5-11A bolt (qty. 1) $0.49
AN5-13A bolt (qty. 2) $1.02
AN5-17A bolt (qty. 1) $0.89
MISC
1/8" steel from local hardware store to fabricate alternator bracket to starter support if needed $1.00
TOTAL $172.94
Notes:
*Alternator #14129 is apparently functionally equivalent to the #14184 except that its fan vanes are pointed to push air a different direction. If using the alternator without the fan, which is how Van's supplied #14184, then #14129 may be used if more readily available--Fan easily removed with impact wrench. The store can usually do it for you.
**Various versions of Van's alternator installation instructions call out Gate 7350, 7355, or 7360 belts--again, the size is dependent on your installation and whether you install the alternator with or without the fan. The easiest thing to do is buy all three from the auto parts store and just return what you don't use.
***Not all parts listed from Vans are necessarily required for your installation but are what used to come in the hardware bag Van's supplied for the 35 and 60 amp ND alternators it sold.
Vans wiring diagram for their 35A and 60A alternators can be found in the FWF drawing #OP-10.
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