Failed generator fuse

[bbaggerman]

Finishing up the annual condition inspection I went out for a test run-up. Everything ran fine but I wasn't getting charge. Stator coils ohm'ed out OK so I figured it must be the regulator. Then I remembered that generator output goes through a 30 amp fuse on the panel. When I pulled the fuse this is what I found....



30 amps is a lot of current for these dinky auto fuses. It is clear that there was enough corrosion to make enough resistance to get hot. It doesn't take much resistance to generate substantial heat when you are running 15 or so amps through it.

It is worth pulling this 30 amp generator fuse out on occasion (every preflight?), taking a look, and sticking it back in. The mere act of pulling it out and putting it back in is probably enough to keep corrosion at bay.

 

[Mich48041]

Cut that blown fuse in half to make a tool for testing the grip strength of the fuse holder, one half at a time.
If the fuse holder female socket has a week grip, the result will be a bad connection and heat will be generated.
Heat will blow a fuse. Check as often as you like until confident the fuse holder is not losing its grip.

 

[rv12is]

It is worth pulling this 30 amp generator fuse out on occasion (every preflight?), taking a look, and sticking it back in. The mere act of pulling it out and putting it back in is probably enough to keep corrosion at bay.

I would recommend against pulling it too often. Most fuse holders have a limited number of insertion cycles. Frequent insertions will cause the fuse holder to loosen and not grip the fuse as tightly.

 

[BillL]

What is the rating of the alternator? Are you using an EarthX? Agree with the insertion and pull force. That connector is already "toasted"