hevansrv7a
Well Known Member
As you may recall from my previous post, My 3rd automotive alternator failed after only 2 hours, the first two lasting a combined 200 hours. I decided to put in a Plane Power 60 amp "experimental" replacement. This is a builder's report on how it went. Perhaps you are thinking of doing the same swap.
The Good:
The Not As Good:
The Merely Interesting:
I noticed in the instructions that the last step is to first start the engine and then to energize the alternator. Since so many folks have said this is a bad idea, I called Plane Power. They said that their electronics will handle it either way and in fact, starting the engine first ensures that the cooling fans are running before energy begins to warm to alternator.
The Good:
- The kit arrived from Van's as promised and the parts looked all first class to me. All the nuts, bolts, washers and brackets are in the kit along with the pre-wired plug and the belt.
- Van's price is about $65 less than "list". Van's helped me out with same-day fill/ship for overnight delivery.
- The bracket fits my Superior 360 as it should. Boss mount.
- The included belt was the right length.
- The alternator is smaller than the one it replaced and the belt is shorter so clearance inside the cowl was not an issue.
- The wiring was very easy since I only had to connect one wire from the plug to my existing wire for field voltage. Well, the output side, too.
- The diagram-instruction sheet was well done and easy to follow.
- The cover over the electronics at the back of the alternator is metal, not plastic as in the ones I had before. I think it will do a better job of shielding from heat. A blast tube is recommended.
The Not As Good:
- Since the belt is shorter, I had to remove the spinnner, crushplate, bulkheads, prop, extension and ring gear support. This is no big deal but it is time consuming.
- The brace that goes from the main mounting bolt - the one that goes through the bracket - to the inboard side of the starter is just wrong for my aircraft. I have a B&C starter. I don't know if that made a difference, but the length was not even close to being correct. I don't know why this brace is needed and for now, it is not attached at the starter end.
The Merely Interesting:
I noticed in the instructions that the last step is to first start the engine and then to energize the alternator. Since so many folks have said this is a bad idea, I called Plane Power. They said that their electronics will handle it either way and in fact, starting the engine first ensures that the cooling fans are running before energy begins to warm to alternator.