Doug Rohrer
Well Known Member
I wanted to repaint the stock Van's steam gauge panel in my -9A, which had been spray-canned by the builder. I removed an unbelievable amount of screws and got the panel out for powder coating. The instruments, switches and gauges were supported by tape and zip ties while the panel was out of the plane. After reinstallation of the panel, I discovered the ammeter swings to full discharge (>40 amps) when the master switch is turned on. Even with all electrical loads turned off, the amp gauge pegs. Everything seems to work normally (avionics, lights, flaps, etc.), and there is no smoke or sparks. You can hear the master relay snap closed when the switch is turned on. The engine starts and runs normally. No change in ammeter reading with the engine running and alternator on line.
I did swap out the master switch (Cessna) for a new one of the same type (old one was faded). I was careful to reconnect the wires to the terminals just like the old one, but I could have possibly swapped a wire. I don't see how the system would keep working if I swapped wires. Battery is a PC680 in good shape and fully charged.
I don't see how I can have this large of a load and not have breakers tripping or smoke/sparks coming out from under the panel.
Anybody have any suggestions what to check next?
Thanks.
I did swap out the master switch (Cessna) for a new one of the same type (old one was faded). I was careful to reconnect the wires to the terminals just like the old one, but I could have possibly swapped a wire. I don't see how the system would keep working if I swapped wires. Battery is a PC680 in good shape and fully charged.
I don't see how I can have this large of a load and not have breakers tripping or smoke/sparks coming out from under the panel.
Anybody have any suggestions what to check next?
Thanks.