Hi all, I have a M20C with an alternator conversion. I recently overhauled the engine and installed a JPI 900 with better voltage monitoring. Since then, I've noticed that I don't get charging from the alternator after starting the engine until I run up the engine past a certain point, usually somewhere in the 2000+ RPM range. Before this, I'm seeing battery voltages below 12V with a 6-7 A draw, but after I run up the engine and hit the threshold, I immediately get ~14V, with an initial +20A current that eventually settles (presumably as the battery recharges). Voltages remain constant regardless of load or engine speed for the rest of flight.
Talking with my mechanic, it sounds like it's probably a case of a bad voltage regular. I have an Inter Av unit that I believe was installed with the original generator to alternator conversion (prior to my ownership). It's the same unit as before the overhaul, and I used to see power coming from the alternator on the amp meter immediately after engine start, but the JPI is installed in the "Ammeter Configuration" which measures current at a different place than the old gauge, so I can't say for sure that this issue wasn't happening before. Either way, it seems like the voltage regulator is probably ripe for replacement.
I was looking at options, and it seems like the consensus choices are Power Plane or Zeftronics. I found this thread comparing options:
I'm a bit confused on the Zeftronic part numbers though - looking at models on Aircraft Spruce (https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/eppages/zeftronicsreg.php?clickkey=35105), it looks like the Mooney listed models have some kind of plastic barrel connectors which I'm guessing are the original wiring harness from the OEM part, which was replaced on my plane when the Inter Av was installed and the alternator conversion happened. My Inter Av just has 4 exposed wiring terminals (similar to the Zeftronics R15V0N). Which Zeftronic P/N would be appropriate to install? Do I need to get one of the Mooney ones (R15300 or R1530B), and then find/fabricate the plastic wiring harness? Or is there some other way to install it that I'm missing? It seems like others have installed these successfully on vintage Mooneys, does everyone else just still have the original harness?
Thanks!