Alternator seized

[Lrn2Fly]

Anyone ever have experience with the alternator bearings seizing up?

 

I have a '66E with the alternator conversion, and lately the belt squeals for a few seconds after starting a hot engine - never on the first flight of the day.  On my latest flight, it went to the next level and actually smoked the belt, enough to leave little bits of rubber, smoke in the cockpit, and a couple of rattled back seat guests.  I was able to shutdown quickly and save the belt, which clearly needs to be replaced, and I'll be pulling the alternator for a trip to the clinic.

 

Sam - '66E "Matilda"

[Andy95W]

I've seen it but it hasn't happened to me personally. I'd say it falls into the "uncommon" category, but of course very repairable.

Good luck, hope it turns out to be a simple overhaul and reinstall.

[jamesm]

Just curious  which alternator conversion do you have interav, Plane Power, or ???

[Lrn2Fly]

James:

It's the InterAv conversion, and now with the Plane Power regulator, after the regulator failed about a year ago.

S

[philipneeper]

Who do you use for your alternator service? I have had good service with John from Aerotech Louisville. 

[orionflt]

the interav alternator is repairable but i recommend just replacing it with a plane power, you will be very happy with it and it won't cost you that much more then using a FAA repair shop.

 

Brian

[rbridges]

I had it happen to an AC compressor in a car.  Sounded awful and made tons of smoke like you described.  I had to cut the belt with a knife.

[Andy95W]

the interav alternator is repairable but i recommend just replacing it with a plane power, you will be very happy with it and it won't cost you that much more then using a FAA repair shop.

Brian

To do this, you have to buy the whole kit from Plane Power including the STC. Unfortunately, you don't get "credit" for already having the voltage regulator. Something like $720.

Seems like a waste when overhauling the Interav alternator is only a few hundred.

BTW, I love dealing with Plane Power, and if my plane still had an old generator, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Plane Power setup.

[Andy95W]

Who do you use for your alternator service? I have had good service with John from Aerotech Louisville.

+1

[orionflt]

To do this, you have to buy the whole kit from Plane Power including the STC. Unfortunately, you don't get "credit" for already having the voltage regulator. Something like $720.

Seems like a waste when overhauling the Interav alternator is only a few hundred.

BTW, I love dealing with Plane Power, and if my plane still had an old generator, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Plane Power setup.

Double check with them, I bought just the alternator before they had a stc, it was a direct replacement for the interav. since you already swapped out interav's regulator they may be willing to work with you. the replacement alternator part number is AL-12-50, I would think they would still sell it as a replacement for those who have bought the kit and need to replace the alternator for some reason. BTC and these are approved replacement parts so you should not need to get a new STC

 

Brian 

[orionflt]

found one on the QAA site, $490. comes with new mounting hardware.

 

http://www.qaa.com/products/aircraft-alternators/plane-power-alternators/new-12-volt-70-amp-alternator-kit

 

brian

[Andy95W]

Double check with them, I bought just the alternator before they had a stc, it was a direct replacement for the interav. since you already swapped out interav's regulator they may be willing to work with you. the replacement alternator part number is AL-12-50, I would think they would still sell it as a replacement for those who have bought the kit and need to replace the alternator for some reason. BTC and these are approved replacement parts so you should not need to get a new STC

 

Brian

Good to know, thanks. I was going off what they told me at Oshkosh. Nice if there is a work-around to fix it without the added expense.