Tommy Posted February 26, 2015 Report Posted February 26, 2015 Ok my charging system has gone off again. No power furnishing to my voltage regulator. There is 12v coming off the alt field CB. Last time, it was a bad connector right at the CB end of the wire which was replaced but because it was a short wire, we had to pulled it a bit). But now it has returned with a vengeance! The wire is broken again (from alt fld CB to alt switch) and unfortunately this time it was not at the newly replaced connector! The wire goes deep to the back of the CB and will be a major pain to trace it back. My A&P suggested that we simply take a new wire and connected from alt field CB to the alt switch (i.e. bypass the bad wire). I am just wondering is that a good idea? Is it really a straight connection between alt field CB to alt switch (ie. no relays, grounds, etc etc in between)? Thanks guys!
robert7467 Posted February 26, 2015 Report Posted February 26, 2015 There should be nothing in between. Why type of ALT do you have? They also have switches that are also CB which is what I am using for my avionics master.
carusoam Posted February 26, 2015 Report Posted February 26, 2015 Tommy, Are you asking...? 1) Is it better to run new wires and connectors for such an important system? -or- 2) Is it OK to abandon an old wire in place? and... 3) Your POH has the wiring diagram to show what is in the circuit. i'm thinking, new wires and connectors are a good idea. there is probably an appropriate way to abandon old wires if needed (disconnect both (all) ends). How is everything else working out lately? Best regards, -a-
Tommy Posted February 26, 2015 Author Report Posted February 26, 2015 I am wondering if the wire goes directly from alt field CB to alternator switch (apart from carrying over from one canon plug to another)? I am just being referred to the electrical schemetics manual and am studying it now. (My eyes are hurting from all the squinting)
carusoam Posted February 26, 2015 Report Posted February 26, 2015 the Maintenace Manual, if available, is the best source with the best readability... -a-
robert7467 Posted February 26, 2015 Report Posted February 26, 2015 What type of alternator do you have? Interav, Plane Power? You should only be focusing on 3 or 4 wires for your charging system. Its really simple!
Tommy Posted February 26, 2015 Author Report Posted February 26, 2015 Looking at the eletrical schematics, it seems to go pretty much straight from alt switch to the alt field CB crossing over two canon plugs. If that's the case then I should be able to replace the old one with a new wire. Fingers crossed!
DonMuncy Posted February 26, 2015 Report Posted February 26, 2015 For easier tracing on wiring diagram, take your digital version to a high class copying shop and have them enlarge the diagram to about 3 by 5 feet and copy it. Works pretty well when unrolled on the dining table. 1
orionflt Posted February 26, 2015 Report Posted February 26, 2015 I just finished rewiring my plane last yr, the wire you are talking about is run in the bundle from the circuit breaker panel along the support brace that the instrument panel is connected to. there are no other connections on that run so you can replace it completely, you may also be able to pull out the old wire from the switch side by following it to the bundle and pulling from where it enters the bundle on the plots side. obviously ensure the connector has been removed before attempting to pull it out, I found it did not take much pressure to pull them free but if your bundle has been resecured you may not get it out. Brian
Alan Fox Posted February 26, 2015 Report Posted February 26, 2015 When I upgraded the panel in my B model , I ended up redoing all the wires.....Looked and worked great , but a lot of work , No sin in trimming back the loose ends and running a complete new wire that is tie wrapped to the outside of the bundle....
Tommy Posted February 27, 2015 Author Report Posted February 27, 2015 Thanks guys! I am happy to report back that yes it can be "easily" replaced in its entirety! Now my charging is good again! Pegged at 14.2v! Time to go flying again! Hooray! 1
Marauder Posted March 1, 2015 Report Posted March 1, 2015 You keep having these issues, my recommendation would be to drop the mechanic and look for an experienced exorcist.
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