Beware of plane power alternator

[Guillaume]

Hello all,

This is a PIREP about the plane power alternator AL12-P70. I purchased and installed this unit (PMA'd for the M20J) 2.5 years ago and flew about 100 h behind it. The AL12-P70 comes with a 2 years warranty.

Two weeks ago, I started to hear a whining sound through the headset. I purchased a cheap oscilloscope and plugged it on the aircraft bus. The waveform shows that the alternator has one "open diode". Technically, it still works but only output 66% of it's rated power.

So far, I was still okay, after only 100 hours, it might be bad luck. So I started to look for shops to fix the alternator.

No aviation shop can repair this alternator in Europe.

I contacted plane power and they confirmed that their alternator is NOT field repairable.

They also won't offer repair, overhaul or core exchange service.

Since my alternator is only 6 months out of warranty, their only suggestion is to "buy a new unit" and throw my alternator.

Easy to say, eh ? A $500 alternator instead of $15 diode...

I wonder why they didn't suggested to buy a brand new Mooney. That would also fix the problem after all...

[jetdriven]

Plane Power AL12-P70 is based on the Suzuki Samurai Nippondenso alternator, but its externally regulated. I've had mine apart for the same reason, and the rectifier and diodes are purposely built for Plane Power and are not available.

 

Hartzell (it's really Kelly in Alabama) recently purchased Plane Power and along with that you get the famous customer dis-service, quality control (customers alpha-test their shoddy products), and inability of employees to use telephones, read, write, or spell.

 

However, I'm surprised they wouldnt repair the unit.  I got ahold of the REAL Plane Power in Dallas, and they exchanged mine with an apology. This after Hartzell told me to buy another one.

[ArtVandelay]

Thanks for the PIREP, like Champion spark plug thread, the only way a company seems to change is if gets where it hurts, the balance sheet.

[Guillaume]

Plane Power AL12-P70 is based on the Suzuki Samurai Nippondenso alternator, but its externally regulated. I've had mine apart for the same reason, and the rectifier and diodes are purposely built for Plane Power and are not available.

 

Hartzell (it's really Kelly in Alabama) recently purchased Plane Power and along with that you get the famous customer dis-service, quality control (customers alpha-test their shoddy products), and inability of employees to use telephones, read, write, or spell.

 

However, I'm surprised they wouldnt repair the unit.  I got ahold of the REAL Plane Power in Dallas, and they exchanged mine with an apology. This after Hartzell told me to buy another one.

Indeed, it's Hartzell who replied my e-mails...

I would appreciate if you could share your contact in Dallas. Don't hesitate to PM me.

In the meantime I will fix my prestolite alternator.

[larryb]

Is it possible to substitute a standard off the shelf diode?

[N201MKTurbo]

I've found in most cases the diode is not bad, it just vibrated loose. I would at least disassemble the alternator and see if it can be easily repaired without any new parts.

[Guest]

As much as I'd like to shed the weight, my old Prestolite ALY8420 has been bullet proof and I have a spare NOS one on the shelf that I purchased for $125. I think that I'll stick with the one who brought me to the dance.

The nice thing with a Prestolite is the brushes are easily replaced in the field.

Clarence

[carqwik]

Who is the "real Plane Power" in Dallas?  Please share....

[M20JFlyer]

Giullaume,

Saw your post on plane power

If the Mooney space team provide a solution or you need a person in Texas to provide a face to face meeting with a contact at plane power please PM ME

Plyons820@yahoo.com

I will be traveling to Scotland in June ( sorry- not in my J Mooney)and would gladly pak/carryover some parts or small items that can be put in carry-on luggage.

Plan on a two week trip perhaps we could meet up

[cujet]

I'm a fan of the old Prestolite alternators. However, you must be aware that even those use "aviation" spec parts. The brushes are high silver content brushes (for high altitude longevity) , and the diode pack is different. So, while they are repairable, they do not use conventional automotive parts.

 

Properly assembled, a Prestolite will provide good service. Improperly assembled, they can be a constant source of heartburn. I prefer the mom-n-pop overhaul shops that can do a good job on a Prestolite. 

[Guillaume]

Thank you all for your replies.

 

Quick follow up :

 

I tried to contact the "real plane-power" with the e-mail adress jetdriven gave me. But my e-mail got redirected to the same person at Hartzell...

 

He replied and suddenly got nicer (is it because I mentionned this topic on Mooneyspace ?).

Now they accept to take my unit under warranty. They will send me a new alternator for free. I don't even have to send back my faulty alternator to them. 

 

I will keep you advised when I receive the new unit.

[Awful_Charlie]

Sounds very promising Guillaume - look forward to hearing how it works out, fingers crossed for a good result

[Guillaume]

Quick follow up.

 

Today I received their new alternator... except Hartzell shipped an AL12-70 instead of an AL12-P70.

The mounting between the AL12-70 and  the AL12-P70 seems quite different.

 

It was almost perfect since they included the proper 8130 to install the alternator in a europe registered aircraft

 

I advised them and now I'm waiting for their reply....

[jkhirsch]

Incorrect post edited.