Voltage Regulator II

[Lood]

I've been rather annoyed by the voltage regulator in my F during the last couple of flights. It decided, all by itself, that it would be a good idea to charge the battery at up to 15 volts. So, I took some time and adjusted it. I counted myself lucky to have sorted it out after only two adjustment and test flight sessions. It was stabilized at 13.9 volts.

On Monday, I embarked on a two hour flight to another farm and noticed the voltage hanging around at low 12.1 volts. This morning,  on the return flight, the voltage started increasing all by itself and when it reached 14.9 volts, I switched on both the nav- and landing lights. This kept the voltage readout on the JPI at 13.9 volts, but as soon as I swithced anything off, the voltage would jump to as high as 15.1 volts. So, flew the last odd half an hour with all lights on.

My Mooney still sports the old, original regulator and I think the time for it's replacement has come. What are the options and should I consider doing a complete generator to alternator conversion or should I only replace the regulator? Any advice would be appreciated.

[danb35]

An alternator conversion could get you increased capacity (if you upgraded the wiring and circuit breaker appropriately), and would get you increased output at lower RPMs, like at idle.  It can also save you considerable weight.  The Plane-Power conversion gets good reviews for around $700, IIRC.

If you want to keep the generator and just replace the regulator, the Zeftronics regulators enjoy a good reputation.

[scottfromiowa]

I went the Zeftronics route.  Has worked fine and minimal cost .1AMU and easy install/swap.

My Generator is working fine.  I have a core should I need to do a swap...hopefully WAY down the road.

[carusoam]

Lood,

Zeftronics is quick, easy and low cost.  Now all digital.  Even comes with a monitor you can run an LED to the instrument panel for early warning of charging issues.

There are other threads that indicate the advantages of the alternator over the generator.

Happy decision making,

-a-

[DaV8or]

I have been recently contemplating these very same issues. To me, the power supply to my radios and battery are very important, so I had made the decision to do the Plane Power alternator conversion if it were to turn up that either my generator or my regulator were bad. In my case, it may have just been a bit of bad wiring, we shall see in time. If problems persist, I will do the conversion.

Lighter weight, modern technology, greater capacity, greater reliability and cooler operation were all good selling points for me. In your case with the problem being isolated to the regulator I would suggest that the decision could come down to economics and log books. 1) Do you have, or are you willing to spend the money on a conversion right now? 2) How old is your generator? When was it last rebuilt or replaced? If the generator is old, I say pitch the whole lot. If it's pretty new and you don't really want to spend the money now, go for the Zephtronics. However, just ask yourself, what brand new car, truck, boat or airplane is sold with a generator in it today? There is a reason for alternators.

[scottfromiowa]

IMO I would spend the .7AMU on an HID landing light over an alternator...

[Piloto]

Even with the best regulator there is a limit on how much power you can get from a generator. I would go with a new alternator/regulator upgrade. The alternator will keep your battery charged even while taxing at night.

José

 

[scottfromiowa]

Or you could get an HID light that has a minimal power draw and provides major lighting on a taxiway and night landing...My generator powers anything and all on my panel...why do I need additional power?  For what?

[DaV8or]

So, follow up to my earlier post. I went for a little ride tonight...  errr....  Not fixed!! Tomorrow I will call Top Gun, get their input and likely order the Plane Power kit. C'est la vie!

 

 

 

P.S.- I was super happy to go flying tonight after work, caught a beautiful sunset, plane performed excellent as usual (san charging system) calm air, squeek landing and life is good!! I am still a glow with plane ownership.

[Lood]

Thanks to all for the replies. I am neither IF nor night rated, so those are not an issue. I am a big sucker for saving weight and cooler temps, so I'll have everything converted to an alternator system. I've seen the Planepower ad and will probably go that way. It seems I'll have to do the adjustment exercise once again though. I installed a new battery last years and don't want it to be cooked.

[DaV8or]

Tomorrow I put my money (I already spent some of it!) where my mouth is. I'm going to Top Gun and installing my shiney new Plane Power alternator conversion kit! While I'm there I hope to speak to them about my panel upgrade (I sent them my photoshops weeks ago) and get my new locks installed. BTW, it is possible to key your door, baggage and ignition to be the same key. $24 at the locksmith and it's done. I'll also show them my new Alpha seatbelts, but I think I'll have them do them when I have it in for the panel. We'll see about Top Gun. I'd like to use them for this project because they really know Mooneys and they are kinda close to me, but I'm not impressed so far with how long it has taken to get back to me.

[DaV8or]

So, here's how it turned out. Went well enough, but in the rush to get it done, the guys at Top Gun failed to install a required wire. On the way home, the new "Alternator Inop" light came on and then when I switched on all the lights for collision avoidance in pretty hazy conditions, the circuit breaker popped. Landed on battery power. Today I went to the hanger and discovered the wire that was supposed to be there that isn't. So, I'm still working this problem. To be continued... 

Still, I had fun playing aircraft mechanic for the day when I removed and reinstalled the complete cowling to save money on labor. Here are some photos-

 

[takair]

Dave

Did you get it fixed yet?  Any problem with alternator noise on the radios, specifically under heavy load?

[DaV8or]

Quote: takair

Dave

Did you get it fixed yet?  Any problem with alternator noise on the radios, specifically under heavy load?

[scottfromiowa]

Dave,

I had everyone of the things you describe happen to me.  I didn't go the alternator route, but replaced generator, belt (two separate incidents) voltage regulator, landing light with HID (my light kept popping breaker at bad times...like landing at night)and installed an EI voltage/amp indicator(lets me know the exact draw and if I am discharging).  No issues for a couple of years with electrical...just giving you hope that you WILL get it sorted out.  "New" old birds take time AMU's and patience as you know.  When you get everthing sorted out and she is flying the way YOU WANT/EXPECT it is a beatiful and satisfying thing.  Hang in there,

Scott

[podair]

in two years I went through three voltage regulators with my old generator setup on a 1967 M20F. I used two mechanical ones, then the Zeftronics which looked like it worked perfectly until my generator gave up the ghost. I then had a PlanePower alternator installed with its solid state reg, and that has been working flawlessly at all rpm regimes. I frankly think I should have done that straight away. A lot of regulator issues tend to mask bigger electrical glitches apparently. 

Forget the generators. Get the Plane Power alternator, well worth it imho.

 

 

[scottfromiowa]

I disagree IMO...

[takair]

I had good luck with the Zeftronics regulator.  Really makes a difference over the old Delco unit.  If you keep up with the brushes on the generator it works well.  I went to the alternator after the last set of brushes and I would have needed the commutator turned. Had some alternator whine problems since then.  The audio circuit is very sensitive to ground loops and the alternator is much noisier than the generator.  I ended up cleaning up the entire audio system as a result, added filters and there is still some residual whine with heavy load.  That being the reason for my earlier post.  Wondering if others experience some noise in the audio after the swap?   

[1964-M20E]

Dave

Did you have to replce the belt with the plane power conversion?

I'm looking at the conversion on my 64 E model now.  My gen gave it up last week MLU to NEW and I have the Zeftronics regulator.

 

 

[DaV8or]

Quote: 1964-M20E

Dave

Did you have to replce the belt with the plane power conversion?

I'm looking at the conversion on my 64 E model now.  My gen gave it up last week MLU to NEW and I have the Zeftronics regulator.

 

 

[1964-M20E]

Thanks

 That was one thing I was concerned with.  However, after reading in the maintenance manual how to remove and reinstall the prop does not seem like that big of a deal but if it is not broke don't fix it.

 

[takair]

My belt was in good condition too, so I left it on too.  Opening up the baffle was the only unexpected part.  The alternator is larger diameter.  I tried cheating and doing it while still in the plane only to remove it later to do it right.  Will also need new felt or silicone baffle material to seal around the alternator. 

[DaV8or]

Quote: 1964-M20E

Thanks

 That was one thing I was concerned with.  However, after reading in the maintenance manual how to remove and reinstall the prop does not seem like that big of a deal but if it is not broke don't fix it.

 

[carusoam]

It takes a long time because the nuts are captured and they all need to be loosened / tightened simultaneously or what looks like 1/4 - 1/2 turn at a time.  Watching your A&P diligently mount or dismount a prop will drive you and him crazy at the same time...

-a-

[1964-M20E]

Thanks

I’ll find out if the existing belt will work my new Plane Power alternator kit should arrive tomorrow.   I worked it out with my mechanic so that I can install.