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M20J Plane Power Alternator and Voltage Regulator........

MReitz

By MReitz
in General Mooney Talk

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MReitz Apprentice

MReitz

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I have a 1980 M20J that had a Plane Power Alternator installed in it before I purchased the aircraft. It still has the same voltage regulator and my mechanics are having hell getting the voltage to stay between 13.0 and 14.5. I am getting very erratic swings on my ammeter (from -30 to +30) and it seems to be making my autopilot porpoise pretty bad. I had the Century 41 AP rebuilt and that did not resolve the issue. I am convinced that it is an issue between the voltage regulator and the alternator, so I purchased the Plane Power voltage regulator that is supposedly compatible. Apparently the M20J model is not listed on the approved airplanes for this regulator, so the plane will be grounded pending an FAA Field Approval. This is a crock of crap because the M20F IS a listed approved plane and that is pretty much the same aircraft, correct?? Has anyone had these issues or tried installing this voltage regulator on the J model? I would appreciate any feedback I can get from you pro's.

 

Thanks,

 

Michael Reitz

1980 M20J

N3891H

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MReitz Apprentice

MReitz

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Hopefully Don is right about this, but I have had 3 different mechanics look at the wiring and all say that it is good. I guess the next route is to actually test it in flight, because the ammeter rarely swings on the ground. Still think I will go with the Zef unit in hopes that i can maintain a voltage around 13.7 or so. Hopefully it will fix my porpoising issue, but Don did not seem to optimistic about that, and he is a mooney god...

 

http://www.donmaxwell.com/publications/MAPA_TEXT/Fluctuating%20Ammeters/Fluctuating%20Ammeters.htm

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M016576 Grand Master

M016576

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Your J is beautiful! Hope the problem is resolved quickly.

Other possible issues: loose grounding wire, switch or circuit breaker going bad (master or avionics master), wire grounding out on another system causing erratic voltage (landing light, radio, etc). I'd start at the grounding bars, circuit breakers and switches under the panel with a can of contact cleaner and a file looking for corrosion and go from there. The voltage regulator is another option... But it sounds more like a loose ground or bad connection, since the ammeter is swinging negative as well as positive... Did this issue just appear? If so the corrosion factor could certainly be at play (vice the VR which would probably show right after the install on the alternator if it wasn't compatible).

Those autopilots are very sensitive to voltage swings- you're on the right track imo.

Disclaimer- I'm not an A&P. Just seen a few electrical issues in cars, boats and planes.

Edit- just read that maxwell link- apparently he agrees- commonly the issue is corrosion on the switch terminals. Please let us know what you find out.

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MReitz Apprentice

MReitz

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I am still having trouble finding the correct voltage regulator (or at least one that specifically lists the M20J) The zef VR says that the compatible aircraft are the MOONEY: M20, M20A, M20B, M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, M20G  (i didn't even know there was an M20D). I have had 4 A&P's check all wiring, grounds, master switches, breakers, etc and none have been able to get a handle on it yet because it rarely does it on the ground. I am having the master switch replaced now as possibly it could be inside the switch. hopefully that works, but we shall see.

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OR75 Veteran

OR75

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There are two possibilities from Zeftronics

 

the R15300 and the R1530B. Both are PMA'ed parts.

 

the difference is the type of plug: one is plastic and other is steel

 

check the type of plug you have currently and choose accordingly

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mooniac15u Veteran

mooniac15u

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There are two possibilities from Zeftronics

the R15300 and the R1530B. Both are PMA'ed parts.

the difference is the type of plug: one is plastic and other is steel

check the type of plug you have currently and choose accordingly

The R1530B doesn't appear to specifically list the J.

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OR75 Veteran

OR75

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it is FAA PMA and replaces the following parts:

Mooney P/N: 880016-501

OECO 20082, 200655, etc ...

 

on the early Js, MAC installed both the 880016-501 , 880016-503,  and others brands ... OECOs, etc .... (the voltage regulator is one of the most difficult part to find in the Mooney. Eventually I found it above the co-pilot feet 

I don't know which one has a plastic plug and which one has a steel plug

  

I think -503 has the plastic plug and the -501 has the steel one

 

check what you have, use a PMA'ed replacement and logbook entry required for the R&R  

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joepilot Enthusiast

joepilot

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I have a '94 J & just went through elec issues. I replaced the alt (easy) with a Plane Power but did not totally fix the issue.

Volt Reg was bad. I spoke with tech reps at both Zeph & Plane Power regarding their VR's. NEITHER has an STC for the newer J Mooneys! (I hate the FAA). My contacts said a field approval prob wouldn't happen. Had to get a new "Mooney" VR (I think made my Zeph?). Mooney price was, I forgot, $1600? And a 3 week back order. Luckily my shop had a new one on the shelf for somewhat cheaper. But not for the $350 price a VR should be! (I hate the FAA)

-Joe

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