podair Posted May 2, 2009 Report Posted May 2, 2009 Hi , my 1967 M20F has been working flawlessly apart from a tendency to fry regulators. I have the original 50amp generator. The previous owner replaced the VR mechanical regulator a couple of years ago, which I then had to have replaced last summer, only to pack up again and replace it by a Zeftronics regulator. This has worked flawlessly but finally packed up too yesterday before a long weekend trip... I am bit fed up having my flying curtailed by a $120 part (luckily I guess it is only 120). Funny enough the only failures I had with my previous aircraft were also regulator related! I am tempted to upgrade the whole thing to a Plane Power alternator kit. A bit more expensive than just fitting yet another $120 part, but at least I get more modern technology (I fly quite a lot of IFR) and perhaps 20amps more (the alternator puts out 70amps but limited to the existing installation, is it just a matter of changing the wiring and the circuit breaker?). Also tired of spending $100s in maintenance costs troubleshooting it for more than the part is worth. Maybe I should carry a spare regulator. On the other hand I m thinking there must be something wrong in the electrics if I damage brand new regulators every 6 months. Also, my Strikefinder is having trouble operating normally, indicating bad grounds or noise.
67M20F Posted May 2, 2009 Report Posted May 2, 2009 I know how you feel, I had a gen fail and then the new one did to replaced the regulator and the gen, worked since.
Recommended Posts