Jump to content

Charging Problems

1963M20C
 Share

Recommended Posts

1963M20C Rookie

1963M20C

Posted
Posted

Alternator fell off line while out flying. Landed on battery power. Mechanic said it was a bad voltage regulator. I had the interav regulator and alternator. He replaced the regulator with a plane power regulator and said it was fixed. Went out and did the run up and same problem. Alternator stopped charging and voltage dropped. As soon as I went back to idle the alternator started charging again. 

Any thoughts?

Andy95W Grand Master

Andy95W

Posted
Posted

Hard to say, but the sequence of events could actually be an over voltage problem.

The original Interav used an overvoltage relay that, once tripped, could only be reset by removing power (either by the switch or by pulling the circuit breaker).  The PlanePower voltage regulator has overvoltage “protection” instead of a relay that simply fails to off. 

Worn brushes, like David said above, could cause arcing that could spike the voltage.  You may simply be due for an alternator overhaul. 

Lots of people will likely try to talk you into a PlanePower alternator. I wouldn’t listen to them, for 3 reasons. First- the Interav is simple, solid and reliable. Second- if you keep the Interav you won’t need to do any baffling or bracket changes. Third- the STC to install the PP voltage regulator is different than the STC to install the alternator- so you will still have to purchase the entire kit without getting any credit for the regulator you just bought. 

  • Like 1
David Lloyd Mentor

David Lloyd

Posted
Posted

Andy has a point concerning the overvoltage relay. The ones from Interav sometimes tripped occasionally and had to be reset by turning off the master switch.  It may have been left behind by the mechanic. I think the PP regulator has built-in overvoltage protection.

  • Like 1
carusoam Grand Master

carusoam

Posted
Posted

Check the wires...

The control wire to the alternator is known to be problematic...  aka the field wire...

Loose or broken or oxidized could be a challenge...

PP thoughts only...

Best regards,

-a-

  • Like 1

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.