Alternator conversion

[av8or99]

Is there a kit available to change over your generator to an alternator if so recommend brand and part #...1966 C thanks Andrew

[N201MKTurbo]

I think Plane Power is the hot ticket these days.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/eppages/planePowerSAL_07-01301.php

This is the one specified for an M20C

[Andy95W]

@FlyingDude just changed his generator for that alternator. (I recommended he keep the generator.)

Hopefully he will give a report?

[C.J.]

@av8or99 Just had the Plane Power SAL12-70 put in last week. Nice unit and it's 2 &1/2 pounds lighter.

[FlyingDude]

3 hours ago, Andy95W said:

@FlyingDude just changed his generator for that alternator. (I recommended he keep the generator.)

Hopefully he will give a report?

Yea, SAL-70 is the guy. 

Pros: it's worth it.  Good power even at idle RPM, so good for prolonged taxis. 

Cons: it's a very extensive job.  Both field and output wiring need to be re-routed.  Fishing for the field wire in the cross-firewall bundle on its way to the master switch (it's a double-pole switch) without removing avionics from the panel was not easy.  I reused that same wire between the Alt switch circuit breaker and regulator.  I had an unused switch next to the avionics switch on the bottom row of switches on the left side of the panel, so used that slot.  I recommend installing the alternator indicator lamp, which requires laying down another cross-firewall wire.  I didn't use the supplied lamp, because it doesn't match my panel, so I re-used the MS25041 that I had saved from the removal of the vacuum system as it's the same as those for gear up and down.  But, the regulator port can only sink 100mA, so I had to get an LED bulb from Aerolights.  I installed the 70A circuit breaker, because why not.  While I was at it, I re-did the busbar, because previous guys/their mechanics added jumper wires over the years instead of metal across different CBs on the bus bar, which my IA had confirmed that was not unairworthy, but I like a clean, single bar, i.e. one-single piece of metal.  I also replaced all of the old style Tyco CBs with new style Klixons.  As regards the installation, the generator is slim and deep, whereas alternator is fat and shallow, which requires re-doing the front baffle.  You get to see your injector/throttle body from both sides and I think it improves down air flow from the cylinders.  Alternator cooling slits make it hard to seal the baffle around the alternator itself.  Another thing is the belt.  There is only one part number on their STC, which refers to a Piper, and that belt would actually be too long for my installation (I dry-fit the system with a a rope to find the acceptable range of belt lengths while I moved the alternator all the way up and down on the adjustment bar).  I called Hartzell about it and they were pretty cool about it.  They said to follow AC43.13.  I managed to re-use the existing alternator belt but another guy with a C model here had to get a longer belt.  That means prop off&on... 

Good luck.  PS: if you can wait, wait till one of those unflyable months.  It really takes a lot of time...

 

[bcg]

I did it myself on my C last year, it was about a 50 hour job. I think I could do it in 35 - 40 now but, it's still a big job.

It was worth the effort though, the plane is better with an alternator.

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

[Igor_U]

It's definitely extensive job. I installed the kit during installation OHd engine. No prop, baffling and open access to the instrument panel (used the opportunity for some instrument upgrade). it still took me couple of days with rewiring behind the panel work and such. On my F, front RHS baffle needed the modification but that was not that bad.

I say it's wort it as I always have a full charge on 1000rpm with landing lights on and such.

Good luck 

[vik]

On 8/31/2023 at 12:58 PM, av8or99 said:

Is there a kit available to change over your generator to an alternator if so recommend brand and part #...1966 C thanks Andrew

Check the type certificate for your specific model. You do not need any kits or STC if the alternator is listed there as an option. Just get all the parts together and install as a log book entry. You can install any alternator which was approved as a replacement for the one listed in the type certificate. Talk to your IA first of cause. He might have different opinion.

A kit is convenient as all parts are provided, but it also falls under STC as the basis for the installation, which means filing 337. At least most IAs would want to do it.

Vik

 

 

[Echo]

On 8/31/2023 at 7:02 PM, bcg said:

I did it myself on my C last year, it was about a 50 hour job. I think I could do it in 35 - 40 now but, it's still a big job.

It was worth the effort though, the plane is better with an alternator.

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk
 

I think not.