Alternator Annunciator Light Flashes - Ovation 3

[Healthpilot]

Before TO and after landing no annunciator light taxing or parked on the ground.

No problem till cruise speed (24.5 square at 3k). Tested this twice max 15 miles around the patch. 

Then the Alternator light flashes on and off and then stops for a while, then it starts again. Master red light also does the same thing. 

Battery however consistently shows 27.8V charge and +2 amps even when the light is flashing. 

No CB is tripped.

Frequency of the light flashing is somewhat inconsistent. Light flashes very dim hard to see in bright sun. Then it stops for 10 seconds or so before starting again. 

When I turn off/on the ALT switch the alternator is working and quickly picks up the load. Recharges the battery fast in a few seconds (+16 then lower up to 27.8V again).

Anyone had this issue before? Connectors/wires to the main alternator seem secure. 

Edited July 16 by Healthpilot
added additional info

[Jeff_S]

I've not had that exact situation, but I did get a Master annunciator and Alt Warning light last summer while flying home, in IMC no less.  Once I got on the ground and retested, everything was fine, and of course it didn't act up in front of the A/P.  However, living by the ocean as I do, the first culprit to check is always corrosion, and the A/P did say he found a lot of that on the various connectors and he cleaned it all up. Since then no problemo.  Hope your answer is as easy.

[Healthpilot]

2 hours ago, Jeff_S said:

I've not had that exact situation, but I did get a Master annunciator and Alt Warning light last summer while flying home, in IMC no less.  Once I got on the ground and retested, everything was fine, and of course it didn't act up in front of the A/P.  However, living by the ocean as I do, the first culprit to check is always corrosion, and the A/P did say he found a lot of that on the various connectors and he cleaned it all up. Since then no problemo.  Hope your answer is as easy.

Thanks Jeff I will definitely try. I am sure this was no fun for you in IMC!

[LANCECASPER]

Alternator coupler going bad? That would be the most expensive thing since it could require a teardown. I wouldn't run it until someone that deals with this all the time has crossed that off of the list

[Healthpilot]

Just a quick update. I sent in both alternator and voltage regulator for iran. The alternator needed overhauled. Voltage regulator was inspected and turned out to be fine. 
Reinstalled both of them. Tested on the ground and in the air.  Problem gone issue seems to be solved. Six weeks turnaround time the only drawback but better safe than sorry.

[231LV]

On 11/4/2024 at 5:39 PM, Healthpilot said:

Just a quick update. I sent in both alternator and voltage regulator for iran. The alternator needed overhauled. Voltage regulator was inspected and turned out to be fine. 
Reinstalled both of them. Tested on the ground and in the air.  Problem gone issue seems to be solved. Six weeks turnaround time the only drawback but better safe than sorry.

Betting it was a slipping coupler...you experienced what most of us see when it starts to slip...OH replaced it

[exM20K]

I believe there is a torque test for the coupler, which I would do for sure.  Bad things can happen when the coupler goes on a continental.

-dan