Charging issue

[pjsny78]

I was hoping someone could tell me what a probable cause is for a problem I just had tonight. 

I have been having to increase rpm to stop my electrical system from discharging. Tonight however I noticed I had to rev it up to about 2k rpm for it to level off. During takeoff at max power I was still showing a discharge and the alt. volt light flashing. It was too late to abort. I had to commit to takeoff. I alerted tower almost immediately I was coming back but i had to go through clouds as my field was IFR, and had to contact approach to get vectors to pick up an ILS back in. Once I leveled off at 2k the electrical system stabilized and I did not have the problem anymore. A fire truck was called to escort me to my parking spot once I landed and he said he smelled a electrical burning smell. I did not smell anything.

Does anyone know what may be the culprit? The battery is a gill and is about 2yrs old. The alternator is about 3yrs old and came with the lycoming engine. 

Any help will be greatly appreciated. 

[pjsny78]

Jim,  

Thank you. You have helped me out a lot since i became a mooney owner. you are right Better on the ground. I did not think it was going to be an issue but apparently it was worse than I thought. my first thought was plane power when I got to my car but wasn't sure if what I needed was an alternator or not. Advice well taken. Thanks again.

 

[mooneygirl]

I am glad you are okay Patrick. 

[pjsny78]

Thanks Jolie. Just a little scare.

I can't tell you how many times I wish your mechanic Dan was at my airport. It's so hard to find good mechanics where I am. 

[kris_adams]

+1 for Plane Power.  Real nice unit.  It's almost a work of art too.  Glad you are ok.

[carusoam]

Patrick,

Odd thought to share...

Possibly have your mechanic check the drive system to the alternator.  Slipping belts or worn clutch devices can cause this type of problem.

 

It may save you some dough to swap out to the preferred supplier as you have outlined.  With such low hours on the existing system, it shouldn't be worn out yet????

 

Best regards,

-a-

[pjsny78]

Thank you kris and Carusoam. i really appreciate it.

 

 

[Gone]

+1 for the Plane Power alternator.

I just converted from a generator this year.  14.1 - 14.3 volts on the ground at 1000 rpm.  Great unit and pounds lighter than the old generator.

 

[jetdriven]

Same thing happened to me, but VFR.  I am a happy Plane Power owner. Good call on continuing.  An alternator can be a serious issue, but if you turn off everything not needed you should have 30 minutes of spare electrical capacity.  One important check at annual is a battery capacity test, to verify you have that redundancy.

[xftrplt]

Patrick,

Taxing, running-up, and launching into single-pilot, S/E, night IFR with an known electrical malfunction can certainly be a learning and/or religious experience.  Was the flight that important?  Are we at DEFCON 2 and the news hasn't gotten to rural MD?  Glad all is well.

Dick

PS:  The burning smell reported by the truck was probably just your seat cushion.

[Cris]

One other thought is the voltage regualtor although I am not sure that the J has one as it might be part of the alternator. If it was rining or heavy moisture Carausome make an excellent point with the belt. Either the belt of voltage regulator will give the same symtoms. To check the belt you might squirt some water into the prop with a hose while on the ground. That is how my mechanic found the issue on an E model I once owned. If it had not been raining go to the regulator or broken wire on the alternator.

[Cruiser]

check for a loose alternator belt. A loose belt will have all the symptoms described above including the burning smell from slipping. 

[pjsny78]

Thank you Everyone for all their advice. i really appreciate it. its what makes this forum such a great tool.

 Dick when i get my plane done we have to go get some pigeons. and your advice is well noted as usual.

[bnicolette]

Quote

: xftrplt

PS: The burning smell reported by the truck was probably just your seat cushion.

That one made me laugh Dick.

Patrick.......glad everything worked out okay. +1 on the pigeons.

[xftrplt]

Pick a day, Patrick!  A nice day. 

[mulro767]

Reading this thread gives me chills.  Fly safe people.  Always remember the "what if" scenario and doubt yourself, your skills, and your aircraft.