hevansrv7a
Well Known Member
I originally installed the alternator that came with my 7A QB. It lasted about 90 hours. I replaced it with the same specs but a Bosch re-man. It lasted about 100 hours and recently failed in flight. I replaced it with the identical product. It worked for about 2 hours (1 flight) and failed on start-up for flight #2 this morning. I took it back for a refund and ordered a Plane Power AL12-E160 from Van's this evening. I have a blast tube for cooling the back of the alternator where the internal regulator sits. Both failures this time - and I think last time - were the regulator. I tension the belt as per my friend the A&P, so that it can hold about 18 ft-lbs of torque before slipping. I don't know what my temps are in that area, but my CHT's are always very reasonable - low to mid 300's usually and sometimes even high 200's when flying slowly as in practice IFR work.
So is it A] just crappy auto-store parts B] incredibly bad luck or C] something wrong that is killing alternators? It would be good to know before installing the Plane Power unit.
I use a Cessna split master and the wiring is pretty much as per plans with the wiring harness from Van's.
Any help or suggestions would be welcomed.
So is it A] just crappy auto-store parts B] incredibly bad luck or C] something wrong that is killing alternators? It would be good to know before installing the Plane Power unit.
I use a Cessna split master and the wiring is pretty much as per plans with the wiring harness from Van's.
Any help or suggestions would be welcomed.