nobubbles63
Member
Hi all,
I have read several old threads related to the subject of alternator noise and the usual culprits, and was wondering if anyone can offer some advice. It's freezing outside so before I do any cowling pulling in the coming weeks I am trying to gather together a plan of attack.
In recent months I have acquired a whine through the headsets. If the alternator is loaded it increases in volume. The LED strobes also make it pulse louder and this is the most annoying feature. I have been through the many obvious checks, headset sockets and wiring, alternator removed and overhauled ETC ETC.
Recently I have discovered something in flight.....due to a broken heater box cable I was pushing and pulling on the handle in the panel and it affected the noise!! If I push on it, or push on the lower instrument panel near it, I can make the noise go away!!
The instrument panel is in four vertical sections with the bus bars connected across them. This is the reason why there is a bit of flex at the bottom edge near a join where the cable is fitted..not a lot though.
I'm baffled. Not being a builder I am trying to guess what is going on here..could it be the pushing on or near the heater cable is by default flexing the firewall slightly and highlighting a bad alternator/engine/earth connection on the firewall? What connections should there be? Or has anyone else experienced something similar or have any alternative suggestions before I get under the panel or pull cowlings (when it's a bit warmer)?
Many thanks in advance.
Derek Cowan
RV7A
G-RVEM
I have read several old threads related to the subject of alternator noise and the usual culprits, and was wondering if anyone can offer some advice. It's freezing outside so before I do any cowling pulling in the coming weeks I am trying to gather together a plan of attack.
In recent months I have acquired a whine through the headsets. If the alternator is loaded it increases in volume. The LED strobes also make it pulse louder and this is the most annoying feature. I have been through the many obvious checks, headset sockets and wiring, alternator removed and overhauled ETC ETC.
Recently I have discovered something in flight.....due to a broken heater box cable I was pushing and pulling on the handle in the panel and it affected the noise!! If I push on it, or push on the lower instrument panel near it, I can make the noise go away!!
The instrument panel is in four vertical sections with the bus bars connected across them. This is the reason why there is a bit of flex at the bottom edge near a join where the cable is fitted..not a lot though.
I'm baffled. Not being a builder I am trying to guess what is going on here..could it be the pushing on or near the heater cable is by default flexing the firewall slightly and highlighting a bad alternator/engine/earth connection on the firewall? What connections should there be? Or has anyone else experienced something similar or have any alternative suggestions before I get under the panel or pull cowlings (when it's a bit warmer)?
Many thanks in advance.
Derek Cowan
RV7A
G-RVEM
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