Flying to breakfast at 40D I noticed my voltage was up around 16.1 volts. Not the normal 14.5 volts I normally see. Landed fine.On the flight back home I was monitoring voltage closely and voltage went to 13.1 volts and 0 amps,alternator fail light was on. Haven’t pulled the cowl yet to check for loose,broken wires yet but I’m assuming my PP alternator is cooked. Looking for options. Take it to a repair shop,new ND or B&C alternator.9A w Lycoming IO320 w dual Pmags and AFP fuel injection and EarthX battery. The alternator is an Al 12-E160/V.
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Another Alternator problem
- Thread starter Future RV 9 Flyer
- Start date
BoydBirchler
Well Known Member
Did it trip the field breaker? 16.1VDC is very close to where a overvolt would likely trip and pop the breaker.
Pull the unit, take it to O'Reilley's, throw it on their tester - Tell them it's from a 1998 Toyota Tercel, 60A (R110816) so they'll use the correct plug/adapter and test parameters; the belt won't match, but they can use a V-belt easily.
@BoydBirchler is correct - 16.1V is really close to when the Plane Power AL12EI60 fires the SCR/OV circtuit which *should* trip the ALT FIELD circuit breaker. However, the alternator light coming on is indicative of the alternator receiving power to the field/ign input -- so it's probably not the circuit breaker that tripped.
Breaker didn’t trip. Volts just went to battery voltage and amps to 0. 16 miles from home field so landed with battery only. 13 volts taxing in. We have an alternator shop 2 miles down the road. Going to take it to him.
If you want back up alternator the monkworks is a small, lightweight insurance option on the rear vac pad. It can be used as a primary as well. 30a
Those seem great. Definitely on my upgrade list.
My opinion only based on my experience. Save yourself future frustration and potential bad outcome. Buy a B&C and be happy.
