I have an RV-8 (O-360) that after five years had my alternator (Plane Power) drop off at 1.5 hours into a 6 hour flight. The amps went to zero while i watched my voltage slowly continue to drop down to 12.2 volts (approx. 25 min). Then, alternator came back on by itself, starting at approximately 45 amps until it started getting the battery charged back up then ran normal at approximately 9 amps and 13.8 volts. It never faulted the circuit breaker which is set at 6 amps.
Return flight it cycled 2 -3 times and seemed to shorten run length with each cycle. I was hopping it was my master switch (cheapest replacement item) but replaced with no change. I sent Plane power unit to Hatzel because it only had 320 hours (but was out of warranty). They tested on bench under load and said it worked perfectly but they also suspected a "thermal" issue and send me a new voltage regulator. Still the same alternator drop off problem after 45 -60 minutes.
In full disclosure this entire problem started after I had a dead battery and charged the Odyssey PC680 battery up with a borrowed charger.
Since re-installing my tested Plan Power Alternator i have:
*Contacted Stein Air for ideas (they provided all components & Elec Schematic) *Contacted Vertical Power Tech support (circuit breaker is performed by VP)
*Purchase a new Plane Power Alternator/VR and installed
*Checked all wires for continuity
*Ran a separate ground wire from ground buss to alternator mounting bracket
*My A&P removed wiring to Vert. Power, installed new wire harness/connector and installed in-line fuse.
I am currently awaiting a new 60 amp fuse (current fuse looks and test good), a new shunt, and a new battery. However, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Return flight it cycled 2 -3 times and seemed to shorten run length with each cycle. I was hopping it was my master switch (cheapest replacement item) but replaced with no change. I sent Plane power unit to Hatzel because it only had 320 hours (but was out of warranty). They tested on bench under load and said it worked perfectly but they also suspected a "thermal" issue and send me a new voltage regulator. Still the same alternator drop off problem after 45 -60 minutes.
In full disclosure this entire problem started after I had a dead battery and charged the Odyssey PC680 battery up with a borrowed charger.
Since re-installing my tested Plan Power Alternator i have:
*Contacted Stein Air for ideas (they provided all components & Elec Schematic) *Contacted Vertical Power Tech support (circuit breaker is performed by VP)
*Purchase a new Plane Power Alternator/VR and installed
*Checked all wires for continuity
*Ran a separate ground wire from ground buss to alternator mounting bracket
*My A&P removed wiring to Vert. Power, installed new wire harness/connector and installed in-line fuse.
I am currently awaiting a new 60 amp fuse (current fuse looks and test good), a new shunt, and a new battery. However, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.