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Thread: Alternator Problem....I think

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  1. #1
    Senior Member stede52's Avatar
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    Default Alternator Problem....I think

    Went out to the CC this morning, started it up no problem, half way thru climb-out the battery voltage went into the yellow, 12.5V, by the time I got turned around and landed it was 11.9V. My amp gauge on my dynon showed no charging amps on my way back to the airport and after landing, however it was charging at the time of take-off. Checked the battery itself and it was showing 12.4V. I've got 110 hours on the CC, has anyone one seen issues with their alternator on their CC?
    Steve Dentz
    N419LD
    Carnation, WA

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    Member DRL's Avatar
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    Default Re: Alternator Problem....I think

    Quote Originally Posted by stede52 View Post
    Went out to the CC this morning, started it up no problem, half way thru climb-out the battery voltage went into the yellow, 12.5V, by the time I got turned around and landed it was 11.9V. My amp gauge on my dynon showed no charging amps on my way back to the airport and after landing, however it was charging at the time of take-off. Checked the battery itself and it was showing 12.4V. I've got 110 hours on the CC, has anyone one seen issues with their alternator on their CC?
    Check the field connector on the back of the alternator. We had a spade connector that was not making a consistent contact. We bought a new connector assembly, soldered and heat shrunk the wires to it. The RV people recommend potting the wires with high temp RTV as they enter into this connector. If that doesn't help, it is easy to have the Denso alternator checked at Auto Zone, Pep Boys etc (tell them it is off your Kubota) but it is likely a connection issue. We have an EarthX lithium, so we set the Dynon to alarm anytime we do not have positive amps. The battery voltage indication doesn't give much warning before the self protection shuts it down, although the battery still gives about 45 minutes operation without charging before that happens.

  3. #3
    Senior Member stede52's Avatar
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    Default Re: Alternator Problem....I think

    Just an update on my charging issue, it was actually the ring connector at the top of the alternator that broke and the rubber boot kept the wire in place so I didn't find the issue until I decided to remove the alternator for testing. Replaced the ring connector and its back charging again. There was never an issue with the fuse, I inadvertently blew the fuse myself when I cross posts on the capacitor. When I replaced the fuse it started charging because the rubber boot on the alternator was holding the wire in place until I rolled it out of the hanger the next day and found it stopped charging again. All is good
    Steve Dentz
    N419LD
    Carnation, WA

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    Member DRL's Avatar
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    Default Re: Alternator Problem....I think

    Quote Originally Posted by stede52 View Post
    Just an update on my charging issue, it was actually the ring connector at the top of the alternator that broke and the rubber boot kept the wire in place so I didn't find the issue until I decided to remove the alternator for testing.
    Thanks for the update, connections seem to be an issue, maybe from simple vibration. Looking under the rubber boots when the cowl is off is a great idea. The amp meter will be the first indication of a problem, it should only be positive with the engine running, so setting the Skyview to warning at zero amps or below may help identify an impending failure.

  5. #5
    Senior Member stede52's Avatar
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    Default Re: Alternator Problem....I think

    Quote Originally Posted by DRL View Post
    Thanks for the update, connections seem to be an issue, maybe from simple vibration. Looking under the rubber boots when the cowl is off is a great idea. The amp meter will be the first indication of a problem, it should only be positive with the engine running, so setting the Skyview to warning at zero amps or below may help identify an impending failure.

    That is exactly what I did, Thanks
    Steve Dentz
    N419LD
    Carnation, WA

  6. #6
    Senior Member stede52's Avatar
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    Default Re: Alternator Problem....I think

    Thanks DRL, I'll check it out.
    Steve Dentz
    N419LD
    Carnation, WA

  7. #7
    Senior Member stede52's Avatar
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    Default Re: Alternator Problem....I think

    There was no voltage at the field connector, found out the 40 amp fuse under the seat had blown. Replaced it and all was good. Now I'm concerned about why it failed Just FYI, not all 40 amp fuses have the same configuration on the plastic end, the CC required it to have two channels on each side of the plastic cap in order for it to slide into the fuse holder. Napa fuses don't work, got mine at O'reilly's auto store.
    Steve Dentz
    N419LD
    Carnation, WA

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    Default Re: Alternator Problem....I think

    Quote Originally Posted by stede52 View Post
    There was no voltage at the field connector, found out the 40 amp fuse under the seat had blown. Replaced it and all was good. Now I'm concerned about why it failed Just FYI, not all 40 amp fuses have the same configuration on the plastic end, the CC required it to have two channels on each side of the plastic cap in order for it to slide into the fuse holder. Napa fuses don't work, got mine at O'reilly's auto store.
    why not put a circuit breaker in that can be reset in flight

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    Default Re: Alternator Problem....I think

    Quote Originally Posted by lbell View Post
    why not put a circuit breaker in that can be reset in flight
    As you have already been advised, resetting the CB is a bad idea. Land at nearest suitable airport and troubleshoot on the ground.

  10. #10
    Senior Member TroyBranch's Avatar
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    Default Re: Alternator Problem....I think

    Resetting a CB in flight is not the best thing to do. It tripped for a reason and you need to figure out why......only when you are on the ground. You could be creating a fire hazard if you push it back in in flight. You best do some digging Steve. I am a CB guy and don't like fuses, but that is just so I don't have to buy a fuse after a breaker tripped once I figured out the problem on the ground.

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