Rhino889
Well Known Member
I tried the search function and couldn't find help so I thought I would ask...
Replaced alternator 28hrs ago. It's been solid at 14.1 volts that entire time.
Sunday I flew with my oldest son for 1 hour in the morning and volts at 14.1 never moving. Sunday afternoon I flew 1.4hrs into Georgia to drop off my brother-in-law. The entire flight my charge showed volts 14.1 solid. It was a 15minute turn and I was off again for the return flight home. Returning home my volts were 14.4 on climb out and fluctuating constantly between 14.3-14.6 the entire flight?
I know 14.6 is not high, but the fluctuations were what was concerning me (it hasn't moved off 14.1 ever). I have an alert set for 14.6 because I use a Ballistic lithium battery and like the charge below 14.5volts. When the volts hit 14.6 I pulled the prop back 150rpm and that dropped the volts back to 14.4volts. I cruised at 10,000' and OAT was 50F. 60amp alt, I never draw more then 8amps.
Question: Do you think my regulator is "beginning" to fail? Maybe the quick turn heat soaked the alternator in 15 minutes? (I've done many a fuel stop in much hotter OAT temps)
Info added in edit: I have always started my engine with the Alt switched off then I brought the Alt online. This was the 1st day that I followed something I read on VAF and started with the field energized as not to "shock" the already spinning Alt. (recommendations I read and figured it made sense)
Solid 14.1
14.3-14.6
Thanks in advance for any insight or comments.
Regards,
Scott
Replaced alternator 28hrs ago. It's been solid at 14.1 volts that entire time.
Sunday I flew with my oldest son for 1 hour in the morning and volts at 14.1 never moving. Sunday afternoon I flew 1.4hrs into Georgia to drop off my brother-in-law. The entire flight my charge showed volts 14.1 solid. It was a 15minute turn and I was off again for the return flight home. Returning home my volts were 14.4 on climb out and fluctuating constantly between 14.3-14.6 the entire flight?
I know 14.6 is not high, but the fluctuations were what was concerning me (it hasn't moved off 14.1 ever). I have an alert set for 14.6 because I use a Ballistic lithium battery and like the charge below 14.5volts. When the volts hit 14.6 I pulled the prop back 150rpm and that dropped the volts back to 14.4volts. I cruised at 10,000' and OAT was 50F. 60amp alt, I never draw more then 8amps.
Question: Do you think my regulator is "beginning" to fail? Maybe the quick turn heat soaked the alternator in 15 minutes? (I've done many a fuel stop in much hotter OAT temps)
Info added in edit: I have always started my engine with the Alt switched off then I brought the Alt online. This was the 1st day that I followed something I read on VAF and started with the field energized as not to "shock" the already spinning Alt. (recommendations I read and figured it made sense)
Solid 14.1
14.3-14.6
Thanks in advance for any insight or comments.
Regards,
Scott
Last edited: