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Well, I finally solved my alternator problem. Just
a quick recap of events...First, the alternator blew a 70 amp fuse. Flew a
couple of short flights with alternator inoperative. Started checking wiring.
Had 12 volts at alternator plug (the one that excites the field). Decided
to remove alternator and purchase a new one. I brought the alternator to
O'Reilly Autoparts, where they put it on their test machine and it was only
putting out 9volts. alternator not in stock...They would have to order
one. Went to CarQuest. Same problem....special order. While I was at
the counter, and playing with the alternator, I noticed that the vanes on the
cooling fan were shiny. Further inspection showed qouges out ot the fins.
Further inspection showed a screw inside the housing that was wedged into the
windings. (I had taken this alternator to a local alternator/starter
rebuilding shop a month earlier). I brought it back to him, he took it
apart, trashed the bad parts and sent me on my way with a newly repaired
alternator and an appoloy. I reinstalled the alternator on my plane, fired
it up and it now indicates 14 volts while the engine is running. I
believe that the screw that went through the fins and jammed into the field
wiring had a detrimental effect on the alternator, and probably contributed to
the fuse blowing as well. The screw was originally one of four that were
inside the alternator. The other 3 were tight. The one that came loose and
caused all the havoc came out because the insulator that it held in place was
cracked. Paul, got the electrons flowing again, Conner
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