Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #28616
From: Ian B. Crowe <ian.crowe@sympatico.ca>
Sender: Marvin Kaye <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: LNC2 automotive alternator (14V)
Date: Wed, 02 Mar 2005 11:34:13 -0500
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
What is your failure mode?  If it is the diode pack then it is most likely that you need the cooling air to impinge directly on the diodes.  I have a 175 hours on an automotive alternator (70 amp) and no problems so far.  I am sorry but the model escapes me.  But it was a rebuilt model by a local rebuilder.  Cost me a $100.
 
You might also be trying to draw too much from the the alternator.  35 amps is quite small and depending on your load you may be operating it at the top end of its output.
 
If you are frying the windings as a failure mode then you have a an overload problem.
 
You can adapt almost any small automotive alternator to fit.  I have an IO360 A3B6D and I had to change the bracketry.  I also changed the alternator pulley size. There is a large increase in speed when you compare the ratio of the driving pulley to the driven.  If your rotor windings are failing due to becoming loose then you may have an overspeed condition.  Car engines can potentially rev faster but nowhere do you see the difference in pulley sizes you see on an aircraft.
 
Hope this helps
 
Ian Crowe
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