REFLECTOR: ALX-9524 Alternator

[William Walker]

Anybody having reliability issues with IO-550 alternators? My Kelly ALX-9524 lasts about a year between rebuilds by Aircraft Systems. This particular engine/gear-driven alternator combination is proving to be quite annoying. I would really like to make a fundamental change and have heard rumors of a front-mounted, belt driven alternator conversion. Anybody have info on this?

According to AS and Bill Bainbridge at B&C Electronics, my 10:1 pistons, and lightweight MT propeller in the pusher configuration are hammering the alternator to death. 

I could possibly use a special starter adapter which mounts a pulley between the engine and firewall to drive an alternator back there, but would rather stay away from this idea due to the need for relocation of parts and systems. 

If anyone has had good service past 250 hrs with their IO-550 gear-driven alternator, please advise the brand and model number. 

My current unit is going to be turned into an industrial paperweight if it continues to give me headaches.

Bill Walker