REFLECTOR: ALX-9524 Alternator

[Jones Nick]

My engine had a 24 volt delco unit when I got the engine from a Cirrus SR-22. I traded with a friend that had a 12 volt unit from an engine he was going to put in his Lancair IV-P. The 12 volt unit that I ended up with is from Prestolite. I have had good service life from other aircraft with Prestolite alternators including a C-150 which is a gear driven system albeit on the back of the engine. Hopefully the lower compression on my engine will not hammer the alternator. I would be interested in your solution in case I need to do something similar.

Best regards,
Nick


-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On Behalf Of William Walker
Sent: Monday, October 17, 2011 10:57 AM
To: reflector at tvbf.org
Subject: REFLECTOR: ALX-9524 Alternator

Hi Nick,

The first year I was away from home and had to have a remanufactured unit shipped so I don't know exactly what went wrong.  Last year was the brush connecting wires. 

Aircraft Systems went through it last year, updating the brush holder itself to a stronger model, and added one twist to the brush wires. In their opinion, vibration from my distinct combination along with the placement of the alternator itself, is work-hardening the brush wires causing them to fray prematurely. If all I had to do was replace the brushes, I would do that at every annual inspection and call it a day. This time, I have replaced the brushes and the problem still exists. B&C Electronics feels it is a shorted portion of the rotor or stator this time. 40 hrs on this set of brushes. Very annoying. These Kelly units are not well thought-of in the industry. Under the direction of a local A&P, I had to use a Scotchbrite pad and emery paper to reduce the diameter of the internal recessed area to get it to fit into the hole in the engine case. Not something I would consider good quality control.

I am attempting to procure a different make alternator, perhaps a Delco unit.

I will post any conclusions soon.

Bill Walker
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