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Alternator will not put out current

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gengrumpy

Joined: 07 May 2013
Posts: 131
Location: Tullahoma, TN

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2017 7:54 pm Post subject: Alternator will not put out current

Fellow RV10 guys.

I am ready to fly the RV8 I have been building for the past 5 years, but I have an alternator issue maybe one of you can help with.



The alternator I have installed is an Ultima (with internal voltage regulator) from O’Reilly’s auto parts store.  My next door hangar mate has an RV7 with the same alternator setup.



When I did my first ground engine run on Thursday, all worked fine except the alternator would not put out voltage.I double checked my connector plug wiring against my hangar mate's, and and made my connector wiring exactly the same as his is.  Then I confirmed that I had 12v (with alt field switch on) to each of the 2 connectors in the plug, plugged it into the alternator, and ran engine again but no voltage increase with the alt field switch on.  



With the alt field switch, there is no voltage to the connector, but there is batt voltage showing at the alternator output wire with the batt switch on.Friday, I pulled the alternator off and took it back to O’Reilly’s.  It bench checked ok on their alternator tester.  I also confirmed on their tester that the 2 connectors had 12v to them - it did.  Then I had them order a new alternator anyway and it bench checked ok before I left the store..Put the new alternator on this am.  Ops checked it this afternoon with an engine run and also ran a temp lead from the alternator output connector to a voltmeter.  The alternator output never went above the battery voltage of 12.7v with the alt field switch on.Thinking it might be the connector plug that plugs into the back of the alternator, I changed out that plug for an older one I had with the original Denso alternator I had on my RV10.  I confirmed that I had 12v to the 2 connectors with alt field switch on and ran the engine again - no voltage increase again!I am at wits end trying to get the alternator to put out voltage when the engine is running……any of you have suggestions?



Thanks - Grumpy

N184JM

Bob Turner

Joined: 03 Jan 2009
Posts: 885
Location: Castro Valley, CA

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2017 9:11 pm Post subject: Re: Alternator will not put out current

My first suggestion is to get a real schematic for this alternator, not just try to copy your neighbor’s plug.

There are many different Ultima models.

Do you have a good ground connection?

_________________
Bob Turner
RV-10 QB

Gordon Anderson

Joined: 16 Apr 2012
Posts: 41
Location: Switzerland

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2017 3:32 am Post subject: Alternator will not put out current

Are you increasing engine rpm above idle during the checks? Some alternators/ pulley size combinations will not get above battery voltage until the engine speed is higher.



Good luck and happy holidays to all!



Gordon Anderson

Switzerland 41015 just painted



Sent from my iPad



 	  Quote: 	
		   On 24 Dec 2017, at 08:45, RV10-List Digest Server <rv10-list(at)matronics.com> wrote:

 

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 Today's Message Index:

 ----------------------

 

     1. 07:54 PM - Alternator will not put out current  (John Miller)

     2. 09:11 PM - Re: Alternator will not put out current  (Bob Turner)

 

 

 

 ________________________________  Message 1  _____________________________________

 

 

 Time: 07:54:29 PM PST US

 From: John Miller <gengrumpy(at)aol.com>

 Subject: Alternator will not put out current

 

 Fellow RV10 guys.

 

 I am ready to fly the RV8 I have been building for the past 5 years, but 

 I have an alternator issue maybe one of you can help with.

 

 The alternator I have installed is an Ultima (with internal voltage 

 regulator) from O=99Reilly=99s auto parts store.  My next 

 door hangar mate has an RV7 with the same alternator setup.

 

 When I did my first ground engine run on Thursday, all worked fine 

 except the alternator would not put out voltage.

 

 I double checked my connector plug wiring against my hangar mate's, and 

 and made my connector wiring exactly the same as his is.  Then I 

 confirmed that I had 12v (with alt field switch on) to each of the 2 

 connectors in the plug, plugged it into the alternator, and ran engine 

 again but no voltage increase with the alt field switch on.  

 

 With the alt field switch, there is no voltage to the connector, but 

 there is batt voltage showing at the alternator output wire with the 

 batt switch on.

 

 Friday, I pulled the alternator off and took it back to O=99Reilly

 =99s.  It bench checked ok on their alternator tester.  I also 

 confirmed on their tester that the 2 connectors had 12v to them - it 

 did.  Then I had them order a new alternator anyway and it bench checked 

 ok before I left the store..

 

 Put the new alternator on this am.  Ops checked it this afternoon with 

 an engine run and also ran a temp lead from the alternator output 

 connector to a voltmeter.  The alternator output never went above the 

 battery voltage of 12.7v with the alt field switch on.

 

 Thinking it might be the connector plug that plugs into the back of the 

 alternator, I changed out that plug for an older one I had with the 

 original Denso alternator I had on my RV10.  I confirmed that I had 12v 

 to the 2 connectors with alt field switch on and ran the engine again - 

 no voltage increase again!

 

 I am at wits end trying to get the alternator to put out voltage when 

 the engine is runningany of you have suggestions?

 

 Thanks - Grumpy

 N184JM

 

 ________________________________  Message 2  _____________________________________

 

 

 Time: 09:11:39 PM PST US

 Subject: Re: Alternator will not put out current

 From: "Bob Turner" <bobturner(at)alum.rpi.edu>

 

 

 My first suggestion is to get a real schematic for this alternator, not just try

 to copy your neighbors plug.

 There are many different Ultima models.

 Do you have a good ground connection?

 

 --------

 Bob Turner

 RV-10 QB

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476728#476728

bigginsking

Joined: 25 Sep 2012
Posts: 27
Location: San Diego, California

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2017 9:10 am Post subject: Alternator will not put out current

There usually isn't much to those things, you need big wire/current from it(#6 probably) and small wire/current to it(#18 probably).





Your alternator needs up to 5 amps on the field, you could test that you've got sufficient current available by briefly putting a 50 watt halogen bulb on the field at the alternator end and seeing if it lights up.

Bill Judge

RV-8 N84WJ

1240 hrs

http://rv-8.blogspot.com/

On Sat, Dec 23, 2017 at 11:45 PM, RV10-List Digest Server <rv10-list(at)matronics.com (rv10-list(at)matronics.com)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  *

 

  ==================================================

    Online Versions of Today's List Digest Archive

  ==================================================

 

 Today's complete RV10-List Digest can also be found in either of the

 two Web Links listed below.  The .html file includes the Digest formatted

 in HTML for viewing with a web browser and features Hyperlinked Indexes

 and Message Navigation.  The .txt file includes the plain ASCII version

 of the RV10-List Digest and can be viewed with a generic text editor

 such as Notepad or with a web browser.

 

 HTML Version:

 

     http://www.matronics.com/digest/digestview.php?Style=82701&View=html&Chapter=2017-12-23&Archive=RV10

 

 Text Version:

 

     http://www.matronics.com/digest/digestview.php?Style=82701&View=txt&Chapter=2017-12-23&Archive=RV10

 

 

  ================================================

    EMail Version of Today's List Digest Archive

  ================================================

 

 

            ----------------------------------------------------------

                            RV10-List Digest Archive

                                       ---

                      Total Messages Posted Sat 12/23/17: 2

            ----------------------------------------------------------

 

 

 Today's Message Index:

 ----------------------

 

      1. 07:54 PM - Alternator will not put out current  (John Miller)

      2. 09:11 PM - Re: Alternator will not put out current  (Bob Turner)

 

 

 

 ________________________________  Message 1  _____________________________________

 

 

 Time: 07:54:29 PM PST US

 From: John Miller <gengrumpy(at)aol.com (gengrumpy(at)aol.com)>

 Subject: Alternator will not put out current

 

 Fellow RV10 guys.

 

 I am ready to fly the RV8 I have been building for the past 5 years, but

 I have an alternator issue maybe one of you can help with.

 

 The alternator I have installed is an Ultima (with internal voltage

 regulator) from O=99Reilly=99s auto parts store.  My next

 door hangar mate has an RV7 with the same alternator setup.

 

 When I did my first ground engine run on Thursday, all worked fine

 except the alternator would not put out voltage.

 

 I double checked my connector plug wiring against my hangar mate's, and

 and made my connector wiring exactly the same as his is.  Then I

 confirmed that I had 12v (with alt field switch on) to each of the 2

 connectors in the plug, plugged it into the alternator, and ran engine

 again but no voltage increase with the alt field switch on.

 

 With the alt field switch, there is no voltage to the connector, but

 there is batt voltage showing at the alternator output wire with the

 batt switch on.

 

 Friday, I pulled the alternator off and took it back to O=99Reilly

 =99s.  It bench checked ok on their alternator tester.  I also

 confirmed on their tester that the 2 connectors had 12v to them - it

 did.  Then I had them order a new alternator anyway and it bench checked

 ok before I left the store..

 

 Put the new alternator on this am.  Ops checked it this afternoon with

 an engine run and also ran a temp lead from the alternator output

 connector to a voltmeter.  The alternator output never went above the

 battery voltage of 12.7v with the alt field switch on.

 

 Thinking it might be the connector plug that plugs into the back of the

 alternator, I changed out that plug for an older one I had with the

 original Denso alternator I had on my RV10.  I confirmed that I had 12v

 to the 2 connectors with alt field switch on and ran the engine again -

 no voltage increase again!

 

 I am at wits end trying to get the alternator to put out voltage when

 the engine is runningany of you have suggestions?

 

 Thanks - Grumpy

 N184JM

 

 ________________________________  Message 2  _____________________________________

 

 

 Time: 09:11:39 PM PST US

 Subject: Re: Alternator will not put out current

 From: "Bob Turner" <bobturner(at)alum.rpi.edu (bobturner(at)alum.rpi.edu)>

 

 

 My first suggestion is to get a real schematic for this alternator, not just try

 to copy your neighbors plug.

 There are many different Ultima models.

 Do you have a good ground connection?

 

 --------

 Bob Turner

 RV-10 QB

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476728#476728

 

 

 

 

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_________________
Bill Judge
N84WJ, RV-8

kearney

Joined: 20 Sep 2008
Posts: 563

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2017 1:10 pm Post subject: Re: Alternator will not put out current

Grumpy



My suggestion would be to pull the alternator and have a rewind shop check it out. They have the test kit that will remove any doubt as to its status. 

Only then would I start troubleshooting other things - unless it is super obvious like a broken field wire.



I would not take any chances on the alternator as it could lead to expensive repairs - I had an IR alternator go south and and cause all kinds of havoc to my avionics a couple of years ago.



In my opinion, it is not worth the risk to try and troubleshoot it while connected to your electro magic gizmos.



Cheers



Les



C-GCWZ Flying

C-GROK some assembly required

gengrumpy

Joined: 07 May 2013
Posts: 131
Location: Tullahoma, TN

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2017 1:49 pm Post subject: Alternator will not put out current

Bill, I think you hit the nail on the head.

We traced down today that the 12v isn’t carrying any amps to the alternator, so have to look back at connections, etc, to see if I have a bad crimp or a pinched wire  (ugh!)



My ace A&P and an electrician friend helped me get to that point, and you don’t have to use the light bulb.  Put the voltmeter on the connector with it plugged into the alternator and see what the volts do…..went to less than 1v.  Disconnect from the alternator and reads a solid 12v….so I was getting voltage, no amps through the wire.



Thanks - grumpy 	  Quote: 	
		  On Dec 24, 2017, at 11:09 AM, Bill Judge <bjudge(at)gmail.com (bjudge(at)gmail.com)> wrote:

There usually isn't much to those things, you need big wire/current from it(#6 probably) and small wire/current to it(#18 probably).

Your alternator needs up to 5 amps on the field, you could test that you've got sufficient current available by briefly putting a 50 watt halogen bulb on the field at the alternator end and seeing if it lights up.Bill Judge

RV-8 N84WJ

1240 hrs

http://rv-8.blogspot.com/



On Sat, Dec 23, 2017 at 11:45 PM, RV10-List Digest Server <rv10-list(at)matronics.com (rv10-list(at)matronics.com)> wrote: 	  Quote: 	
		  *   ==================================================    Online Versions of Today's List Digest Archive  ==================================================  Today's complete RV10-List Digest can also be found in either of the two Web Links listed below.  The .html file includes the Digest formatted in HTML for viewing with a web browser and features Hyperlinked Indexes and Message Navigation.  The .txt file includes the plain ASCII version of the RV10-List Digest and can be viewed with a generic text editor such as Notepad or with a web browser.  HTML Version:      gengrumpy(at)aol.com (gengrumpy(at)aol.com)> Subject: Alternator will not put out current  Fellow RV10 guys.  I am ready to fly the RV8 I have been building for the past 5 years, but I have an alternator issue maybe one of you can help with.  The alternator I have installed is an Ultima (with internal voltage regulator) from O=99Reilly=99s auto parts store.  My next door hangar mate has an RV7 with the same alternator setup.  When I did my first ground engine run on Thursday, all worked fine except the alternator would not put out voltage.  I double checked my connector plug wiring against my hangar mate's, and and made my connector wiring exactly the same as his is.  Then I confirmed that I had 12v (with alt field switch on) to each of the 2 connectors in the plug, plugged it into the alternator, and ran engine again but no voltage increase with the alt field switch on.  With the alt field switch, there is no voltage to the connector, but there is batt voltage showing at the alternator output wire with the batt switch on.  Friday, I pulled the alternator off and took it back to O=99Reilly =99s.  It bench checked ok on their alternator tester.  I also confirmed on their tester that the 2 connectors had 12v to them - it did.  Then I had them order a new alternator anyway and it bench checked ok before I left the store..  Put the new alternator on this am.  Ops checked it this afternoon with an engine run and also ran a temp lead from the alternator output connector to a voltmeter.  The alternator output never went above the battery voltage of 12.7v with the alt field switch on.  Thinking it might be the connector plug that plugs into the back of the alternator, I changed out that plug for an older one I had with the original Denso alternator I had on my RV10.  I confirmed that I had 12v to the 2 connectors with alt field switch on and ran the engine again - no voltage increase again!  I am at wits end trying to get the alternator to put out voltage when the engine is runningany of you have suggestions?  Thanks - Grumpy N184JM  ________________________________  Message 2  _____________________________________   Time: 09:11:39 PM PST US Subject: Re: Alternator will not put out current From: "Bob Turner" <bobturner(at)alum.rpi.edu (bobturner(at)alum.rpi.edu)>   My first suggestion is to get a real schematic for this alternator, not just try to copy your neighbors plug. There are many different Ultima models. Do you have a good ground connection?  -------- Bob Turner RV-10 QB   Read this topic online here:  http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476728#476728     ==================================== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV10-List ====================================  FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ==================================== WIKI - errer" target="_blank">http://wiki.matronics.com ==================================== b Site -           -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ====================================

maca2790

Joined: 26 Jan 2011
Posts: 59
Location: Australia

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2017 5:52 pm Post subject: Alternator will not put out current

I had a broken wire on my Field winding as well. Happened on the red wire crimp at the plug! When I enquired about a replacement plug Plane Power’s agent in Australia was not interested in helping with a new plug. 



Cheers John MacCallum

VH-DUU

RV10 41016



On 25 Dec 2017, at 08:49, John Miller <gengrumpy(at)aol.com (gengrumpy(at)aol.com)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  Bill, I think you hit the nail on the head.

We traced down today that the 12v isn’t carrying any amps to the alternator, so have to look back at connections, etc, to see if I have a bad crimp or a pinched wire  (ugh!)



My ace A&P and an electrician friend helped me get to that point, and you don’t have to use the light bulb.  Put the voltmeter on the connector with it plugged into the alternator and see what the volts do…..went to less than 1v.  Disconnect from the alternator and reads a solid 12v….so I was getting voltage, no amps through the wire.



Thanks - grumpy 	  Quote: 	
		  On Dec 24, 2017, at 11:09 AM, Bill Judge <bjudge(at)gmail.com (bjudge(at)gmail.com)> wrote:

There usually isn't much to those things, you need big wire/current from it(#6 probably) and small wire/current to it(#18 probably).

Your alternator needs up to 5 amps on the field, you could test that you've got sufficient current available by briefly putting a 50 watt halogen bulb on the field at the alternator end and seeing if it lights up.Bill Judge

RV-8 N84WJ

1240 hrs

http://rv-8.blogspot.com/



On Sat, Dec 23, 2017 at 11:45 PM, RV10-List Digest Server <rv10-list(at)matronics.com (rv10-list(at)matronics.com)> wrote: 	  Quote: 	
		  *   ==================================================    Online Versions of Today's List Digest Archive  ==================================================  Today's complete RV10-List Digest can also be found in either of the two Web Links listed below.  The .html file includes the Digest formatted in HTML for viewing with a web browser and features Hyperlinked Indexes and Message Navigation.  The .txt file includes the plain ASCII version of the RV10-List Digest and can be viewed with a generic text editor such as Notepad or with a web browser.  HTML Version:      gengrumpy(at)aol.com (gengrumpy(at)aol.com)> Subject: Alternator will not put out current  Fellow RV10 guys.  I am ready to fly the RV8 I have been building for the past 5 years, but I have an alternator issue maybe one of you can help with.  The alternator I have installed is an Ultima (with internal voltage regulator) from O=99Reilly=99s auto parts store.  My next door hangar mate has an RV7 with the same alternator setup.  When I did my first ground engine run on Thursday, all worked fine except the alternator would not put out voltage.  I double checked my connector plug wiring against my hangar mate's, and and made my connector wiring exactly the same as his is.  Then I confirmed that I had 12v (with alt field switch on) to each of the 2 connectors in the plug, plugged it into the alternator, and ran engine again but no voltage increase with the alt field switch on.  With the alt field switch, there is no voltage to the connector, but there is batt voltage showing at the alternator output wire with the batt switch on.  Friday, I pulled the alternator off and took it back to O=99Reilly =99s.  It bench checked ok on their alternator tester.  I also confirmed on their tester that the 2 connectors had 12v to them - it did.  Then I had them order a new alternator anyway and it bench checked ok before I left the store..  Put the new alternator on this am.  Ops checked it this afternoon with an engine run and also ran a temp lead from the alternator output connector to a voltmeter.  The alternator output never went above the battery voltage of 12.7v with the alt field switch on.  Thinking it might be the connector plug that plugs into the back of the alternator, I changed out that plug for an older one I had with the original Denso alternator I had on my RV10.  I confirmed that I had 12v to the 2 connectors with alt field switch on and ran the engine again - no voltage increase again!  I am at wits end trying to get the alternator to put out voltage when the engine is runningany of you have suggestions?  Thanks - Grumpy N184JM  ________________________________  Message 2  _____________________________________   Time: 09:11:39 PM PST US Subject: Re: Alternator will not put out current From: "Bob Turner" <bobturner(at)alum.rpi.edu (bobturner(at)alum.rpi.edu)>   My first suggestion is to get a real schematic for this alternator, not just try to copy your neighbors plug. There are many different Ultima models. Do you have a good ground connection?  -------- Bob Turner RV-10 QB   Read this topic online here:  http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=476728#476728     ==================================== -List" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV10-List ====================================  FORUMS - eferrer" target="_blank">http://forums.matronics.com ==================================== WIKI - errer" target="_blank">http://wiki.matronics.com ==================================== b Site -           -Matt Dralle, List Admin. rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution ====================================

Albert Gardner

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 455
Location: Yuma, AZ

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2017 10:53 pm Post subject: Alternator will not put out current

I had an alternator put out too much volts last year. Fried the LED trim indicators and cost $500 each to repair the 2 Dynon screens. Autopilot never worked quite right afterward and finally had to send it in for a fix. There are 2 external ways to prevent overvoltage. One is a crowbar device across the field circuit breaker to short it and make it pop on overvoltage. The other is a circuit that looks at voltage and opens a contactor in the alternator output on overvoltage. I put in both. 

Albert (belt and suspenders) Gardner

RV-10 N991RV

Yuma, AZ

_________________
RV-9A N872RV
RV-10 N991RV

maca2790

Joined: 26 Jan 2011
Posts: 59
Location: Australia

Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2017 12:55 am Post subject: Alternator will not put out current

I am not familiar with that Alternator. You say you have two wires running to the connector both with 12 volts?  Can you upload a photo of  the wiring diagram for the Alternator?

Also you will always have Battery Volts on the B + terminal whenever the Master is on unless you have a big Diode in line with the Battery.

 

 

Cheers

 

John MacCallum

VH-DUU

RV 10 # 41016

 

 

 

From: owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of John Miller

Sent: Sunday, 24 December 2017 2:53 PM

To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Alternator will not put out current

 

Fellow RV10 guys.

 



I am ready to fly the RV8 I have been building for the past 5 years, but I have an alternator issue maybe one of you can help with.



 



The alternator I have installed is an Ultima (with internal voltage regulator) from O’Reilly’s auto parts store.  My next door hangar mate has an RV7 with the same alternator setup.



 



When I did my first ground engine run on Thursday, all worked fine except the alternator would not put out voltage.



I double checked my connector plug wiring against my hangar mate's, and and made my connector wiring exactly the same as his is.  Then I confirmed that I had 12v (with alt field switch on) to each of the 2 connectors in the plug, plugged it into the alternator, and ran engine again but no voltage increase with the alt field switch on.  



 



With the alt field switch, there is no voltage to the connector, but there is batt voltage showing at the alternator output wire with the batt switch on.



Friday, I pulled the alternator off and took it back to O’Reilly’s.  It bench checked ok on their alternator tester.  I also confirmed on their tester that the 2 connectors had 12v to them - it did.  Then I had them order a new alternator anyway and it bench checked ok before I left the store..



Put the new alternator on this am.  Ops checked it this afternoon with an engine run and also ran a temp lead from the alternator output connector to a voltmeter.  The alternator output never went above the battery voltage of 12.7v with the alt field switch on.



Thinking it might be the connector plug that plugs into the back of the alternator, I changed out that plug for an older one I had with the original Denso alternator I had on my RV10.  I confirmed that I had 12v to the 2 connectors with alt field switch on and ran the engine again - no voltage increase again!



I am at wits end trying to get the alternator to put out voltage when the engine is running……any of you have suggestions?



 



Thanks - Grumpy



N184JM

gengrumpy

Joined: 07 May 2013
Posts: 131
Location: Tullahoma, TN

Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2017 9:38 am Post subject: Alternator will not put out current

Fellow RV10ers - thanks all for the tips.  Found the issue and will post for all to see.

On suggestion from one of the avionics dealers at Osh, they convinced my partner last summer that we needed to have over-voltage protection on the alternator to protect avionics.



So we bought one of the small crow-bar types from PlanePower and installed per their instructions between the circuit breaker and the alt field switch.



I chased ghosts for several days.  Could always get 12v on the field wire to the rear of the alternator….but that was not telling the whole story.  I needed to see if it was supplying enough amps to excite the alt field.  With the help of a local A&P, we jumped the alt field wire to the connector prong on the rear of the alternator, then measured volts at the alternator….should have been 12v…..less than 1v!



That led me back to something in the wiring must be allowing 12v voltage to pass, but no amps to flow.  Then I remembered the over-voltage protection module I installed, and removed it from the wiring.  Bingo!  Got a good 12v at the alternator connection followed by a good engine run with alternator putting out 14.5v into the system!



I then checked with Christer at SteinAir (who built an RV8 a couple of years back).  He told me this:



1. He does not have such a device on his main alternator

2. He does have one on his little backup alternator mounted on the vacuum pad

3. All the Garmin products are rated for up to 30v, so he doesn’t see a need for one if you are using Garmin stuff (did not discuss Dynon stuff)

4. Set the voltage warning to 15v to warn you if the alternator starts to run away (I also set my amp warning flags as well)



So, now all is ready for first flight - hopefully tomorrow when the cold and winds let up some here in TN.



grumpy

N184JM  	  Quote: 	
		  On Dec 27, 2017, at 2:54 AM, John MacCallum <john.maccallum(at)bigpond.com (john.maccallum(at)bigpond.com)> wrote:

I am not familiar with that Alternator. You say you have two wires running to the connector both with 12 volts?  Can you upload a photo of  the wiring diagram for the Alternator?

Also you will always have Battery Volts on the B + terminal whenever the Master is on unless you have a big Diode in line with the Battery.

 

 

Cheers

 

John MacCallum

VH-DUU

RV 10 # 41016

 

 

 

From: owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com (owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com) [mailto:owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com (owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com)] On Behalf Of John MillerSent: Sunday, 24 December 2017 2:53 PMTo: rv10-list(at)matronics.com (rv10-list(at)matronics.com)Subject: Alternator will not put out current

 

Fellow RV10 guys.

 



I am ready to fly the RV8 I have been building for the past 5 years, but I have an alternator issue maybe one of you can help with.



 



The alternator I have installed is an Ultima (with internal voltage regulator) from O’Reilly’s auto parts store.  My next door hangar mate has an RV7 with the same alternator setup.



 



When I did my first ground engine run on Thursday, all worked fine except the alternator would not put out voltage.I double checked my connector plug wiring against my hangar mate's, and and made my connector wiring exactly the same as his is.  Then I confirmed that I had 12v (with alt field switch on) to each of the 2 connectors in the plug, plugged it into the alternator, and ran engine again but no voltage increase with the alt field switch on.  



 



With the alt field switch, there is no voltage to the connector, but there is batt voltage showing at the alternator output wire with the batt switch on.Friday, I pulled the alternator off and took it back to O’Reilly’s.  It bench checked ok on their alternator tester.  I also confirmed on their tester that the 2 connectors had 12v to them - it did.  Then I had them order a new alternator anyway and it bench checked ok before I left the store..Put the new alternator on this am.  Ops checked it this afternoon with an engine run and also ran a temp lead from the alternator output connector to a voltmeter.  The alternator output never went above the battery voltage of 12.7v with the alt field switch on.Thinking it might be the connector plug that plugs into the back of the alternator, I changed out that plug for an older one I had with the original Denso alternator I had on my RV10.  I confirmed that I had 12v to the 2 connectors with alt field switch on and ran the engine again - no voltage increase again!I am at wits end trying to get the alternator to put out voltage when the engine is running……any of you have suggestions?



 



Thanks - Grumpy



N184JM

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