Long-Time Electrical Challenge!

Re: Long-Time Electrical Challenge!

by Rich Provenzano » 10 years ago

Rich Provenzano

20 59 30

Hello Art,

I' ve had similar problems when my plane was new.
Two separate occasions.

1) Bad avionics switch. Internal contact problem.
2) Bad CB. Internal also.

First check all EXTERNAL connect points and insure tightness.
If that's not the problem, go to the smell test. If a switch or CB has an internal contact problem this will cause arching and burning of the insulation and/or the Bakelite material. Put your nose to it. If that's the cause, you'll know it.

Interested to know how you make out.

Rich

Re: Long-Time Electrical Challenge!

by Art Locklear » 10 years ago

Art Locklear

3 10 0

Thanks for your response, Rich! I use fuses, so CBs aren't the problem. I've added an avionics switch about 6 months after I got the plane, and nothing changed. The issue has always been the same, so I think that rules out the switch. With regards to the smoke, when it happens, it can be a lot...more than any small wire can produce. That's why I'm thinking it is coming from a larger wire on the back side of the engine. I don't see any sign of burning wires, so at this point I'm thinking the only two places burning could be going on is near the alternator/stator area and/or inside the regulator/rectifier. Does this make you think of anything else, or do you know how I could conclude anything more about the stator other than pulling apart the wiring harnesses and checking connectors there? Any other thoughts? Thanks, Art.

Re: Long-Time Electrical Challenge!

by Garrett Wysocki » 10 years ago

Garrett Wysocki

1 572 1.45k

One of the things I found with the Rotax charging system is that you need to do power management with the avionics after start up and during taxiing. I.E only turn on only what you absolutely need otherwise the battery gets discharged and when you apply full power for takeoff/climb and then cruise the charge circuit gets over loaded thing to recharge the battery and run the avionics which seems to damage the capacitor and overheats the stab on connectors at the rectifier/regulator which causes a bad connection thus decreasing the performance of the charging circuit even more. I have gotten in the habit of turning off the avionics and making sure the battery get recharged before shutdown which helps the next time around. Hope this is helpful.

Re: Long-Time Electrical Challenge!

by Rich Provenzano » 10 years ago

Rich Provenzano

20 59 30

Art,

I agree with Garrett's first reply to not fly until the problem is resolved. If your not seeing anything that's causing the problem, you'll need to get an experienced A&P or an IRMT to have a look.

I'm sure you've ruled out dripping oil or something else touching a hot surface on the engine.

Wish I could be of more help.

Re: Long-Time Electrical Challenge!

by Garrett Wysocki » 10 years ago

Garrett Wysocki

1 572 1.45k

It is better to be on the ground wishing you were up there than to be up there wishing you were on the ground.