139 – My Alternator Came Apart… Should I Also Replace the Voltage Regulator?

Airplane Owner Maintenance - By Dean Showalter

NOTICE: UNTIL THE END OF MAY 2020, USE CODE “CANARD” FOR A 20% DISCOUNT ON MY VIDEO COURSE “SAFETY WIRE LIKE A PRO!” (Listen to the podcast to hear the story behind the word “canard” and why I chose that for the code.)

Click the following link to learn about the course:

https://airplane-owner-maintenance.teachable.com/p/safetywiring

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I received an email recently asking a question about an alternator that came apart due to a failed bearing… listen to today’s podcast episode for some thoughts on that.

Also, many older airplanes don’t have a digital voltage indicator on the instrument panel, so here’s a fantastic solution for plugging in to the cigarette lighter: (and the great thing is, it’s under $20!)

https://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/flight-gear-dual-usb-charger.html

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Here are some other items of interest from this past week: (All of these situations are described in today’s episode.)

STRANGE VACUUM GAUGE INDICATIONS IN A MOONEY – CHECK OUT THE DETERIORATED HOSE THAT MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSING THIS:

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EXHAUST SYSTEM PRESSURE TESTING ON AN AEROSTAR:

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A SLICK MAGNETO THAT MADE IT TO ABOUT 1700 HOURS! (This one has gone to Kevin Herrington at Aircraft Ignition Services, LLC for repair.)

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A LOOSE BOLT IN A TURBOCHARGER SUPPORT BRACE: (NOTICE THE RUSTY COLOR IN THE SEAM, WHICH INDICATES CHAFING. ALSO NOTICE THE WEAR MARK UNDER THE WASHER.)

For more information about noticing colors on an engine, check out podcast episode 036 – Tell-Tale Colors in an airplane’s engine compartment.

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A FUEL QUANTITY COMPUTER IN AN AEROSTAR:

(We sent this component to Tech-Aire in Wichita, KS because the right fuel gauge was not indicating properly, and “Bill” advised the problem is usually in this box… so I’m hopeful this will fix it.)

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Which one of these video training courses would you be most eager to learn from:

1. Servicing landing gear shock struts.
2. Basic electrical system operation and troubleshooting.
3. Exhaust valve borescoping and interpretation.
4. Another idea you have! (Let me know.)

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so click that tab over on the right side of the page and record a voice message, or, send me an email: [e-mail]

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Don’t forget, you can get my safety wiring video tutorial course for 20% off through the end of May 2020… click this link for more info:

https://airplane-owner-maintenance.teachable.com/p/safetywiring