Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Date: Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:29:54 -0500
Message-ID: <redirect-2633889@logan.com>
Received-SPF: pass
 receiver=logan.com; client-ip=75.180.132.120; envelope-from=sreeves@sc.rr.com
From: Steve Reeves <sreeves@sc.rr.com>
Subject: Electrical issue
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

I had some good advice from the list concerning my electrical 
problem, and went through everything again.  Before I pull my hair 
out, I'd like to post the symptoms and any accompanying issues.

A while back my alternator decided to start cycling on and off every 
now and again, mostly when under load.  It will never do it during a 
day flight, and only during the day when running strobes.  I can 
induce it at night fairly easily sometimes with the navs, fuel pump, 
landing light, and panel lights (no strobes needed..they seem able to 
induce the problem by themselves).  I was returning from Miss. a few 
nights ago and it decided to do this.  I shut down the strobes and 
everything was fine (as usual).  I turned the strobes back on and the 
last 30 min or so of the flight was uneventful.

I installed a new B&C battery yesterday and the problem occurred 
again yesterday evening 1 time near the beginning of the flight, and 
more so on the ground after I landed and had the engine at idle 
power.  I stayed in the pattern since I had a "known" electrical issue.

Here are  few things I may have forgotten to mention, and I can't be 
sure if this could be a cause of my problem.

1)  A while back I noticed my main relay would not power the 
panel.  I could hear the "clunk" when the masters were engaged, but 
nothing on the panel.  After a few more tries, the 	panel engaged 
power and no problem.  I put the plane in the shop and they could not 
duplicate the problem.  I had forgotten about this, as it has not 
happened for a while now 	later, it powered on).  Could this be the 
root of my problem?

2)  I notice both my EI voltmeter as well as the Dynon (backup to my 
gyro ;) )  are reporting about 13.5V when in flight.  I would assume 
this should be around 14.5 or so.

3)  The main problem is that if under load, the system will "shut 
down" the charging system intermittently and then come back 
online.  Sometimes in a rapid (5 secs or so) succession 	or sometimes 
in more erratic unpredictable intervals. Like the flight back the 
other night, it acted up then stayed online for the remainder of the flight.

	I thought I had the alternator tested at one time and was told it was fine.

This problem is driving me crazy.  Any and all input would be 
appreciated.  Thanks again


Steve Reeves
Glasair 1FT N38SR