Return-Path: Received: from mta4.rcsntx.swbell.net ([151.164.30.28]) by ns1.olsusa.com (Post.Office MTA v3.5.3 release 223 ID# 0-64832U3500L350S0V35) with ESMTP id com for ; Tue, 2 Jan 2001 06:43:16 -0500 Received: from swbell.net ([216.63.106.127]) by mta4.rcsntx.swbell.net (Sun Internet Mail Server sims.3.5.2000.01.05.12.18.p9) with ESMTP id <0G6J00D3PA9LIF@mta4.rcsntx.swbell.net> for lancair.list@olsusa.com; Tue, 2 Jan 2001 05:51:21 -0600 (CST) Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2001 05:48:42 -0800 From: Greg Nelson Subject: Re: Alternators/brushes To: "lancair.list@olsusa.com" Message-id: <3A51DC3A.38893A34@swbell.net> X-Mailing-List: lancair.list@olsusa.com Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com Mime-Version: 1.0 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> Charles Patton: As a non-engineer, I have trouble decerning whether you conclude "yes" or "no" with respect to using automotive alternators at high altitude. My future intended use (after adding oxygen) is in an LNC2 often operating between 8 and 18 thousand feet and always in VFR. If the automotive alternator shuts down, this might be annoying but not catastrophic as it can be replaced from any NAPA store for just $112.00 and I actually had it repaired at an alternator shop for just $27.00. My questions are, "Just how quickly (in operating hours) might an alternator fail if it is operated at thin atmosphere for perhaps 30% of all engine time?" and, "Will the failure be gradual or sudden?" Thank you for answering. Greg Nelson >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>