Charging system in PIPER Warrior 1976

dlk074dlk074
in General Discussion
Bought the plane last February and learned to fly into August. Never had a problem with battery running down. Obviously flew regularly. Alt light barely showing up during night flight. Amp meter showing at least 30 amps when all equipment on. Took alternator off plane and checked brushes, which appear practically new. checked volts during a flight through cigarette lighter and showed up 14.4 volts. Anyone else have a problem like this?

Comments

  • n36601n36601
    I don't see a question in your post????
    My only comments based on what you've posted is ....14.4 volts is a bit on the high side, but not of concern. 14.1 - 14.2 would be better.
    The ALT annunciator should not be lighted at all. It should light fully when the ALT side of the MASTER switch is OFF.
    30 amps showing on the loadmeter is a bit on the high side. You may want to experiment with adding load, item by item, and confirm that the loads are being accurately reflected on the gauge. Your battery may be getting weak. Have it load tested in accordance with its manufacturers instructions.
    What problem are you experiencing?
  • flyguydonflyguydon
    The regulator is up above the side panel (left of your left foot) mounted to a metal plate that also has a few other things on it. Depending on what kind of stuff has been done to your plane, it may have an over-voltage sensor up there too in series with the regulator. If not, the newer regulators usually have the regulator and OV sensor in one.

    Why do you think the battery is not fully charged? Perhaps you have a bad battery? Does yours have a load meter or a charging amp meter? If it has a constant 30 amps of "charge" indicated you have a bad battery or some other thing. If you have a load meter, 30 amps is not too far off. Look at the meter and turn on the landing light. Does the meter go higher? If so you have a load meter. If the meter would usually go up just after start and then go back to near zero you have a rate of charge meter.
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