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Post by coastalflyer2023 on Feb 6, 2023 0:41:12 GMT
My ALT light came on in flight and I could see my battery voltage dropping. I flew to the nearest airport, charged the battery over night and flew the remaining distance home the next morning. I am not locating the issue except to say that when the Rotax engine is running, it is not charging the battery. I suspected the regulator/rectifier and happened to have a new one on the shelf. After installing the new unit, the same issue continued. I have searched for burnt wires and loose connections to no avail. Does anyone have ideas that I might consider. My A&P is perplexed, as am I. Any input would be appreciated. My aircraft is a Tecnam Bravo.
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Post by Flocker on Feb 6, 2023 1:01:43 GMT
Which model engine?
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Post by coastalflyer2023 on Feb 6, 2023 18:30:55 GMT
Flocker, the Rotax engine is a 912. (2008)
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Post by Flocker on Feb 6, 2023 18:58:40 GMT
Flocker, the Rotax engine is a 912. (2008) ULS? |
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Post by coastalflyer2023 on Feb 6, 2023 19:57:00 GMT
My bad. It is a 912uls.
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Post by Flocker on Feb 7, 2023 0:49:04 GMT
Where are you located?
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Post by coastalflyer2023 on Feb 7, 2023 1:38:53 GMT
KJKA, Jack Edwards International, Gulf Shores, Alabama
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Post by coastalflyer2023 on Feb 7, 2023 1:46:28 GMT
Tecnam Serial #128
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Post by LSA Flyer on Feb 7, 2023 2:27:48 GMT
Here is a link that might help your mechanic: www.rotax-owner.com/en/912-914-technical-questions/1416-charging-system-ducati-voltage-regulator?start=0. If the capacitor has been inadvertently connected with reverse polarity, you will also not get battery charging. (You may not have a capicitor) Odd that the VR change did not solve the charging problem, check the connectors in the plug for a burned one. It's common for heat, corrosion and vibration to ruin one of the crimps and cause failure. 9 times out of 10 its a connection to, or a failure of the VR. The rare issue is a stator failure. |
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Post by Flocker on Feb 7, 2023 23:07:11 GMT
I'm not familiar with the 912ULS electrical system. Only the 912iS.
Lockwood down in Sebring FL has a Rotax Tech line. Might be worth your time to call and have your A & P on the line.
Tech. Line: 863-655-6229
Tech. Avail: 9-10am, 2-3pm EST M-F
They are the experts.
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Post by coastalflyer2023 on Feb 9, 2023 1:51:28 GMT
Thanks Flocker. This is helpful and I appreciate your time and efforts on my behalf.
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Post by coastalflyer2023 on Feb 10, 2023 1:33:39 GMT
Problem resolved. Just below the firewall mounted regulator/rectifier there is a mounted 50 amp fuse. The fuse had been tested twice with both legs showing 12+ volts. Today my A&P tested the link with his multimeter and noticed a slight difference between the two legs. He surmised that there may be some corrosion under the threaded nuts. The fuse link itself appeared to be just fine. However, when he began to loosen the top nut, the 50 amp link came apart at the center. Upon close examination, we could see that the back side of the link showed evidence of being weakened.
We connected the two wires to one post and turned over the Rotax. The ALT light went out immediately, as it should. Tomorrow I will locate a new fuse link (and a spare.) Thanks to all who contributed input.
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