Larry Stetz:
I need to replace the alternator on our A23-24, Serial #MA57, a 200 hp IO360-A2B. It is a Musketeer Super III. I am in need of the part number to replace the alternator and would like to know if there is a newer lite-weight version to replace these older units? (Search strings: new alternator, replace my alternator, overhauled alternator, alternator repair, generator replacement, generator upgrade, alternator replacement)
Editor:
Plane power now makes certified lightweight alternators that should work on our planes. They are FAA-PMA parts, so no paperwork hassles. They are expensive, at $394, but not much different from overhauled traditional units. If it is any consolation, the version we would use is the least expensive one. They are reportedly 2.6 pounds lighter than our typical Ford-style alternator. I have no experience with these yet. I should also comment that if you have no more serious damage (good diode pack, good windings, good slip rings), your alternator may be repairable with bearings and brushes. Also note, if you are still generator-equipped, that Plane Power seems to be offering a certified alternator upgrade kit. It should prove to be a big improvement over the InterAV conversion product.
Link to Aircraft Spruce, for these new alternators:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/eppages/lightweight_alternator.php
Link to the manufacturer’s site:
http://www.plane-power.com/products.htm
Manufacturer’s excellent application guide; even covers InterAV replacements (generator conversions):
http://www.plane-power.com/images/PlanePower_FitGuide.pdf
Additional endorsement by Bob Steward, A&P-IA, including discount instructions:
I have been installing the new Plane Power alternators since July of 2006. Courtesy of Linda and Steve Klodd, the owners of Plane Power, those wanting
a discount on a brand new alternator, not a rebuild of a who KNOWS how-old
Ford core, you can contact Plane Power, and tell them you read about the
AL12-F60 on Musketeer Mail, and buy one for $350 plus shipping. This is
only about $20 more than Kelly Aerospace gets for rebuilt Ford DOFF10300J
units, and you have to turn in the $100 core alternator to Kelly to be rebuilt.
Several Musketeer models use the AL12-P70, a replacement for the Prestolite
alternators Beech used. (ALE-8105, ALE-8460) These are similarly priced,
and available.
With the Plane Power unit, you get to keep (or sell on eBay?) the core, and
you save about 1.1 pounds and get an alternator based on the popular
NipponDenso design used on Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, etc.
You probably know how rugged those Asian alternators are. You drive the
vehicle 200,000 miles and then think about putting a $10 set of brushes in
them.
The kits come with complete instructions/drawings (2 copies!) and are
FAA-PMA approved for our applications. It does require an Airframe rating
to sign off the paper work, but there is nothing overly difficult about the
installation. Those without split nose bowls will have to pull the prop,
but you’d have to do that to replace the belt or service the old alternator
anyway.
http://www.plane- power.com/
Plane Power, Ltd.
346 Howard Clemmons Rd.
Granbury, Texas 76048
Toll Free 877.934.5700
Phone 817.573.5700
Fax 817.573.5716