In a message dated 6/15/2002 7:14:40 PM Pacific Standard Time,
europajim@juno.com writes:
>
> Well, I started the engine today after I received my airworthiness cert.
> from the FAA designee. It's been blessed so I moved it outside and
> primed the oil system and after about 6 blades, I saw the blades blur as
> the engine caught and began to run. Brought it up to 2000 rpm and the
> oil pressure went to 72 psi. The engine ran a bit on the rough side but
> I do not know how smooth it should run. The "S" is suppose to run a bit
> on the rough side with the higher compression. After it warmed up a bit
> I ran it up to 3000 rpm and it smoothed out a bit. The bad news is the
> 40A alternator was not putting out any power. I checked the field
> voltage and it was "0" so the alternator wouldn't put out. I have to
> find out why. The Rotax alternator was put on line and it ran fine.
> Charging the battery for the 10 min or so I ran the engine. So guys, I
> have to trouble shoot it to find out why. That will take a while as I
> want to get it put back together, and begin taxi testing. Then first
> flights and a few for me. I deserve that. When those things are taken
> care of , I'll trouble shoot the "0" volts on the field.
> The alternator is driven with a modified "S" Flex coupling from
> companys such as the "Love Joy" company. The coupling is designed with a
> rubber sleeve between both coupling halves. That rubber sleeve will
> shear when to much torque is applied to it. Because of the nature of the
> coupling, it also will dampen the torsional vibrations from the crank.
> It looks fine not but has not had a load put to it. The complete
> instillation that I designed weighs 9# complete.
> Now to spoil all this, Whelen Co. is releasing soon a running
> light system that uses LED's in place of the very old fashion filament
> light (very expensive) and a POWER HOG. The new system is (I'm told by
> rumor) to use only 2A instead of about 7A with the old style bulbs. That
> 5A savings will allow you to use the Rotax system and still have power to
> run a Art. Horizon., DG, Turn Coordinator, radio, Transponder and leave
> a bit to use for interior lights or a wig / wag landing / taxi light
> system. It may make the need for extra alternator redundant.
> So I leave you while I fix some small leaks this week and maybe I
> be ready to taxi by next weekend. Flying is getting close but I'm not
> going to rush. Cross the "T's" and dot the "I's. When its time, its
> time.
>
>
Sounds like a good design. I am forging ahead and looking forward to doing
the same thing. With the 914 engine, 2 electric fuel pumps make the second
power source nice to have.
I'd love to see some pictures of the mount, if you have them.
Dave Anderson
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