Hi Donald,
Your facts are straight in that they are the truth.
The "whole truth", however, is more in line Harry's statement that the
local Delco-Remy qualified auto [electrical repair] shop is "qualified
to repair the generator and re-set the regulator".
I say this because I have a copy of the Delco-Remy AIrcraft Electrical
Equipment Operator's Manual, DR-5057 dated 10-31-46. Each proud new
aircraft owner with a Delco electrical system got one of these with
their aircraft.
On p. 8, under "Checks to Be Made if Cranking Motor Does Not Operate
Properly", the owner is advised to, among other things, remove the
cover band and check the brushes and commutator. Rather amazingly, it
advises that "If the commutator is black or dirty, it may be cleaned by
holding a strip of fine sandpaper (No. 00) against it with a piece of
wood while the cranking motor is operating. Keep ignition turned off
so engine will not start,." YA THINK? It then advises "If the
commutator is extremely dirty, worn, or has high micah, the cranking
motor should be removed and taken to an Authorized Electrical Service
Station of United Motors Service so that the commutator can be turned
down in a lathe and the mica undercut."
On p. 17, the preceding is repeated for the generator.
On p. 11, it states: The generator is used in conjunction with a
regulator...which exercises full control of the generator output.
Misunderstanding of the regulator action often leads to misadjustment
of the regulatorr and resulting serious damage to the electrical
equipment and possibly the plane itself. THE REGULATOR COVER MUST
NEVER BE REMOVED EXCEPT BY AN ELECTRICAL SERVICEMAN WHO UNDERSTANDS
REGULATOR ACTION AND SERVICE REQUIREMENTS." On p. 13, it states:
"Under no condition should an unqualified person without adequate
testing instruments and tools attempt to adjust the regulator."
On the back cover is the UNITED SERVICE MOTORS logo, a horizontal oval
with what appears to be an early thirties convertible automobile (top
down) with the first word over the car, the second word in white
letters reversed out of the black vehicle, and the third word below.
The shops displaying these signs were, in the main, automotive shops in
1946. Above this logo are these words:
"Always use original equipment parts for repairs or replacement.
Parts and service on all Delco-Remy unita are available at
United Motors Service Stations everywhere...wherever you see
this sign.
So if it was "legal" to have aircraft Delco components serviced by
automotive shops back in the forties, the only reason not to do so
today is NOT regulatory, but one of the changed legal liability
"climate". Such shops legitimately fear that the widow of a pilot that
crashes may some day file a suit against their shop simply because once
upon a time they worked on an aviation component of that aircraft and
her lawyer will cast the widest possible net looking for dollar$.
I have had mine checked for electrical "correctness" with a growler.
They don't have to have a pulley to turn down a commutator and undercut
the mica. Owners who are persistent very quickly eliminate the shops
that are looking for ways not to do the work, and those seriously
interested in the actual practice of their trade. Find one of the
latter, and stick with them...money in the bank, and good insurance.
When time and finances permit, I intend to publish a reprint of
DR-5057, and also offer the many later Delco Service Bulletins and
Parts Lists now out of print and no longer available.
Regards,
William R. Bayne
.____|-(o)-|____.
(Copyright 2010)
--
On Jul 14, 2010, at 12:02, Donald wrote:
I had to look that one up Harry. Para 3 of SB 44 only pertains to the
regulator, and says you must take it to an authorized Delco Remo
repair station. I don't think anyone actually repairs the regulators
any longer, and your reference does not apply to generators. When I
tried to have mine checked, they would not touch it until I told them
it was from an airboat, and then they could not because they had no
way to spin it up without a pulley on it.
Getting a rebuilt 35amp generator costs $291 at skyport, a rebuilt
Cessna 60 amp alternator costs $376 at Aircraft Spruce.
I am not trying to sell anybody on the idea, just keeping the facts
straight.
--- In [email protected], "Harry L. Francis"
<harrylfran...@...> wrote:
Taylor,
Whenwe had tube type radios, plus al the lights, etc. the original
Gen at 13
amps was just too small. The 35 amp system is more than adaquet for
your
bird......in my opinion. I cannot justify the cost od the alternator.
Thenonly
benefit is the alternator will more quickly re-charge the batt....but
not
needed.
The generator casn be repaired, if necezsry at the local Delco-Reme
qualified
Auto shop. I would be tempted to purchase one of the solid state
regulators if
yours needs replacement.
The auto shop is qualified to repair the gen and re-set the
regulator, as
pointred out in the ERCo Memo 44, para 3
Harry Francis
N93530
