Regulator/Rectifier
in General Tech Discussion
7 years ago
I am referencing the heavy maintenance manual. 74-00-00, page 16. There are two yellow wires that go from the Magneto-Generator to the Regulator/Rectifier. (Labeled G on the regulator/rectifier).
During my annual condition inspection, I noticed one of the yellow wires had the insulation melted away indicating signs of overheating. The regulator/rectifier was working before the inspection.
There was enough extra wire so I was able to put on another connector and connect it to the regulator/rectifier.
I started the engine and it appear to work OK.
This is the second time this has happened. The first time was when the plane had 223 hours on it. This time it has about 415 hours. The first time it had damaged the regulator/rectifier so I had to order a new one.
I know that Rotax has problems with these. They are especially a problem with the RV-12. I know Van's came up with a modification that allows you to install it under the glove box on the passenger side of the firewall. However, according to the folks at Lockwood, even with this modification, they continue to have problems with it. So I have not been motivated to move it.
Here are my questions:
1) Should I go ahead and replace the regulator/rectifier. Is that the problem, or could it be a problem with the wire or the connector?
2) If it happens again, I will probably have to splice a wire to the existing yellow wire, because the wire is getting shorter every time I repair it. I cannot find the size of the wire. Would you have a source for that ?
As always I appreciate the help from this forum.
I am going to attempt to attach a photo.
Thanks,
Bob
During my annual condition inspection, I noticed one of the yellow wires had the insulation melted away indicating signs of overheating. The regulator/rectifier was working before the inspection.
There was enough extra wire so I was able to put on another connector and connect it to the regulator/rectifier.
I started the engine and it appear to work OK.
This is the second time this has happened. The first time was when the plane had 223 hours on it. This time it has about 415 hours. The first time it had damaged the regulator/rectifier so I had to order a new one.
I know that Rotax has problems with these. They are especially a problem with the RV-12. I know Van's came up with a modification that allows you to install it under the glove box on the passenger side of the firewall. However, according to the folks at Lockwood, even with this modification, they continue to have problems with it. So I have not been motivated to move it.
Here are my questions:
1) Should I go ahead and replace the regulator/rectifier. Is that the problem, or could it be a problem with the wire or the connector?
2) If it happens again, I will probably have to splice a wire to the existing yellow wire, because the wire is getting shorter every time I repair it. I cannot find the size of the wire. Would you have a source for that ?
As always I appreciate the help from this forum.
I am going to attempt to attach a photo.
Thanks,
Bob
IMG_2144.JPG (You do not have access to download this file.)
