Thorp Air Command - T18.net

ok, good, I appreciate all your explanation. Im learning alot from this discussion.

Im not even going to worry about testing the alternator. I already have a new one on the way. I'll feel better about getting all the wiring, solenoids, over voltage protection, voltage regulator, etc, replaced so that I know the history with everything. The previous owner couldnt tell me anything about this firewall forward setup (son was selling for ill father). I have gone too long this way and should have done this sooner.

Well, don't beat yourself up. I did the same thing until mine started acting up. It took a long time to learn from my own mistakes. I bet there are tons of guys flying behind firewalls that have no diagram of the electrical system. My advice is to diagram yours. Even tho you are following some written advice, every airplane is different. Document it!
Cubes

AND make a wire key ! Much like a wiring diagram in your auto repair manual . For each "plug" you build up make a sketch of the plug (for example plug for the radio) with the pin locations and then label each wire (wire label tape...1,2,3-A,B,C, etc) that goes to what pin and what it does...#2 wire is for PTT . Write down in your "key" , pin#1 is for wire #2, etc. Each wire that is not associated with a plug, put a wire label marker (the premade PSA labels) on it also and write it down in the key book as to it's purpose . I guarantee you will not remember what wire does what and to what pin without one . I carry the key code with me in the AC along with other maint. items . Sure as Shineola the only time I would need it would be away from home base !

RB

good idea Rich. I had planned to laminate the wiring diagram and carry it in my binder with my other docs that stay in the plane. I think I'll add a wire key as well.

Just wanted to update what I found out. I took my alternator and voltage regulator to an alternator shop. They said my voltage regulator was shot but that my alternator was fine. So, thats good to know and it saves me about $650 to boot. While I was there, I saw a starter on the floor and snapped a picture of it. I wish I would have put a yard stick next to it, but its about a yard long. I asked the guy what that started and he told me......do you guys have a guess before I tell?

Perhaps a diesel locomotive?

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

You're right, Bob. Its huge.