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Gear Driven Alternator Inspection
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Shear drive (clutch) used on Continental 520 engines. When this drive gets old it starts to slip and you get an intermittent alternator
If an electrical inspection of the alternator and charging system don't reveal the problem then a mechanical inspection of the alternator should be performed.
All gear driven accessories should have a "weak link" so that the seizing of the accessory due to a malfunction won't seize the entire engine. The shear drive (clutch) pictured above is the "weak link". After years in service this shear drive may start to slip so that the alternator drive is intermittent. Alternator output varies and it may go offline and come back online as the clutch slips and grabs.
Continental published specific inspection procedures for the alternator clutch. Consult with these publications for the latest and most through inspection procedures.
Remove the alternator from the engine. While holding the external hub of the driven gear coupling, manually apply torque to the gear. If slippage is evident, the alternator and hub assembly must be repaired or replaced. While holding the alternator in a horizontal position, rotate the shaft in both directions. If the shaft doesn't turn freely, internal rotor rubbing or bearing distress conditions are indicated, the alternator and hub assembly must be replaced.
If bearing roughness or noticeable shaft displacements are detected when the shaft is manually rotated or pushed in any direction, the alternator and hub assembly must be replaced.
Visually inspect for a damaged alternator driven gear. If the alternator driven gear is damaged, the alternator and shear drive must be replaced.
Copyright 2003 by
Sacramento Sky Ranch Inc. All rights reserved. Prices subject to
change without notice. Not responsible for typographical or misprint. |
