THE NEW PIPER AIRCRAFT, INC.
PA-32-301FT / 301XTC
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
PAGE 5
Jun 1/03
2G5
24-30-00
B. Precautions
Considerable time and expense can be saved observing the following precautions prior to
testing the charging system.
(1) Always disconnect the battery ground cable before disconnecting wiring or components of
system.
(2) Whenever the battery cables are connected and the BATT MASTR switch is ON, avoid
contacting alternator output terminal (BAT), because it is directly connected to the battery bus
voltage
(3) Never connect the battery ground cable until all system wiring connections and components
are complete.
(4) When adjusting belt tension, always apply force near pulley of the alternator to avoid damage
to stator and rectifier, or use a 1 1/8 inch open end wrench on the adjustment lug of the
alternator case casting.
(5) Never attempt to polarize the alternator. Polarizing is not applicable to alternator and could
damage the regulator.
(6) Observe polarity when installing a battery in aircraft. Reverse polarity will destroy the diodes in
alternator.
(7) Always connect a booster battery in parallel, negative to negative, positive to positive.
(8) Before disconnecting a booster battery, reduce engine speed to idle. Turn landing light ON to
prevent a voltage surge that could destroy small light bulbs. Disconnect booster battery; turn
landing light OFF.
(9) Disconnect the battery ground cable before connecting a charger to the battery.
C. On Aircraft Checks
(1) Visual Inspection
Prior to testing, perform a visual inspection of charging system components. What appears to
be a charging system problem can, in some instances, be traced to some of the relatively
simple discrepancies outlined here that are easily corrected.
(a) Proper belt tension. If alternator pulley wheel can be slipped on belt by hand the belt is
too loose or glazed. Replace or tighten belt per Alternator Belt Tension Adjustment, below.
(b) Specific gravity of battery reading. A fully charged battery should read 1.275.
(c) Clean and tighten battery posts and cable clamps.
(d) Clean and tighten wiring connection at alternator.
(e) Clean and tighten wiring connections at regulator.
(2) Ammeter Validity Test
With engine off, place BATT MASTR switch in the ON position. Switch landing light switch ON.
Ammeter should show discharge. If ammeter needle does not move:
(a) Check wiring connections at ammeter are tight and clean, or;
(b) Ammeter is defective. Replace ammeter.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General