Not getting any Voltage or Amps from my alternator in flight is no funny business. Today I knew I would have to spend time tediously hunting down the cause. I started by testing the resistance on the alternator wires and found they all were within the same range. I then wanted to see if my Voltage regulator was overheating and shutting down so I plumbed some Sceet tubing off the passenger air vent and directed the air over my Voltage regulator. I was able to fly for 45 minutes with only a small hickup in the Voltage coming from the regulator so I thought I may have found the culpirt. I then landed, removed the tubing and flew again. This time the Voltage dropped right after takeoff. AHA! I may have found the issue. To be absolutely sure, I soldered a couple test leads to my alternator wires and ran them into the cabin where they will connect to a multimeter. During tomorrows test flight I will clearly be able to see if the Alternator is shutting down or not when the Voltage drops. If the meter shows Voltage when my Voltage drops then I know I have a dying Voltage regulator and will be replacing it as well as directing fresh air to it. This may also mean moving it into the engine compartment again....if there is room! My hope tomorrow is to see that my alternator is NOT the problem as this would require pulling the engine and about 2 months airplane grounded while I wait for parts and tools. Today's results while cooling the regulator lead me to think I'm right. I may also get a little mercy from UL. Crossing fingers here!
