Jasco alternator problem
Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher
- Aussie_1
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Mon Nov 15, 2010 6:32 am
Jasco alternator problem
I have a Jasco alternator (Model 656OT) that seems to charge intermittently, that is from time to time the ammeter will show a discharge for periods of several minutes and then go back to charging. This seems to happen regardless of engine speed and I have tried just about everything I can think of to resolve the problem. The voltage regulator has been replaced, all wiring and circuit breakers checked, replaced the battery but the problem persists. The alternator has done only approximately 300hrs since new. Any ideas?
- GAHorn
- Posts: 21301
- Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2002 8:45 pm
Re: Jasco alternator problem
Circuit breaker has lost it's continuity/dirty contacts/calibration.... or intermittent c.b./fuse/fuse--holder.
<also>
Keep in mind your cockpit Master Switch has TWO CIRCUITS in it.
ONE... completes a GROUND to activate your battery relay. The SECOND completes the charging circuit for your gen/alt. (usually to the regulator).
I once experienced the same problem with my generator charging circuit. The gen would occasionally not charge and then would resume charging. When I pulled gently on the cockpit Master Switch (my '53 model has push/pull switches in the panel) the pulling action re-connected the charge circuit inside the switch.
I disassembled the switch, cleaned the contacts, lubricated with dielectric grease (Dow Corning DC-4 silicone grease) and it's now worked flawlessly for an additional 10 years.
Hope that helps.
<also>
Keep in mind your cockpit Master Switch has TWO CIRCUITS in it.
ONE... completes a GROUND to activate your battery relay. The SECOND completes the charging circuit for your gen/alt. (usually to the regulator).
I once experienced the same problem with my generator charging circuit. The gen would occasionally not charge and then would resume charging. When I pulled gently on the cockpit Master Switch (my '53 model has push/pull switches in the panel) the pulling action re-connected the charge circuit inside the switch.
I disassembled the switch, cleaned the contacts, lubricated with dielectric grease (Dow Corning DC-4 silicone grease) and it's now worked flawlessly for an additional 10 years.
Hope that helps.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.

-
- Posts: 548
- Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2013 5:58 am
Re: Jasco alternator problem
The 60 Amp Alt will over charge the battery and the electronic voltage regulator will then shut down the alternator until the battery discharges to the control voltage. there is a adjustment screw to control this on the regulator.
lower the voltage and this symptom will stop.
lower the voltage and this symptom will stop.
Cessna® is a registered trademark of Textron Aviation, Inc. The International Cessna® 170 Association is an independent owners/operators association dedicated to C170 aircraft and early O-300-powered C172s. We are not affiliated with Cessna® or Textron Aviation, Inc. in any way.