60A Alternator recommendations
Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher
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- Posts: 121
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60A Alternator recommendations
Looking for recommendations/suggestions on a replacement alternator for our '48 170. Existing is a Ford 60 amp alternator on an 0300D. Thanks in advance.
- cessna170bdriver
- Posts: 4115
- Joined: Mon Apr 22, 2002 5:13 pm
Re: 60A Alternator recommendations
It's a 50-amp, not a 60-amp, but I haven't had a minute's trouble out of my Jasco alternator and regulator in 25 years of service. It had about 1000 hours on the system at last engine overhaul 9 years ago, and I had the alternator itself overhauled at that time just because I wanted to start fresh with all accessories.
Miles
“I envy no man that knows more than myself, but pity them that know less.”
— Thomas Browne
“I envy no man that knows more than myself, but pity them that know less.”
— Thomas Browne
- lowNslow
- Posts: 1535
- Joined: Mon Apr 22, 2002 4:20 pm
Re: 60A Alternator recommendations
My 170 had a Ford alternator installed when I bought it but in was not documented at all (i.e. no log book entry, STC, or 337). I was able to find an STC for the installation which made it legal for $95. I don't have my logbooks with me so don't have the STC number handing. If you like I can pass it along.Kurt Aichele wrote:Looking for recommendations/suggestions on a replacement alternator for our '48 170. Existing is a Ford 60 amp alternator on an 0300D. Thanks in advance.
Karl
'53 170B N3158B SN:25400
ASW-20BL
'53 170B N3158B SN:25400
ASW-20BL
- mit
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- Posts: 121
- Joined: Sun Dec 03, 2006 3:44 am
Re: 60A Alternator recommendations
Thanks for the input/recommendations. Will see what kind of prices I can get.
- GAHorn
- Posts: 21295
- Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2002 8:45 pm
Re: 60A Alternator recommendations
Why re-invent the wheel? If your Ford alternator is properly documented... buy an identical replacement or have yours repaired!
'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.

- blueldr
- Posts: 4442
- Joined: Thu May 02, 2002 3:16 am
Re: 60A Alternator recommendations
I hope that most of you guys realize that a C-170 has a fised gear and hand operated flaps. Since the advent of solid state electronics, there is really very little for electrical demand that cannot be satisfied with a mrer 20 amp generator. A 60 amp alternator is kind of overkill considering the electrical demands of the average C-170.
Keep in mind that in the event of a dead battery, the engine can easily be started by hand propping. However, in the event of a really dead battery, an alternator requires an electrical energization of the field to get started to produce electricity. Without a method of energizing the field .,the alternator will just spin .
Whereas, a generator has risidual magnetism that will energise the field to start electrical production. Your only problem then ie to be able to jump the power across the Master solenoid from the energized side to the battery side to electrically close the master solenoid to start power flowing to the battery.
I am certainly not noted at all for any kind of humble opinion, but I pretty well consider a 60 amp alternator overkill on a C-170.
Naturally, all ot the anove is negated in the event that you install a weather radar on your C-170. Those suckers really hog up power.
Keep in mind that in the event of a dead battery, the engine can easily be started by hand propping. However, in the event of a really dead battery, an alternator requires an electrical energization of the field to get started to produce electricity. Without a method of energizing the field .,the alternator will just spin .
Whereas, a generator has risidual magnetism that will energise the field to start electrical production. Your only problem then ie to be able to jump the power across the Master solenoid from the energized side to the battery side to electrically close the master solenoid to start power flowing to the battery.
I am certainly not noted at all for any kind of humble opinion, but I pretty well consider a 60 amp alternator overkill on a C-170.
Naturally, all ot the anove is negated in the event that you install a weather radar on your C-170. Those suckers really hog up power.
BL
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