electrical system

C

citabriaflyr

New member
I'm installing a new Volt/Amp meter in my 75 GCAA and was thinking of updating the electrical system in accordance with ACA service letter 418. was wondering if this is something that most people have had done on older airplanes? its obviously a good idea, but i would like to know how big a job it will be, such as relocating the starter solenoid, running new wire, ect...does ACA provide the kit for free?...or reasonably affordable? any info on this subject would be appreciated.

Nathan
 
I did the conversion during a complete rebuild of the airplane. So it was completely bare framed. I believe it could still be done with a resonable amount of effort to a covered aircraft. It consists of adding circuit breakers and new wires. I changed all my fuses to circuit breakers at the same time, but this is not part of the kit. I don't remember what the kit price was, but is recommended.
 
I did it on my 77 ECA. I recommend you do it. Call ACA and ask for the parts department, I think the kit was only $35. I have an A&P so I did the work myself, it should take about two to three hours for your mechanic to do it. There’s a little wiring change by the master switch and two CB’s are added under the panel. The CB’s are installed with clamps to the tubing under the panel. You can’t really get to them in flight, but the point is to prevent a fire.
 
That sounds reasonable for $35. I have my A&P also and 3,4 hours doesn't seem to bad. where do you end up moving the starter solenoid? back by the battery? How many fuses do you add? is it just 1 for the field circuit and the 60amp for the output?
 
My ECA has the battery on the firewall so I didn’t move the solenoid.
Have you seen the instruction on the ACA website?

http://www.amerchampionaircraft.com/tech/Sl418A.pdf

The biggest problem I had was crimping the ends on the wires, #8 I think. I had to make a tool for it.

If you read the instructions it seems pretty clear. I’m not familiar with the aft mounted battery, but it looks like the solenoids are on the battery board. If your starter solenoid is on the firewall now, then it would be moved to the battery board. Looks to me like the hardest part would be running two new wires from the battery board to the starter button and ammeter.
 
I read the service letter. Sounds like you're right, the starter relay does have to be relocated to the battery board. It would be a challege to run new wires from the aft to under the instrument panel. I might hold off until i strip out the interior...next project. Thanks for the help.

Nathan
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top