Went for a little lunch yesterday to Sulphur Springs just about 30 mins flying time from home base. Skies were clearing after the cold front past and the air was nice and smooth.
After gorging myself with chicken fried steak, french fries, and a salad, they wheeled me back to the airport where we refueled. When they got done stuffing me in Nelli-Belle, we started to crank and that's when part of the problem began.
Turned the master on and got the low voltage light like normal. But when the ignition key was put in the start position, all kinds of racket came throught the speaker in the ceiling and the voltmeter pegged the "+" side. She was not wanting to start. Another try with a little more throttle and she caught. What a relief! The voltmeter started to center on the "+" side.
Run up was normal and the flight back was uneventfull. Upon landing and as we were taxiing back to the hanger, we kept hearing this metal grinding sound. More pronounced with our headsets on than off. As we shut down, our mechanic came riding up in his golf cart and made the comment we sounded like an ol' model T Ford.
Well, he wasn't far from wrong. The bearings in the alternator are apparently going out on us and the alternator is a "Ford" alternator (DOFF10300B). We uncowled and disconnected the battery because, even after shutdown the low voltage light was staying on. We didn't want the battery to rundown while we hunted for an alternator replacement.
Which brings me to my question. What are some other sources besides Kelly Aerospace and Aviall to purchase an alternator from. Prices seem to be in the $200 to $300 bracket where I've asked around.
Thanks for your help!
