This is a warning especially for those of you with the newer hi-speed starters. Check your generator to make sure that the support brace between the generator and starter is not missing. Mine was missing, unknown to me, until my generator burnt up and further digging revealed that there should be a brace there. Take a look at this picture
Even though the generator felt tight and secure, and the belt tension was adequate, without the brace going to the starter, this allowed a vibration which caused all 3 bracket engine mount holes to break, which let the generator shake some, causing a wire to short and eventually the generator burnt up inside. An A&P had it tig welded so it would hold in place to get home, but then the mounting bracket was replaced. This problem caused the last 3.5 hours of my 15 hour flight to be without battery, generator, fuel boost pump, several gauges, radio, etc. I've now had a brace installed so the generator is for sure not moving any where.
Check to make sure you have the adjustment brace on the passenger side of the generator and a support brace going to the starter.
Disclaimer: I'm no expert here. Just posting things that may help someone else from running into the same problem I had. If this doesn't apply to you, then disregard. If it may apply, make sure your A&P or Brantly themselves agree before any changes are made to your ship. Don't use this information to make any changes that may not need to be made. Use this information at your own risk.
Generator Bracket
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- Ron Spiker
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