Whats with the alternators on the Navajo?

[Mach1Muppet]

https://www.planesales.com.au/Uploads/Listing/Normal/ID01555-6396-4-152-1978-Piper-Navajo-Aircraft.jpg

Gday All,

Just intrigued as to why the R/H engine on the Navajo/Chieftains have an exposed alternator (as seen in the above picture), whereas the L/H engine does not have one visible.
Would i be correct in assuming the right hand alternator wears out faster than that one on the left because it is more exposed to the elements?


Cheers All,

Mach1

[bolthead]

I'm only guessing Mach1, but I would assume it's got aircon and you need to rearrange things to install a belt driven compressor..

[Best Rate]

🤔 and added to that, a bit of trivia...

Is that only true of the CR (counter-rotating) models of PA31-310/325? (Coz of course all the -350 Chieftains are CR)

and what causes the Alternator load limitation to reduce on the CR engine? 🤷‍♂️🤓

[43Inches]

I'm pretty sure it's a C/R thing not the result of aircon fitment, when they flipped the engine something made them stick the alternator there and they didn't bother altering the cowls. Results in more exposure to rain etc, so it puts a load limit on the RH alternator (40amps) in wet weather due to the belt slipping. I think it makes the RH engine run slightly hotter as well.

[Pinky the pilot]

Good piccy of a Chieftain though! Same colour scheme as the old ASA a/c VH-LMB.:ok:

T'was a good a/c until, I believe, someone bent it!!:{

[Checkboard]

Nice to see someone dressed the props, at least. :)