MooneyBob

I have received the gadgets from the Blackstone to get and send out my oil sample. Here is a deal. I have bought this 1977 M20J a month ago. It has a new engine that was installed sometimes in 1999 and has only 485 hrs on it. I know it didn't fly to much last ten years and there is serious corrosion concern. It has flown only 3 hours since the prebuy / annual inspection and oil change ( Jan 9 2014). I'd like to get the oil sample analyzed now, then maybe after 15 hrs, then after 25 hrs and then when I change my oil probably 35hrs. I will check the filter too of course. I'd like to get the " progress report " from these analysis and see how the oil parameters change in this first period of flying after inactivity. Questions: 1. Anything wrong with the idea of oil sampling this way? 2. How to find out if there is any corrosion issue beside the ( unreliable) oil sampling - looking for iron? Take the top apart? Thanks

So I decide to build the preheater for my M20J. Here is my idea. Table top 1500 Watts heater attached to bathroom ceiling fan. I will leave a small gap between them to prevent over heating and plastic melting. Everything will be installed on the heat resisting piece of material. See attached picture. I will use the duct work and flexi duct to run the warm air to the cowl flaps opening. I will test it and measure the temperature of the output to make sure it is not too hot. I don't want to go over 100dF. I will place the thermostat into the oil check door opening on the top of the engine as a security precaution and I will set it around 100dF. I will use the timer to manually turn it on and set the timer for few hours just in case I can't make it back to the hangar for some reason. If it is going to work I will connect it to the switch box or any other remotely controlled switching devices. Any advice or reason for not doing that? Any fire hazard or any other danger involved? Thanks

That's awesome. Can you share with us the cost including installation? That will be interesting number.

This is one sweet panel. Is that Garmin 750? I will do something similar.

The bottom line is that the modern electronic engine monitor is way to go. Thanks

Thank you Bob. It looks like it makes sense to get the modern engine monitor or something better and more sophisticated.

I will keep you guys posted.

Thank you very much. I will take a closer look at those. It looks like a reasonable investment. I like integrated systems and as much parameters as possible to be monitored. I hope for the better and warmer weather soon to start flying and working on the plane.

What brand / model number should I look at if I decided to go with one for my M20J? I will do my research but any advice will help. Thanks

Thank you everybody for the responses. I

My wife got me the new Garmin D2 pilot watch. It's amazing what those guys can put on your wrist today. You can download your flight plan into it, it has nearest airport feature, waypoints, Direct To feature, HSI, CDI, altimeter with variable barometric setup, groundspeed, etc. I will definitely use it for my fuel tanks switching as it has a vibrating time alerts. I will try to use it for my gear down reminder as it has a minimum ( and maximum, descent and ascent) altitude vibrating warning alert. It talks directly to Garmin Pilot that I am using and it can control the new Garmin VIRB camera that I will get soon, I hope. Does anybody has any experience with it or any tips for using it? Thank you.

Hi, I just got my M20J and I have a question about the 4 probe EGT gauge that is installed in the plane. I can't find any manual or even model number of the instrument. I'd like to find out how to determinate what cylinder I should go by to lean my engine, how often to switch the cylinders to get the most accurate reading, etc. Anybody with any experience with this type of the EGT? I have attached a picture of the instrument. Thanks

I've just read in the FAA Safety Briefing magazine ( in the article called TECH-nique) that author uses an app that allows him to record an astonishing number of flight parameters on his phone or tablet and replay them later for fun and analysis. Used in connection with a camera it provided unparalleled quantities of information. What app is he talking about? Any ideas? Is it a new Garmin VIRB camera feature?

And I just found that PAC Chart in the post from N4352H. It looks like a very good point to start with. Thank you.

I've just got my first aircraft ever. It is a beautiful M20J. Didn't fly it yet. I got my PPL in July of this year and fly VFR so far. As I couldn't fly every time I wanted because of weather the IFR looks like the way to go. The very first thing I'd like to do is to get those setting right and memorize them. I know it will be a huge help during my IR training and future flying. I am looking to get these numbers nailed down: Initial climb after take off Cruise climb Cruise level flight Cruise descent Approach level Approach descent ( same speed as the approach level and cruise climb -in case of missed approach) I use Peter Dogan's IFR book as a guide. I think it makes a lot of sense. Any advise ? Thank you.