231MJ

So who is purchasing Mooney? Boeing?

Can someone reply with or email me pictures of the 7" G3x installed in a J or K panel. If the install included two G5s, that would be even more helpful. Apologies if this has already been done - I could not find it. Thanks

Has anyone converted the lever to the newer style rotating knob to turn on O2 flow? I'm having Hector re-do (cover) the plastic panels and this is the right time to do the conversion. Lasar was not clear regarding the availability of parts, what's needed, etc. My next call is to the factory but hoping someone in the group has done this conversion and can help.

Thanks, guys.

I'm flying into Van Nuys this week to drop of my wife (bring it on ;-)). Can someone recommend an FBO where I don't have to pay a handling fee? I'll only be there for an hour.

Paul, have you not been concerned about the corrosive environment at BM? What do you do to keep the dust out? How do you clean the plane afterwards? I've wanted to fly in but have this significant concern.

Hi Larry, I bought the GLD52R last year to take advantage of the rebate but have not installed it yet. I agree about the clutter on the glareshield but I'm not good about keeping other devices charged so this seemed like a good solution. Couple questions: Can you PM me a picture of where you put the GPS/XM antenna. I'm running out of space on top and can't comply with the "3.3' from other antenna" guidance Garmin gives. It might help to see how someone else did it. Are you able to get the ADSB-in and weather data to any of the panel mounted displays? I know I can get it on my ipad but not sure about the other gizmos. Thanks, August

I'm one of the fortunate few to own a 262 and it's been a great traveling airplane. The basic benefit is going high and fast with long legs and low fuel consumption. The 231 has similar features but in a 231 you tend to fly the engine and in a 252/262 you fly the airplane. In IFR, this makes a big difference. I have been out of the airplane market for a long time and don't know the price difference between a 231 and a 262 but I think a reasonable premium for the 262 is well worth it. If you can afford a 252 by all means get it - it's a better airplane! I think most 262s came with dual alternators, back-up vacuum system, big O2 tank, and long-range fuel tanks so safety/reliability and range were key considerations when Coy developed the 262. Because the 262 is a 231 skeleton, the plane looks it's age and it takes $$$$ to improve on the basic 231 airframe (it will never have the inner gear doors of a 252). I would much rather have a 252 but I have other needs for my disposable income so I'm going to stick with my 262 and it probably is my "for ever" plane. This summer it's getting an avionics make-over and then a new interior some time in the future. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Can someone share the details of the blade antenna that matches to the ARTEX 345 ELT. Like some of you, I thought this was a simple replacement using the same antenna that was already installed (naive!). Need antenna manufacturer and model number. Thanks

The Garmin 345 is about $2,300 more (with GPS receiver). The 345 does offer a lot more features but not sure it's worth the extra money, plus the install is more involved. The $400 Garmin rebate on the 335/GDL52R combo is good until the end of the year - need to keep researching.

Does anyone have experience using the ForeFlight Sentry box for in-flight weather (and related data) and traffic (ADS-B-in)? I'm getting the Garmin GTX 335 transponder and wondering if I should add the the Garmin GDL 52R to the package (Garmin is offering a rebate on the GTX 335 and GDL 52 of $400 if purchased as a package). I'm wondering if the data from the Sentry box is as good as from the GDL 52.

Greg, does the GDL-82 qualify for the $500 rebate from the FAA?

I have the MB engine and agree that it can be removed out the top. Careful with ignition leads and the wires to the mags but it can be done. I have dual alternators and the back-up had to be removed. It's easier if the left mag is removed but it can be done without removing it. Two of the three nuts holding the alternator are a bear to get at - taking off is much easier than getting on. Have fun and be patient.

I talked to TruTrak today for an up-date on the Mooney STC. It seems the date is slipping to about the end of the year. Not too bad as long as it does not slip further, I'm tired of flying without an AP. Their sales are brisk, which is a good sign. Very friendly people - and they actually answer the phone - how refreshing is that!

I got the following email from Dan in parts. It sounds like all is ok at the airport. Lake County has seen three major fires over the last 5 (or so) years - lots of loss, terrible. "it has been one hell of a ride. Still not over on the north end of the lake. The west side we are on is basically burnt up just outside the city limits. Firecrews saved almost all the houses. Today is the first day we are allowed back at the airport. Hope to be back up and running on Monday. No damage here at the airport."

Thanks Don, encouraging. I might not screw this up. I suspect getting the old adhesive out is 80% of the job. JLW314, you have to admit that "over squeeze" was a good description of the potential problem. Thanks for the funny u-tube. That led to Jerry Seinfeld and Obama in a funny episode of comedians and cars getting coffee. Really good. August

231SM, Have you started the windscreen replacement? I'm interested in riveting needed to put all the metal back in place. All the same size rivets? Can you over-squeeze and cause dimpling? Also, how did you remove the old adhesive? Got any pictures? Thanks

You might try Spruce. I just changed brushes on my alternator but I have a Continental gear driven alternator so I'm sure yours are different. The alternator shops will probably have them also.

As usual, Paul is right. The throw on the less expensive one is too long (there seems to be a baffle in the bottom of the sump) so it won't open. You'll see the wrong one on ebay soon ;-)) I wish someone sold the tapered o-ring that forms the seal - that's all I need to stop it from weeping.

I need a new autopilot - my Century II is not holding heading on a consistent basis and I'd rather put the $$ into a new system than troubleshoot the old (and I mean old!). I'm sure others of you are others in the same boat. Is anyone considering the Trio? Has anyone offered their plane for the Trio test program? I'm not sure which of the current non-certified systems will be certified for the Mooney first (Garmin, Trio, Dynon). What are others doing in this situation? August 231MJ

Thank you, Paul. Your insight is always helpful. One of these days I want to talk to you about flying to Mexico. It's on my bucket list. August

I started a previous discussion about trouble I was having with hot starts. I got good advice and have had less trouble recently. In that thread it was suggested that using the high boost pump to fill the fuel lines will not flood the engine because the fuel is recirculated back to the fuel tank...but that's not how my set-up works. Here's what I'm seeing: With the fuel lines empty (hot start conditions) and at idle-cutoff, it takes about 15 seconds to fill the lines with high boost After 15 seconds of high boost and still at idle-cutoff, fuel begins to run out the drain lines (its a healthy stream) Adjusting the idle-cutoff in by about 1/4 to 1/2" does not stop the fuel from running out the drain My engine is the MB version. The fuel pump has been rebuilt twice under my ownership (17 years) So what's going on here? I'm trying to understand how the system is working so I don't start messing up the hot-starts. Thanks

I found the repair kit on the Aviall site. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. August

Thanks, Andy. I have searched the internet for the Bendix repair parts and just can't find a vendor. Do you know someone that sells the Bendix switch repair parts? Thanks

Has anyone used an ACS ignition switch to replace the Bendix switch? The price difference is significant (ACS = $140 and Bendix = $460 at Spruce). Side note: I did not make Oshkosh this year - hope everyone had a great time. The new avionics are really exciting.