Yooper Rocketman

Crap, was using my iPhone and thought I was messaging.

Jim, ok, will PM you Thanks, Tom

Been there, done that. Would rather not know the guy doing the procedure though

Jim, Yes, I'm aware of the control module as well (already replaced both the module and the control display with an unkownn "possible working" unit. The module was a REAL BITCH on my Rocket Conversion as there is no access to the F/W. If you have that set up and are willing to part with it, let me know what I can do to get that done. Mine failed with 3 other much more expensive avionics (Garmin 345, KX-155, and HSI) from someone arcing a hot wire across my almost new Garmin 345 Transponder. I won't discuss what the rest of the stuff cost. Sure made the engine install, putting 16 pounds of crap in a 3 pound container (Rocket engine in a 231 airframe), without a single serious squawk, look easy. Let me know. Thanks Tom

My intercom died and I will be putting in a complete new panel next summer with a new audio panel/intercom. Looking to just replace this old dinosaur until then. Tom

Thanks everyone. It was a Mooney supplied one piece belly. It's actually pretty light but I guess the aluminum panels are too. Based on what @1980Mooney says, it's pretty clear no W&B change. Tom

I purchased my Mooney Rocket back this spring, removed the engine for tear down and inspection of the engine due to an unfortunate prop strike by the previous owner (4 years ago). We completed the engine installation and are getting the logbook entries completed and reviewing the past log entries since I sold the plane 4 years ago. I found the shop completing the one piece belly mod did NOT make a W&B logbook entry! Anyone have a copy of a W&B for completing the one piece belly mod? That would save my A&P a bit of work to see the removed weights, installed weights and the "arm". Tom

If you don't mind, let us know where you found the gasket. Tom

Any mechanic who pulls the turbo will need to know how to remove the intake housing. The turbo cannot be removed or installed in one piece. The motor mount cage opening is smaller than the assembled turbo! On removal, the intake is removed from the exhaust and center section, slid left (pilot side) as far as possible, then the turbo is removed sans the intake section. Only after the center/hot section assy is removed do you have clearance to turn the intake section sideways to remove it. The two previously mentioned shops have rebuilt or exchanged turbos for me on the three I've done over my Rocket ownership with about the same life expectancy (about 1,000 hours). If your hours are not near "turbo TBO", I would just replace the housing (and fix the source of the damaged housing). Tom

@Tim Jodice Just wondering how many hours on your prop now and if you still have good paint adhesion? Mine was installed in 2019, has about 400 hours on it, and the paint is coming off enough I need to repaint it. MT offered to repaint it, providing I pay shipping BOTH WAYS to Germany. Tom

I like the 4 blade MT. Definitely smoother than my previous 3 blade. It was installed about 3 years ago and the peeling paint issue is still a problem. Also, having problems due to the install (oil rag left in the end of the crank) I was able to see what customer service looks like to MT. Send it Deland FL for the prop governor and prop hub cleaning, at MY EXPENSE, and back to Germany for the paint issue (free, except for the freight each way across the Atlantic). It's YOUR'S once you buy it! Tom

The amount we peeled out was clearly more than one tubes worth. Maybe not 4 tubes though. Tom

Still wondering how many tubes to seal a windshield? Would 4 be enough? Tom

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/sealantgun3.php

My A&P and I removed the windshield last week. The new one arrived on Friday. It took us about 3 1/2 hours to remove it (I was lucky, original window with standard rivets, not cherry max), another 3 1/2 to clean all the old sealant out, and now ready to install. I'm ready to order the sealant and am wondering how many 6 oz. tubes it takes for the job? Anyone have some advice? I'm also ordering the power caulking gun for that size tubes. I've borrowed one before for installing TKS deice panels and it works so much easier than hand pumping with stage four arthritis in the wrists. Tom

I took a close look on Thursday and found my windshield must be original, 41 years old. It has the standard "all aluminum" rivets. That part of the job should go a lot easier! Reviewing the Service Manual the job looks pretty straight forward. I will track my hours so I have an idea what it took. I don't have a "Frustration Meter" to measure that aspect of the job (probably a good thing). A new windshield and co-pilot door window were ordered yesterday from GLA, right here in Michigan. I may be able to pick up my new glass if I get a med flight going that way once the order is ready in 4-5 weeks. Thanks for all the feedback. Tom

My local FBO, Kubick Aviation, worked on my Rocket for 17 years (including an engine OH), serviced one other Rocket regularly, and has a Mooney or two in their shop pretty regularly. I'm based at KIMT, Iron Mountain, MI (in the U.P.). Tom

Well, after crunching “known numbers” I decided to take all expenses (shop rate, expected hours to replace, gas, airline tickets, hotel, lost time from my dealership) of using a quality shop in Virginia (the one in Minnesota NEVER returned my call from last week) and compare that to my actual cost of taking on this UGLY PROJECT, my decision was pretty clear. I also talked with my hangar neighbor, an A&P/IA that I helped get started with his own shop, and was assured he would help me and my A&P through this project. The price swing for this job will be at least $4k. I guess my time is worth some frustration and $4k. Tom

That's exactly why I am seeking a shop. Right now Virginia is looking promising. I've always liked pictures of @jetdriven 's work. Tom

I never said it was a big deal. Just wondered if it required something other than just filing IFR and flying into it. I found out it does. I need to take an on line class. Tom

That's just over 3 hours for my Rocket (which has 5 hours of fuel). I'm not sure about the different color rings around that area. I suspect that requires some kind of preapproval or training to fly into that area? We don't see that kind of stuff over here in the Upper Midwest. Tom

I called them last week and got voice mail. They never returned my call. Tom

My newly repurchased 231 Rocket is down for engine work right now but I'm trying to arrange a shop to replace my windshield once I'm flying again. Although I do a lot of my own work (under supervision and inspection of both an A&P, a former IA & DO for a fleet of caravans, and his son, an IA), looking at the job I don't think any of us want to do it. I DID conduct a search in the archives but after 30 minutes with no luck, I thought I would just ask. Even my local FBO, whom I am good friends with, said he isn't interested in the job. Take it to someone that's done them before. Any suggestions of shops within a tank of gas from the U.P. of Michigan would be appreciated. Thanks, Tom

@steingar Don’t underestimate your abilities. One of the first indicators of a good and committed pilot is being humble, accepting we can do better!! You’ve always displayed that attitude!! Thanks for the kind words from you and many others ……… the exact reason this is my FAVORITE FORUM!!! Just yesterday I secured purchase of the last of critical components to rebuild my Lancair. It’s been quite amazing how many chips aligned to facilitate a rebuild. Must be a higher power supporting me in getting that amazing plane flying again so nearly half my flights can, AGAIN, be to support medical patients in need of transportation!! Tom

I didn’t disclose all factors with my purchase but I’m currently removing the engine to send down to Jewell Aviation in Kennett, MO for tear down and compliance with the Continental Prop Strike SB. The seller had an unfortunate gear up immediately after buying it from me in late 2018 in the Denver area. The only shop that could repair it was very slow, expensive, and difficult to work with. The engine was not removed for the crank and case inspection I know it’s not mandatory, and insisting on it with his insurance company would have most certainly resulted in the plane being totaled (based on the ridiculous estimate to that point). The joys of the crap shoot you get having a serious repair completed outside your trusted service shops. At this point, it appears it was the BEST DECISION for me, because aircraft values have swung from very low to very high and my old bird was available to repurchase. The seller set the price VERY FAIR, and then participated (through more discounting) in this extra cost for me. After Xmas morning, I wasn’t exposing my wife (knowingly) to another possibly “exciting flight” I advised the owner, based on feedback from @aviatoreb , to look at the MT prop as a replacement since it drops a very significant amount of weight of the nose of a very nose heavy Rocket. I loved the new prop but noticed it was REALLY SLOW returning to run up RPM after cycling the prop. So yesterday we removed the prop. As we were pulling it off the crank flange I looked down and was TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY !!! A paper fiber based rag (actually two once we dug into the crank oil cavity) had been left in the oil cavity of the crank. Cleaning it out we found it had been breaking down and it’s evident small rag debris was being transferred back into the engine. This prop was installed by a Part 135 Maintenance Facility, UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF LARRY, from MT!!!!! I’m sure glad the engine is getting a full tear down. Also glad my seller didn’t have a problem in the 400 hours he flew it since the “PROFESSIONAL REPAIR”. Tom