Marcopolo

Nathan is going to go on strike if you try this! Ron

Me +2, Mini Marcopolo, and Boss Marcopolo Ron

I use the Air Wolf wet vacuum pump in my 231, also have the stand-by electric pump installed. Ron

If you have the normal 231 wing root fairing then the button will not be evident in the hole, you will need to press it with a pen cap or other smaller device. Ron

Tow It!

That's the right main gear extend/retract/control tube. Extreme bind on the pre-load spring, or the gear hung up while in transition coming down or the right gear took enough side load to unlock and almost collapse before righting itself. Yikes! Ron

"In my opinion" 290lbs over gross will not bring a Mooney down (high DA not withstanding), but 290lbs over gross and outside of the aft CG window..... all bets are off! Ron

1981 M20K TSIO360 GB(3) Original Engine with 1650hrs since new. Original Rajay fixed wastegate Turbo! (yikes) My maintenance routine (as it applies to the Turbo Charger) Every Pre-Flight includes opening the Turbo inspection panel and visually inspecting the 3 v-band clamps and turbo general condition. Grabbing the exhaust pipe and moving it to show any looseness and listen for any noises that shouldn't be there. During oil changes (30hrs) In addition to the above I will run a boroscope up the exhaust pipe to inspect the turbine blades and turbine housing. I will also remove the air filter and try the wiggle test on the compressor end of the turbine shaft. I also spin the compressor and check for binding, scraping noises and how freely the shaft spins (it should have very slight resistance, a smooth solid feel). I apply mouse milk to all exhaust and bypass joints. At annual inspection in addition to all the above, the turbo may be removed and a more thorough inspection completed to include inspecting the turbine housing for cracks at the inlet area (usually not visible by boroscope through exhaust), Scavenge check valves removed, checked and cleaned, new turbine mating surface gasket installed, replace any suspect v-band clamps (check time or torque cycle replacement requirements). This is my maintenance routine, I'm posting it so it can be used or critiqued ( @M20Doc please correct any mistakes or fill in any blanks) Ron

I was a newbie at last year's MAG clinic with my daughter (then14yrs) in tow, passengers were not allowed on the first (rookie) flight, but she was welcome on each flight there after. Ron

Then it didn't happen! Ron

High wing - Ford Tri I think! Ron

@hnorber, Any chance of the company that shipped your shop the defective pump stepping up for the troubleshooting dollars? Just a thought, Ron

I think the TTAF listed on that bird is a typo, in the description under Airframe it states "low total time - no damage history". Also it shows as having the original (rebuilt 724 hrs ago) GB engine, I would guess if the air-frame had 25,000 hrs it would definitely be an LB by now. FWIW, Ron

You betcha, let me know if I need to make a phone call to get you the time off! Ron

@MooneyMark, Running on a single plug slows the burn event down allowing the still burning mixture to make it further into the exhaust, thus causing the higher EGTs. Ron

@tucsonmooney Sonofa, 2nd chance to get together and I'm going to have to pass, leaving for Florida for a week. This one is virtually in my back yard. Museum is a neat little gathering of items and the cafe on the field has great food. Enjoy! Ron

Ugh, I really wanted to join you on this trip, and then you go and rub it in with photos! Glad you had a good trip, keep us in the loop if you venture out again while in the area. Ron

@Gary0747, Take a look at the rim/bead area and make sure the tire is even all the way around. With split rim installations the tires are not always forced on to the beads concentrically, leaving the the tire to appear slightly out of round. Just a thought. Ron

@tucsonmooney, Got the kitchen pass but then got a call from work. Kitchen pass revoked by other boss so no Oakracoke for me today. Enjoy, fly safe and please reach out if any other trips planned while you're out this way. Ron

That's a heck of a lunch run from Tucson! Go Mooney! I'm tossing around the possibility of joining you, checking on the kitchen pass now. Ron

@Bob_Belville, calling Bob for you. I am located near by (Lincolnton) and will help any way I can. Lynn is the IA at a Mooney Service Center in Foothills NC, about 2 hr drive from Wilgrove. Mr Belville, if you get this and talk to Lynn, let him know I will assist if needed. Ron

TD, You might want to check your Type Cert for the ship's CDT/TIT gauge. If I'm not mistaken (and I was once) both sides are required equipment for airworthiness. Placarding inop is not an option due to both gauges having red-line limits in the POH, be careful. I have played with an intermittent issue on the CDT side of my ship's gauge for quite a while now, finally found a connection issue that seams to have solved it. Good Luck, +1 for Lasar and their ability to refurbish the gauge and supply a new probe. Ron

You absolutely can! They'll even throw in the rest of the plane with it for the low cost of $759K, after trade in of your old door (with plane attached) you are probably down into the $745k range. The new door even comes with a warantee at this price! Woohoo... Ron

4 plus a thumb, two fingers are being held up!

Again Joe, I agree, unfortunately, all (edit; most) of the like minded folks are working at the companies you mentioned...making change, or they are building their own planes! Ron