hammdo

I have 13 hours on the oil since I did the last change - was due to add 1 quart. It was at 5 1/2 quarts when I landed for annual, So it was not using a lot. I do run lean of peak a lot and keep cylinder temps 390°- 395°. Been doing that since I’ve owned her. -Don

Annual has been going well until today - #4 cylinder bottom plug was full of oil. Borescope inspection of the cylinder shows what they suspect is a cracked valve guide so we’re pulling the cylinder and sending it out for inspection to see if an overhaul or IRAN is needed. No indications in the oil analyst or filter. 751 hours since the engine was IRAN. Other cylinders looked good. May explain why in the last couple of flights #4 was running cooler. Glad it’s caught now… New cables going in, we’re upgrading the prop cable end to use the heim bearing kit 660051-005. So far the rest is looking good. Looks like the left tank patch will need to wait a bit… -Don

Electric step would get you closer to removing vacuum. Another 275 and your set… -Don

Nice! Have you considered the Avidyne 440 slide in replacement for the 430? Could be a good option… Very nice plane! -Don

Looking at the accidents listed, looks like most are in F/J/K/M/R/S models. More plane/faster reflex’s needed? where 1 A, 1 B, 5 Cs. I wonder if some of the newer/faster models become too much to keep up with if not flying enough to stay sharp? I’d be curious to know the number of hours flown from the pilots in the last couple of years on the accident planes… -Don

I fly with my CFI monthly to keep me sharp. We do various approaches and task saturation events to keep me on ‘edge’. He is a King Air instructor and evaluator so he has a high standard. He’ll let me know if I’m not on my game. I find that to be a good way for me to gauge. Since I also deal with software architectures and lots of math/designing as my everyday job, that helps keep the mind very active. Flying often has really helped me now that I’m in my 60s. Quarterly Medical’s with my Primary (full workups) and twice yearly exams with my specialists keep me in check. I’m very aware of what age related issues arise so I know it will eventually come time to stop flying. I’m doing what I can to keep sharp and in shape. It takes more work as we age just to maintain what we have currently have. I fly 100+ hours a year and at least weekly (when not down for maintenance). Been doing that the last 3 years and getting my Instrument rating really pushed me. I also do monthly FAA Safety classes/programs. It’s a lot of work but I love flying and want to do it for as long as I can. MAPA - did that 2 years ago and plan on this year since it’s in Texas again. -Don

And free shipping to boot! -Don

For instance, my medical and life insurance goes way up as I age but, I can still get insurance as I get older. I think simply ‘not offering’ because of age would be challengeable . We’ll see … -Don

For the love of God — I’ve heard this so many times over the years — yeah WE’RE REALLY flying into ALL those airports where big iron flys… -Don

Tried the Icarus today - boy does that thing hide the outside! Did 2 approaches-VOR/LOC 17 to KGVT. Lots of fun, CFII liked it also… Nice day to fly… -Don

Since Maxwells has the STC for the tanks extension - maybe a call to them? Also, Wet wing or Houston Tank can chime in too… I’d like to know how it’s jacked up for annual if you can’t use those locations. I have the Laser tie downs - really nice to have on for tie downs/jacking… -Don

Right -just if it leaking…

Take clear plastic tube, a vacuum cap, and put it on the vent on the pump, run it and let it sit — see if the tube has gas in it after sitting… -Don

I believe Grant is going to put the engine monitor where the EGT is in the future… -Don

Finally! That looks great! I need a ride now… -Don

Shop called, gonna go next week! Cables in, have everything ready to go… gonna take her out tomorrow and Monday get some time in before annual. Getting some items done since it’s been a while… -Don

More than salvage price but may be a good one to fix up - if an A&P. Shame it was wasting away after obviously well loved in the past… -Don

AP is doing the throttle/prop cables at annual so, PTT, throttle, and prop cables will be done. I’ve kept up with maintenance all year so hoping things still look good. I also ordered new intake rubber tubes, gaskets, and bolts/washer/nuts too. I have the prop heim kit also coming for the prop cable. Should put things in a good way. Later I’ll do the cowl flaps, carb heat, cabin heat, and brake cables. Just so I know the condition of the cables will be good… Annual is next month so I’ll want to get some flying in before then… -Don

I’m the same way - I prefer actual with no hood/foggles - very different perspective… -Don

I was referring to the 2.7 engine that was a DeLorean spec’d version. I think there were ~35 of those - Maybe they were only in Europe. I believe they were ~155 HP versions of the Volvo engine where as the ‘typical’ version were detuned - 130 HP version. Been almost 40 years ago for me since I worked on them - do remember some of the ‘quality’ Issues at the time though.. Still, a fun car to drive… -Don

Pics of what you have help. Interior- you can do some of the interior yourself if you’re so inclined. Total time engine/prop, tank sealed, etc can give a better idea of where you stand. Depends on price asking - if doing any interior work will be returned in sale price. Just a note - I used to work on DeLoreans back in the day - does yours have the Volvo or original engine? -Don

Merry Christmas everyone… -Don

Noticed the throttle and prop cables started 'feeling' different recently so, I went ahead, bit the bullet, and ordered from McFarlane using the part numbers from my Mooney Parts Catalog (IPC). I'll see if I get these before annual and ask the AP if they can install them - I also ordered the tools -- just to have them in case I need them. After having the mixture cable break, in 2022, I don't want to wait until these have issues. MC660189-005 (Prop) 660189-5 was IPC # MCVA660190-003 (Throttle) 660190–3 was IPC # -Don

Short flight too if necessary ;o) -Don

Wow, that sucks Grant. Recent thread with options: Rudys may be your best option for OH (just NE of Ft. Smith): @gwav8or -Don