hubcap

It is not an expensive proposition. I would guess it’s less than $1 AMU but I don’t recall the exact price. In my opinion it is a very minimal expense to deal with the angled valves on the Continental engines. There is a special tool required in order to take the pressure off the valve spring while you change the rotocoil. I think the tool is available from Aircraft Spruce for $100 or so.

To your point, the original TSIO-360's only had one temperature probe for CHT and the POH was quite frankly too aggressive for the engines to handle. I have talked with a lot of guys who own this engine, and with a modern engine monitor and engine management, I think its very reasonable to expect the full 1800 hours TBO. I believe @jlunseth went ~2,300 hours on his 231 before doing the overhaul. I manage my engine very conservatively, never letting CHT's get above 370 even in the climb and in cruise the CHT's are typically 350 or less running LOP. It has a little over 900 hours on it and still has good compressions. I had the rotocoils replaced during the last annual.

Yes. When the fuel pump came back from the rebuild, one or more of the adjustments was completely out in left field. I don’t remember exactly what it was but they figured it out and it’s right on the money now.

I’m glad that you were able to choose rather than someone else saying you must. We hope to see you again soon Don!

I am based at KLXT. I am not a CFI but I would recommend getting an instructor with extensive Mooney experience. An instructor with no Mooney experience will be of little value.

Sounds like the bad circuit breaker I had in Myrtle. Replaced it and ended the problem.

I have never seen trash like that when I sump Myrtle’s tanks. I hope to never see it when I sump Myrtle’s tanks.

I had exactly the same experience after my avionics upgrade which included the GFC 500. Fortunately for me I was prepared because of a discussion on Mooneyspace. As soon as I was airborne I knew it was off, but I wasn’t surprised.

Bummer. I bought one from them for Myrtle. Great upgrade in my opinion. Sorry to see them go.

I had them replaced during my last annual. According to the logbook they were in service for 12 years. Don Maxwell told me he had seen some 40 years old.

Saw these on display at MooneyMax a few weeks ago. I think they are a great idea to save your biscuits.

I had cataract surgery and lasik 8 years ago. Best thing I ever I did. I had worn glasses and contacts for 50 years. Now it’s 20/20 uncorrected, but I do wear readers. I highly recommend Maui Jim bifocal sunglasses for flying.

There are really 2 variations to buying an airplane. 1. Buy the plane ready to go and equipped to fit your mission. ie “Buy once, cry once” 2. Spend less money and get a plane not equipped like we want, or with a high time engine. These guys usually end up crying a lot more than once, and spending a lot more in the end. Everyone has a budget, but nobody likes to sit around not flying their airplane because it takes 7 months for an upgrade or maybe a longer wait time for cylinders or an engine. If you don’t mind those long wait times times then maybe an engine that is timed out will give you the opportunity to get a deal. Waiting on an engine will give you plenty of time to fix everything else that people find when they buy a plane with a few issues.

I have no problem keeping the CHT’s below 370 degrees. Even during the summer they stay below 350 if I put the cowl flaps in trail.

Wow. I think I paid $499 for mine.