BobbyH

I agree with Mike! I do have a little problem at start-up when the muffler is burning off a few drops of oil that drip on it after shutdown (I'm still trying to find the culprit). The Forensics meter shows around 19ppm after start-up, and starts dropping as it warms up. Waiting in line to get onto the runway I will often see 10-15ppm behind other planes. In the air she is consistently at 0ppm. It is nice to know what I'm up against. I hate the oil leak but am confident that it isn't causing CO in the cockpit while flying. Well worth the few dollars for the CO meter.

Hate it when that happens! Last month I had 11 airplanes ahead of me when I got to the runway at a Class D airport (RNT). Waited in line for 20 minutes as planes were landing and taking off, not to mention a couple IFR flights waiting for clearance on a CAVU day. I had seen the cartoon, the truth is painful. I was still happy to see a Mooney tail though.

Ouch, that is painful. Great lesson on things that you wouldn't expect to fall apart can still do. Glad you were able to get it fixed though.

Same with my 66' E, it should hold the cable in place whether open or closed.

I also found when installing new O-rings to use some fuel resistant lubricant like EZ Turn. It extends the life of the O-rings and makes it much easier to open the caps, not to mention that it will help seal the cap.

On my 66' E model the power access door is part of the side access panel, pilot side empenage. The power receptacle is inside it but not attached to the door, makes it easier to remove the panel .

OK I'll bite: The higher compression (often turbocharged) engines will detonate (knocking) with lower octane fuels. The higher octane fuels help keep the full pressure of the combustion during the power stroke of the cylinder. A lower compression ratio engine doesn't need the higher octane to keep detonation down and can use the lower octane fuels. We all like the performance we get out of the higher compression engines, but to keep them from self destructing they need the higher octane fuels.

If your antennas and power supply check out good you may be getting some RMI (Radio Magnetic Interference). To help troubleshoot it I would also try testing it at different engine RPMs and see if that makes a difference. If so I would look at your power source i.e. alternator and ensure it is functioning properly. It will also help the avionics shop troubleshoot it even if the alternator isn't a problem. Bob

It was my understanding that "shock absorber" is actually a shimmy damper. If you look at the picture the rubber disks are still there.

Ross, you are not alone on this, it was stated that the tail section wasn't moving, yet I am happy it was a simple fix for him and the worst part was a misunderstanding. Bob

Hate it when that happens!

Good Plan! That particular frame member is mainly in compression and any bending of it greatly reduces its strength. The lower two (L and R) members together hold a large portion of the weight of the engine and prop.

Great job keeping your head and flying the plane! It's the difference between good pilots and great pilots.

I agree and am working to get my gear warning to go off at the correct MP. It currently goes off way to early, around 16 to 18 inches MP. I've read a recent thread about it should be closer to 10" MP which makes much more sense to me. Too often I'm trying to descend under SEA class B on approach to my airport with the Gear Warning Horn going off. I just try and ignore it until I can get low enough and slow enough to extend the gear. I'm almost 35 mph faster than most of the training planes until I can get the gear down, sort of gives our ATC a little challenge to and a few times they are asking me to slow down when still 5 miles out. My fear is I ignore the warning and forget the gear. Better for it to go off when it needs too and not too early. Bob

@jgarrison is a straight shooter. He knows the market and a great communicator. I agree with @Hank to have your financing ready and @HawkGT makes a great point on be sure to have someone who knows Mooneys to look it over well in pre-buy. Some great planes out there but also a number that were poorly cared for. Have fun in your search and keep us posted on what you find! Bob

FWIW I've use a lot of Ultraleather in the past and it is wonderful to work with, tough yet easy to sew or stretch to bond to surfaces. The only negative I have with the material is that it is intolerant of hot sunshine. Won't be bothered when you are flying but don't leave it in the sun for long periods. In only takes a couple years on the ramp and it will start to deteriorate where the sun shines on it. It can cover a lot of imperfections of the Royalite panels. I also recommend spraying it with a good UV protection like 303 Aerospace Protectant or similar. It is nice material, beautiful and expensive but its Achilles heel is the sun.

I think they drilled another hole for the wires and if I remember properly, the tubes were removed.

That is correct. The PC was replaced with the STEC 50 in the background of pic. The wires are routed inside the yoke to the buttons.

I have a 66' M20E with PTT and Autopilot buttons on the Pilot side. They work great for me. No Electronic trim though. Looks like it may have been custom made.

Congratulations Perri ! Last year I also purchased a 1966 M20E, and have been slowly working on it since then. Like @Shadrach my cash flow comes in slowly and I also prefer to do owner assist as much as the IA will let me. Some great guys and gals on this forum with more experience on Mooneys then we can imagine. Looks like you have the right idea of taking your time and doing it right. These classic planes are well worth the effort to keep maintained and flying well. They are fun to fly, as you know, and can be efficient transportation at times too. Did I say they are fun to fly? Go Mooney!

You are right about that. These older regulators can get a little charred on the contacts causing the voltage to drop quickly. I used to rebuild them years ago but the new solid state ones are so much better, I'd recommend replacing them before they go out. Any of these over 40 years old is just waiting for the right opportunity to catch you when you least expect it.

We are a little West of you in the Seattle area. Beautiful area at Missoula. Won't be in the area for a little while but will keep you in mind any time I'm heading through.

That was my thought too! Anyway, good landing and thanks for sharing. Always fun to watch successful landings.

Reminds me of friends flying in Alaska, land on the road and pull into the diner next to the pick-up trucks.

Makes me want to get night current again.