tcal780

Sorry, I don't have a wiring diagram for the original dimmer assembly.

I do appreciate all the work you put into this. I was hopeful for an alternative solution. Unfortunately, you got the ol', "Good job, buddy. We'll take it from here." I mean, Mooney and Lasar could have done this all along.

That's my point.

Well, I paid 3k for my 40:1 set a couple years ago. I was hoping the community had some other angle here.

Sweet! Nice job.

No problem and thanks. Superior Aircraft Components out of Hutto,TX made the panel. They were great to work with and I would recommend them but I'd be surprised if they hand over any dwg files.

I just replaced mine. It took my son and I 2 hours. Maybe another hour for the cowling, but yeah, 12 hours seems high if it was a direct replacement. I believe we have the same engine.

Honestly, it'll probably take me more time to get used to the engine instruments being right in front of me.

Radios and audio panel installed and tested. Getting closer!

+1 for this. I never used the AP during my IFR training, nor was I tested on it. For course guidance, I relied solely on an aging Century HSI which constantly needed to be corrected. It wasn't fun, but it got the job done. That was almost 3 years ago. Last Feb, I began my panel upgrade project. It's almost done, but it'll be well worth the wait and I certainly feel like I earned it.

Unfortunately, all I have is a PDF proof that was provided to me for final approval. It's not to scale, but if it would help, let me know and I'd be happy to send it.

Not sure. I do know it was before they moved to OR.

I spent just under $3k 2 years ago for my 40:1 set from lasar. The original set lasted 52 years, so I'm hoping for the same. That said, I voted $1k to have a spare set on hand just simply because these are so scarce. I do think it's vital to have these available for the fleet.

I verified the ignition wiring was correct and the SOS is functioning properly. I also took the opportunity to replace the ignition harnesses which really needed to be done. Yesterday, I got the plane out of the hanger for another attempt and it fired right up! I don't think it took more than one revolution with the starter. My only conclusion is that I did not give it enough fuel on the last attempt. This time, I ran the boost pump with the throttle closed until the fuel flow showed 0GPH. Then, followed a normal, cold start procedure. Anyway, while the old starter was still serviceable, I'm super happy with the SkyTec and glad to have installed it.

Thanks for this. From what I've read, since the gear engages, the bendix drive is likely still good and needs a cleaning, unless the spring is shot. Either way, there's enough justification for me to replace it with a new one that also gives me 10lbs back of useable weight. Next opportunity I get, I'll check those connections at the ignition switch.

Engine didn't start, but we didnt have much time to diagnose. I heard the SOS buzzing and I did smell fuel, but not one cyl fired. The mags were fine last time the bird flew in February. It turns out it was a good thing that it didn't fire up. After the battery quit, i discovered the starter gear failed and stayed engaged to the flywheel. Lighting/dimmer install complete.

Progress pics. Panel is installed, the main buss is in, all the Mooney systems are powered, and the EDM900. I learned a few lessons there. Particularly with the gear actuator breaker. I should have separated it or, at least, put it on the end. That 25Amp breaker style is different from the others, so i had to cut the buss bar, jumping to and across it. Relabeling the panel was not acceptable to me. Planning a run-up this weekend, then on to the avionics.

Matthew P, PM me your address. I'll ship them out tomorrow.

I'd be willing to donate them if this project is going to lead us to a source for these gears for the community.

Yes, exactly. These gears aren't serviceable. Backlash was out of spec.

Not sure if it's still relevant, but I have a 20:1 set I replaced 2 years ago

Hi Dennis, Thanks for your thoughts on this. Superior made the panel. In order to replace the rubber isolators and keep the panel in the same position/angle as the original, we machined 4 lower mounts out of 1/2 billet. Each is two pieces, that effectively clamp the 1/2" support via (11) 2" #8 screws and nuts. #10's would not fit in the existing holes. The outer mounts are about 7-1/2" long and the inner ones are about 3." The left side inner mount needed some additional work since there's a weld there to contend with. I've attached a photo of the mounts test fitted with the acrylic template.

I'm going to try switching the bulbs to incandescent and use the two ground pins as the switched 14v+ and a use the #1 pin as the common ground. The housing itself isn't grounded, so this should solve the problem with the push to test circuit mentioned in the above post.

I'm adding a stall indicator light (red) between the two gear lights.

They will be right above the altimeter.