Kevin M

Just a quick update to those of you who have followed and advised on this post. Hammdo came to the rescue. Installed both of his servicable and In spec mags and the thing runs great. It did load up a few times when the outside temps were extremely high. Cleaned up with leaning in the climb. At 7500’ (don’t remember OAT) everything was in the green and started to inspire some confidence. Went ahead and replaced plugs with Tempest Massives and all the roughness went away (other than the usual recip shake). So far I’ve flown it about 7 times to shake things out. It’s doing well and I’m confident it would make the trip to Florida. It’s still in California for personal reasons. I’d like to replace the oil cooler lines and the main vacuum line for peace of mind. The plugs really seemed to wake it up. Two guys, a bag or two, 30+ gallons of fuel and it thunders out at 800 fpm at 100kts indicated (until about 1500 agl that is). Leveled off at 3500’. Cowl flaps closed, step retracted, roof vent closed, 2500 rpm, full throttle and it ran right into the yellow arc around 142-145 Kts indicated. I was having doubts about my choice in this particular plane. But, the concerns are waning with each flight. I’ve still got a long way to go to get it where I want it. But, we’ve got a good solid baseline now. I have been running it at a more sedate 23 23 and it still shows a solid 120 or more indicated with GPS approx the same. So I’m happy with that considering it has zero mods installed other than the challenger air filter. Up higher I will carry more MP pressure. I expect my mags back any day now and will switch them back soon. Anyone with any insight on oil cooler line sources would be appreciated. I would prefer an off the shelf replacement to having some made. I realize that’s probably an entirely different posting subject though. Again guys and girls, I can’t thank you all enough for all the concerns and invaluable input. This site is truly one of a kind. Kevin.

I just went through the Mag debacle with my “new to me” 63 C. It would exhibit the same type of events you described. My mags came back with a clean bill of health after so called rebuild. Once the engine was hot (within upper limits) it would misfire and shake like a leaf on a tree. Hammdo lent me another set and it runs great. On two occasions when it was really hot outside (>34c) ambient. It stumbled and seemed I was back to square one. I went ahead and had Tempest Massives installed and haven’t looked back. Even the CHT gauge reads a little cooler than before during ground ops, climb, and cruise. My previous set of plugs looked great. Where gapped properly and appeared perfectly servicable. I only replaced them so I would have a ground zero starting point for trouble shooting purposes. Ground zero is all it took to consistently run as it should. It doesn’t seem as sensitive to ground leaning procedures as before the plug change. I’m not a mechanic, nor am I even close to being a Mooney expert. I just wanted to share my experience with you. Kevin

IT FLYS AGAIN!!! I managed to get all the ducks in a row and get the loaner Mags installed late yesterday afternoon. Purrs like a kitten! Only managed one quick trip around the patch due to impending darkness and winds kicking up to a sporty intensity. The thing climbed much better than expected with light fuel and just me in it (OAT above 30C). It was like flying a completely different airplane. A Big Thank You to all of you that took the time to chime in with insight. And of course Hammdo for his generosity. Happy Fathers Day Guys! Kevin

Just an update. Don to the rescue again !!!!! You folks that enjoy a good drama or daytime soaps will enjoy this one. Long before I posted to borrow a left mag. Apparently the mechanic in TRM went to the plane, Removed both mags and sent them to the wrong address. Again, this all happened without my knowledge. The mags sat at the FXE location which was/is undergoing a move to a different address for several days. I was lucky enough to get an A&P friend of mine drive from Miami to pick them up. We’ve had a bit of weather In southern Florida the last few days. So the plan is for him to drive them (the original “rebuilt” but questionable) mags to me so the gears can be changed. Hammdo jumped right in and shipped his right mag out to California today. I’ll fly out Wednesday to wait for the right mag to arrive. Have mechanic install gears and mags. With luck! I’ll actually get this thing in the air safely. I called mag shop and asked to just refund the original rebuilds. That request was rejected. I was tempted to call credit card company and dispute. Go to spruce and pick up another pair. This is where ethics kinda comes in. It isn’t their fault the mechanic in TRM and I have a distressingly disturbing communication problem. My guy didn’t send them To the correct place. So I see that as I’m partially responsible for that. Granted, they should have forwarded them to the Tulsa location immediately. But, south Florida is like the islands. Nothing happens efficiently or quickly. I was told the warranty will take approximately three weeks. So in came Don. He offered up his other mag without even me asking. Granted, it’s only another $2300 to just buy another set. But, with three trips to California with little results including hotels, rental cars, mechanics, hangar rental, etc. and a nice speeding ticket from one of Californias finest highway patrol in the middle of the desert. This thing is getting stupid expensive. I could have updated to the latest and greatest mag setup for less. I tell my kids and friends “it’s expensive to be cheap”. I never knew a simple Mag rebuild would approach $3500-$4000. All this aside. Without Chris and Don this would have been far worse. I’m confident I’ll have a positive update by Friday. Please read between the lines with details. Should I include each and every frustration. This post would read like War and Peace or the Old Testament in length. Be well guys, I will update as details unravel. And a special thanks to all of you who offered parts and insight. Kevin P.S. this time I’m going to try the nightmare of jumpseating. I’m tired of paying airfare.

Carusoam, I hope someday I will have something of value to contribute. Either knowledge or a part or a ride etc etc. I’m glad I found this place. You guys have blown we away? I do have a working old king kx175 if anyone needs to use one for awhile. Lololol. I do believe it came over on the Mayflower. But, works just fine. Kevin

Wow. You guys are truly amazing. I sure hope I can help someone out in the future like you guys have helped me. the Mag is a Bendix 10-163045-3 (S4LN-204). Kevin

Hammdo. You have a PM

Again, you guys never cease to amaze me. Rebuild shop indicated they did not have one to send out immediately. So it’s back to a ship it and wait game. As far as replacing the condenser? I’m sure it is easy enough. However, these guys have to back their product. I can bolt things up just fine. I’m not qualified to crack one open and start replacing things from a legal standpoint. And I’d prefer to not have the liability. the local mechanics (two) I’ve spoke with that are in the area of where the plane is parked seem well capable of getting it done and signed off. It’s more of a time thing. They are both booked solid. I’ve got a finite amount of time to get this going and get it shaken down and moved east. Chris and Devin might be able to do it. But, again. Their time is valuable and scarce this time of year. I’m looking to do the entire trip VMC due to not knowing the aircraft too well. So I’m planning for WX waits along the way. I have a hard date on when I have to return to my day job. Kevin

I’ve heard great things about the van buys shop. Too little too late though. Also heard they are lightening fast turn around time compared to what I’ve been dealing with. I gave a list of places to the previous owner as he removed them and shipped them originally. Had I know it would end up like this. I’d have booked a flight and hand delivered em to VNY myself. Now I’m at the mercy of an off airport mechanics time to get there and get them off etc etc etc.

Chris , Thanks for Chiming In to update the group. I just posted for Magneto wanted. Looking for a loaner, a usable core, or a serviceable unit to get this going while we wait for another rebuild to happen. I’m a believer in not rebuilding in pairs now. One at a time from now on. Kevin

Left Bendix Shower of Sparks needed S4LN-204 to be specific. This saga has drawn out for far too long. We have narrowed it down to a bad capacitor either not replaced during rebuild or not found faulty. The plane has been baking in the hot Thermal sun for a month. (KTRM). If anyone has a Magneto they can part with for about a month or permanently? Please reach out! I’ve been to the west coast four times to pick this thing up. And each time I’ve had to get on an airliner back to Florida. The Mag rebuild shop has so far been great to work with and standing behind there product However, the process is taking forever. Long story short! I’m currently waiting for mechanic to find time to remove magneto, box it up and ship it back to Tulsa for another rebuild. I’ve got three weeks off before my work schedule resumes to wide open throttle So time is a commodity I’m running out of. I’d either like to buy/borrow/ or rent a unit to get the aircraft moved. Should one of you have one available? Here’s the plan. Fly back out to California, rent a car. R&I with operable unit, box it up (currently installed unit) and ship it out myself. Have mechanic inspect and sign off! Then aircraft can be safely moved while shipping and rebuild occurs. Once new Mag returns I will repeat the process with newly rebuilt unit. I know Spruce has one. So if anyone has one that could be used for a core? That would work as well. Here’s what is happening. The aircraft starts right up on second blade when cold. Operates smoothly during ground ops. Mag checks are both great with less than 100 rpm drop. ( both normal power and full power checks are great) Once the aircraft builds some heat which occurs pretty quickly in the hot desert conditions (approx 390-400F) The left mag starts misfiring and running very rough. If we shut it down and allow to cool. The aircraft runs great, but, does the same thing after heating up. The best guesses from the more initiated are leaning to a faulty Capacitor. Any thoughts or input is always welcome. Thanks to All, Enjoy the Day our Vets Risked and Gave all For, kevin

X2 on spacing the Mag rebuilds. I’m a believer now. The rebuilders were a reputable facility. Stuff happens. Ended up costing a lot of time and $ since I’ve got to fly across the entire country just to get eyes on the plane. I suppose it’s the the risk we take when wanting a dry country hangered aircraft to start with. I will stop short of badmouthing the shop as they were excellent with the customer service to fix the problem. I’m confident this was a “one off” event. They’ve identified the deficiency and I cannot imagine one would ever leave that shop with the same issue. Kevin

Hey Rich, No problem at all. You always answered the phone and gave great input every time. The rebuilds were defective. Made it perplexing. Working with the build shop to ensure it doesn’t happen again. thanks again guys. Kevin

Update on the Mags. Special thanks to Rich for all his input. Chris was completely awesome. What a selfless and patient man. plane is running great Details to come shortly The plane will remain in Cali until I get a few hoses replaced for peace of mind thanks for all the input guys! Kevin