ad5ut

Hi folks! I got myself into a pickle with the V-Band clamp AD on a new-to-me 231 with a TSIO-360-GB engine that can't use the PMA clamps. While I don't realistically expect any to turn up, I figured I would at least throw out this offer in case somebody had the foresight to buy a few extra when the AD came out or is in a position to use the PMA clamps and pass along their Continental parts at a suitable premium for my stupidity. I'll buy new clamps with documentation for $3,000 per clamp. I'll also pay a pro-rated amount for serviceable clamps (must pass the AD inspection) with documented time in service of 400 hours or less. I would also pay $500/ea plus overnight shipping for serviceable clamps over 500 hours TIS if I can get them quickly enough to move the plane 5 miles before the AD deadline. Purchase of used clamps are subject to the shop I'm stuck at agreeing to install them IAW part M of the AD.

That's my current plan. It was inspected the week before the pre-buy to comply with the AD and get it to the pre-buy shop, so I'm actually legal with regard to the AD until 7/17 already. However, the pre-buy shop said both clamps are rusted and leaking and there is gray residue all over the area around the turbo. I've asked them what it will take to make it safe to ferry the plane so I can at least get it home and not leave it out in the hail at another airport all summer. That's what I get for relying on Air Power's online estimated availability and buying the plane before having the clamps in-hand. Hopefully I don't end up having to buy a new engine for want of a clamp, but that's the risk when buying old airplanes.

As far as the shortage being resolved, I am AOG until I can find two TCM 653332 clamps and Air Power just told me to expect two *years* for them even though they list next week on their web site. Unfortunately I'm stuck at a shop that will not attempt to use the RAM PMA part on a -GB engine since the eligibility only lists -LB engines.