maceman

Problem found and solved. Two of the wires coming off the gear switch on the panel were shorting against a radio rack that had worn the insulation away from vibration over time. You can notice the small burnt spots on the wires in this photo http://www.imgivingnotice.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/gear-wires-Mooney.jpg Apparently, the wires were moved away from contact when the A&P wiggled them on the jacks. That's why 20 gear retractions went fine. Starting the engine and taxiing created the short again. It took a little digging, probing, and moving things around behind the panel to find this, but my A&P persisted. He replaced both wires from the switch to the cannon plug and all is good. Makes me wonder about other wires in this 1984, 30 year old airplane!

Thank you everyone! I will call the A&P tomorrow to share your thoughts and recommendations so he can start the troubleshooting. I will report back once the situation is remedied.

'84 M20J pops gear relay breaker when gear switch moved to retract in flight. No problem when plane is on jacks. Swung gear 20 times after first time it happened without problem but popped breaker again on next flight. Need suggestions how to troubleshoot. Thanks.