Bartman

Remove the engine WITH the engine mounting bracket. That’s the key.

Mine used to stumble about once or twice per hour at cruise altitude around 7k-9k. Rebuilt mag at 500hr did not change anything. Changing the plugs when it was time did not change anything. Installing a new set of wires when I discovered this was the cause of my radio interference fixed the radio reception, and the stumbles. I could not tell you the last time it stumbled and that has been about 7 years since mag harness change.

I would drain the engine oil, remove the oil screen for inspection, and remove the oil filter to inspect the filter media. If you find something abnormal or concerning, you have information that would support #4, complete engine teardown/overhaul, and eliminate 1, 2, and 3. If you find nothing concerning, all options remain available.

I like the concept and I like the responses. To answer the question “what does the mechanic need to do to fix it” the owner needs to understand how to research. I have learned a lot here on Mooneyspace, but an owner can do a lot of work just by researching the maintenance manual and the IPC, resourcing parts, and planning the maintenance for the person who does the work. Research it, plan it, print off the Service Bulliten, mark it in manual and IPC for the maintainer, the get the parts, and discuss the plan. Done respectfully, this creates a collaborative approach with the maintenance professional , and over time the owner becomes more knowledgeable and more involved.

In 20 years of ownership I have never seen water come from the pitot drain and I quit checking it a long time ago. I do occasionally get a few drops from the static drain if left on the ramp while traveling, and using a paper towel to wick the water out helps.

I flushed mine at overhaul in 2020. I hooked up a hose about 2ft long with a funnel, and flushed it forward and backward several times. With each subsequent flush it became more clear. After about a gallon of mineral spirits it was clear and I was happy. Although I do not have a digital oil temp, the temp is consistently and significantly lower than before overhaul. To be clear, I used the exact same baffle seals that I purchased from @Gee Bee Aeroproductsseveral years ago. No other changes.

Don I have never met you, but I do enjoy your posts and look forward to your always positive contributions. I will contact you soon and take you up on the Visors by Muncy.

Does that make it suk only half as much ? I heard the unrealistic specifications like 3000hrs, 350hp, DOHC and then how AI pronounced AVGAS and decided I couldn’t take it anymore.

I would use 100% Isopropal Alcohol up to the max allowed, which I think is 3% if my memory is correct. I'd have to look at the POH to be sure. The few times I have flown in very cold temps, I added the IPA well ahead of time, like the night before at minimum, not something you want to dump in the tank and take off. I also filled the tank after flying with IPA to dilute it and minimize any effect on the sealant, if any. I sumped a tank once when it was really cold, and it kept dripping. I am very cautious of this now. Importantly, since the heater is mandatory, the CO detector is required as well. I would not fly without my Sensorcon, especially in the winter. I check and adjust tire pressure more often when it gets cold. You may quickly regret it if you don't.

Yeah, people can't resist the bait.

I did my transition training with a Mooney instructor who owned and flew his own Mooney. We went to 5,000 ft AGL, and just like he asked me in primary training in the Archer, he asked me to do a power-off stall. He had commented a couple of times about me not using the rudder, so I'm sure he knew to watch closely when he asked me to do the stall maneuver. Of course, I was not coordinated because I was not using the rudder, and it dropped a wing in a split second. It scared the crap out of me. My first reaction was alieron, and as soon as he saw me do that, he pushed hard and neutralized the ailerons. He knew what I was doing and what was going to happen. After instructing me on what I did wrong, the stall characteristics of the Mooney, and how to prevent and recover, he made me do 5 or 6 more. Fly smoothly like you are flying your mama, and don't ever fly uncoordinated in slow flight or in the pattern. Ever.

I agree. No matter the reason for shutting it down so quickly, it does not reflect well on LASAR, and is not a good sign.

I flew solo to 15K once to avoid weather. I started level at 11k and was running about at peak EGT. I asked for 13K, and didn’t change anything except increase from 2,500 to 2,700 for the climb. Running at peak EGT at 13K I asked for 15K and again the only thing I did was increase to 2,700. Once I was at 15K even in VMC it felt very mushy and I left it at 2,700 in cruise, and I would not want to be in the clouds at 15K. At 15K and above in a normally aspirated M20J you would not have enough power to out climb even a mild downdraft, and I would not want to experience that in IMC.

Don’t fear the reaper. Might be best to call @Alan Fox

Hensley Airpark 04TN near Greeneville TN. We looked at it about 15 years ago when they were in middle stages of development and it was nice, but the timing was not right for my career path. Since then the original developer died so I have no idea of the development, governance, or financial health. It’s definitely rural, but not that far to drive to Bristol, Knoxville or Asheville NC for commercial flights and shopping.

The ignore function worked well for the first couple of days, but today is just as bad because I still see all of the replies. I might have to put all y'all on ignore.

I agree with @ArtVandelay and would patch what is necessary for now, but go ahead and schedule at a one of the specialty shops. Edison did mine about 15 years ago and as @Steve Dawson stated above we also replaced rivets and nut holders as required so it was a little more than quoted. I tried leak repairs with limited success. Mine only leaked when filled above about 12 gallons so I only filled above that immediately before a flight if necessary, and always landing in a range where it would not leak on the ground. I did that for about 6 months while waiting for my reseal, and you might try a similar strategy. No leaks since full reseal both tanks, and I’m thinking that was around 2010.

Thank you @tigers2007 You inspired me to take advantage of this opportunity.

Exactly. Over time my IA has given me increasing responsibility. This is based on how I research and diagnose, present my facts and plan, and largely based on what I have learned here on Mooneyspace from many more knowledgeable than me. He sees my performance on multiple complicated repairs and I encourage a second set of eyes, but he knows I won’t declare it’s done until it is done right. I have enjoyed this journey very much.

Well what do you know, it works !

This does happen. In fact, I ordered a new harness and two of the leads were labeled wrong.

My fuel injected engine requires 3 seconds of prime and wait a few seconds before cranking in the summer. In the winter she requires 5-6 seconds of prime, but the most important thing is to wait about 20 seconds to allow fuel to vaporize before cranking. I don’t know about priming with a carb and no prime pump, but allowing time for the fuel to vaporize is essential for my cold weather starts.

The first hundred hours of ownership I had some plug fouling on the original plugs that came with the purchase, but then I learned from those more informed than me here on Mooneyspace to lean aggressively on the ground. After changing to new plugs and leaning aggressively on the ground, I’ve never had another fouled plug in the past 1600 hours. Clean, gap, rotate a couple times per year. I used the old plugs for break in after engine rebuild, and then installed a new set at about 15 hrs. Clean the injectors when GAMI spread increases, otherwise leave them alone. I did swap the first and last injectors to peak a couple of times and brought the GAMI spread to essentially simultaneous peak. I use Tempest massive and she runs great all the way to 50 LOP for in flight mag checks.

I read the pilot age and insurance thread. I read this thread. Mooneyspace has gone downhill.

I had a leak that I thought was one of the bolts going all the way thru the case. It ended up being a cracked case. If it’s not the oil return hose segments, you may find what I did.