Bartman

On disassembly we found a crack and fretting of the case half mating surfaces in 2020. The supply chain issues were just starting to be a real thing so we quickly got parts including Camshaft and DLC lifters, and got a refurbished case. It took 6 months start to finish. As stated above, best of luck to you, but I recommend you be as proactive and involved in the process as you can.

If you have not already done it, I would take Loreto to a reputable Mooney Service Center. Get a ferry permit if you need and just fly it there with the gear down and CB pulled. Something is out of adjustment.

If the landing gear actuator was recently serviced I would start by asking questions about that. Why was it removed and serviced ? Was it installed properly ? Are the limit switches adjusted properly ? If nothing else I would have the mechanic squirt cleaner in and around the limit switches. Last annual while the belly pans were removed and on jack stands I located the limit switches. I squirted cleaner into and around each of them both in the extended and retracted positions multiple times and over multiple days. My bird leaked a lot of oil before 2020 rebuild and a bit of oil mixed with dirt made for sticky switches, but no sticking flaps since they were cleaned

BTW one should not take my single data point and translate that to aviation. We changed my Concorde at 6 years.

No, but I know the original battery is still going strong 9 years later. The battery is massive, much larger than I have ever seen in my previous cars. I have no expertise in this subject but I’m pretty sure the large size translates to capacity and longevity compared to the demand. The small size of the battery in my J would have the opposite.

I bought a new BMW 328i in 2014. 9 years later it still cranks strong, even after sitting outside in the sub zero weather that we had at Christmas time this winter. I figure I will change it this fall.

I have grown fond of saying One Tango Foxtrot. Occasionally I do shorten to One Tango Fox.

My J had SB 208B completed several years prior to my purchase in 2007, but there was no corrosion so only the insulation was replaced, and no need for repairs. In 2016 we replaced coax cables and found some light corrosion on the tubes under the pilot window. I removed all of the interior and used plastic sheeting to cover everything. I bought a shop vac with the HEPA filter, ran the hose through the small pilot side window, and bought a couple of grades of Emery Cloth by the roll. Rig the shop vac so it is directed at the area where you are working and don't work the Emery Cloth too aggressively so that you contain the dust and debris to a small area near the shop vac hose. Also wear a respirator and use the Dupont Tyvek coveralls. Don't wear those clothes or shoes home otherwise you contaminate your car and home. I discarded the Shop Vac when I completed the project. The original paint is Chromium based and you want to minimize exposure to that stuff.

I downloaded a tachometer App for my iPhone and am very please with the accuracy.

Using round numbers I would use a minimum of 100/hr for your fixed expenses and another 25/hr for your engine and avionics reserve. That's 125/hr fixed expenses dry at a very minimum, probably a little more. Add fuel to that at fixed rate per hour and just rounded to 10gal/hr at 6/gal is another $60 so your are at about 185/hr for your friend. That is with you assuming some liability and maybe even lost use of your plane if there is ever an unfortunate event. Thats my quick calculation on a napkin that was under my holiday cocktail.

IBTL

At 25 hours and no filter available I would change the oil and check the oil pump screen. If the oil pump filter screen is clear then order a 6-pack of Tempest oil filters and crush rings for the oil pump screen and you are good for the next couple of years.

Many years ago Edison did my tanks and it came to a little more than the quote. If memory serves he replaced the drains, but also had to rivet in some new nut plates for the bottom access panels that were corroded. I may be wrong on details but it was something like that. Anyway I remain very pleased with his work over 10years later. My fuel bill was separate.

Looks like I am late to the party too because I scheduled my first visit to AGL the week of August 22nd for drop off. Oh well I can’t fault anyone for chasing a dream or bettering themselves. Good luck with the move and the new job !

On March 18 2019 we were returning from KJWN after the SEC Men’s BB Tournament. John C Tune is in a bend in the river and there was freezing fog that day and my wings were covered in ice and took some time to remove, but the point is it was cold. As I lifted off I noticed some birds beside the runway. We cruised in clear cold air and when we landed I found this frozen stowaway. This is a real photo and you can’t make this up.

RARELY do I write something negative and I hate to write this, but I’m not sending money an organization that does not respond and I let my MAPA subscription go a long time ago. I’m all about supporting, but I’m not chasing someone down to take my money.

Mine used to do that a lot. Then I replaced the ignition harness. Misfires are likely related to the spark.

Before March 12th 2020 we flew often, more than enough to remain current and enough to justify ownership. Since then we have done several 4-6 hour trips but have not done our usual mission which was KILM, KDTS or really wherever the sun was shining on my 7on 7off schedule. My work has become increasingly invasive on my time and I have mentioned selling and joining the local flying club several times, but my wife keeps telling me we would regret selling. I am blessed.

I had mine back in about 10 days

As stated above there were about 2000 J model Mooneys produced. Most are still flying and a fair number of them well maintained. Do what most of us did. Educate yourself about the brand/model and find one that is well maintained with a good pre-buy Inspection and I would not be concerned. In 15 years of J ownership I continue to maintain my bird and have had no issues with parts availability. Buy a “bargain” and you may not be happy.

And private pilots are still yet learners under the supervision of the FAA, ATC, CFI, etc….

I have the same and after replacement of a power supply have been working well for the past 8-10 years. I’ve been waiting for a reason to go LED and now that my arm bumped into the bulb walking around the wingtip and broke it, I now have a reason.

Congratulations on a job well done ! Now go get some experience and begin dreaming about that flight with your passenger of choice.

What is this compass thing you speak of ?

For removal I use two pieces of safety wire, one attached to each rear baffle corner and thru a fastener receptacle on each side with a few inches of slack such that it will drop down a few inches on each side. Detach each side and the stand in front of the prop while suspended by the wire, then snip each wire and guide it down. For installation it takes 3 pieces of safety wire. I use a longer piece of wire on each side and one around the prop hub attached to the front cowl screw holes. Just work it up a few inches at a time while taking up the slack with the 3 wires.