lamont337

Agree about the 300XL. If mine wasn't a VFR install that lacked annunciators and an appropriate CDI I probably would have kept it.

Google search "Mike Busch top overhaul" for some insight on that topic. Left panel can be upgraded/re-arranged more cheaply if you are willing to do some of the work, there are a few threads here on MS that discuss this. A Garmin 430 (non waas) can be upgraded to a 430W for about $3K if I remember correctly. Plus new cable and antennae, paperwork, etc. The transponder on the M20C listed can be upgraded from Mode S to "ES" but I'm unsure of the cost, but could probably be an economical way of getting 2020 compliant since there is already a waas GPS in the panel.

VFR for the moment, training interrupted by annual inspection. CFI thinks I'm ready, I'm a little less confident. All requirements met. So close... Maybe in January.

Had mine rebuilt by Lasar for about $160. I know you have some external factors but damn, that would be a hard check to write.

And here is a view of where the fuel line comes in from the left tank. Check this area on both sides if you smell fumes in the cabin.

Leak classification page from the manual attached:

I've always liked your plane because it is my planes highly upgraded doppleganger

I've used EGA at KVGT as well, good guys. For reference, Lone Mountain Aviation is also on the field and is a Mooney Service Center. Perhaps it would be worth getting inspection and labor rates from both so you can compare? Shop it around.

500 hours, but how many years? i ask because mine were also less than 500 hours but over 10 years since OH. The large white plastic gear on the inside became yellow and brittle. Cracked right in half, working mag looked just as bad on the inside.

Some early models (like mine) also have curved ailerons which increase roll forces required as mentioned in the M20E evail: http://www.mooneypilots.com/mapalog/m20e.html

Another vote for Advanced in Troutdale IF you can get there. Had one of my tanks sealed there earlier this year.

Gents- I am in the process of moving from North Las Vegas (VGT) to Ann Arbor, MI (ARB). I have secured a hangar and was mostly wondering if we had anyone from the forum based there or nearby. I grew up nearby so I'm familiar with the area but always looking for other Mooney folk. I have a friend who instructs at several airports in the area and he suggested Solo Aviation for maintenance on the field. There is also an MSC to the north in Lapeer that I may use for my annual. Anyone have experience with either? Looking forward to doing a lot of flying around Michigan, especially up north. $100 hamburger suggestions welcome. Thanks!

I replaced a lot NLG parts during my last annual, including the lower retract link and most of the bushings. While jacked, I laid on my back and applied slight pressure in all directions, the whole time looking to see where the play was. I don't think I spent more than a few hundred and as Carusoam mentioned above, Lasar is a great source for all of these parts. The exploded view for these parts is much more clear in the "J" parts manual which can be downloaded for free here: http://wmflyingclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Moonparts.pdf I ended up just printing the drawing, circling what I needed, and sent it along to Lasar. Zero play in the assembly now, very happy with the results. Page 99... Good luck-

Mine are like this: http://www.wdmusic.com/fender_parts_099_0935_000.html I seem to remember ordering one a few years back but don't remember from who. I think I used the markings on the know itself as opposed to a Fender or Mooney part number.

Wow. Wondering if this was a hard-to-come-by part at some point? I wouldn't be very happy to find that either. Actually, as I sit here thinking about it I seem to recall a service bulletin about that part... Fuzzy memory though, could be mistaken.

I think you're right. At least I know it came from a good home. Going to ponder this for a moment as it will still require 100 hour ECI.

They did mine for about half that but maybe it's a different model or needed less work. I don't have the one with the pull ring but it can be sumped from below.

...and the access panels outside of the main wheel wells. You wouldn't believe how much dirt/sand I found in there...

Thanks everyone. I still have a few emails out there for quotes but will most likely end up going with a new Hartzell. Should have a decision in a few days and will be sure to let you know how it plays out.

That doesn't sound right. Didn't think you could use old blades and end up with a Top Prop. Do you mean just a new suffix hub/overhaul for $6500 using the old blades? Oddly enough the plane is at KTTD and that is probably the same shop.

Lucky me. I was having my 100 hour prop hub ECI taken care of during a tank reseal and got the word on Thursday that it failed. There is some type of anomaly that shows up but the hub has yet to be disassembled. Prop shop basically gave me two options: New hub: $5500 and assumes my blades can be overhauled. New hub eliminates recurring AD Top Prop: $9100 with $1K trade-in Good thing I was only having one tank resealed. Did a lot of searching on the used marked over the weekend (ebay, barnstormers, trade a plane, etc.) but haven't really seen any realistic options. I'm honestly leaning toward the Top Prop its just seems like there might be other options out there. Different brand? Anyone parting out a plane with a non-AD hub? Just trying to make an informed purchase. Even if I found a used hub it would still have to be OH'd or yellow tagged for them to install it. -B

I seem to remember some of the guys using Mitchell for replacements, or does your model year predate this type of cluster? Either way, could be an option and I seem to remember the prices being reasonable: http://www.mitchellproducts.com/modular.htm

I think I've told this story on MS before, but... I had a mag failure in flight around 400 hours but the mags were high calendar time - around 15 years. (Plane sat quite a bit before I bought.) Anyway, inspected 2nd mag since it was of similar vintage and the small metal gear on the inside was so loose and wobbly I doubt it would have lasted another 2 hours before it broke free of the shaft. Long story short, I came very close to a 2-mag failure. 500 hour inspection? Absolutely. Overhaul? Depends on what you find in the inspection. Are there other factors? Absolutely.

Bought mine from Aeroinstock at the suggestion of another mooneyspacer: http://shop.aeroinstock.com/p-13166-adapter.aspx The gasket is different and I don't remember the part number but just give them a call and they'll match it up. Bolts right in place and I installed it myself under an IA's supervision.