Randy_B

A couple years ago I was in for annual and the shop had an E model with Ray Jay turbo in there as well. The E had a bad stumbling and loss of power problem on take-off. The shop went through everything; electrical, ignition, fuel system, hoses, and valve train with no resolution. They were frustrated and running out of ideas. I searched MS and came across a post on the symptoms of a bad fuel selector. The problem ended up being a bad o-ring in the selector. The unit would pass a pressure test all day. However, a vacuum test would produce bubbles, presumably from around the selector stem. The unit was sent to Lasar for rebuild and the plane ran perfectly after it was reinstalled. MS has a lot of great information and insight.

+1 What Joe said. The tube and hoses caused the same issue following my annual a few years back. Interfered with the over-center and push pull rods on the pilot side of the firewall.

$275.00 and I will pay for shipping.

jpjp, I have sent a message to discuss your bezel pieces further. Thanks, Randy

All, I would like to buy 1 or 2 black yoke bezels to dress up my reconditioned yokes. I believe the part # is 917024-001. Please let me know if you have one in good condition or if you know where I can source them. Thanks, Randy 84' M20J

My 84' M20J had 4 machine screws with nuts and washers holding the pilot side of that panel in place. There were also multiple #6 sheet metal screws attached thru the passenger side of the panel at the luggage door opening. My interior had been refinished and the exterior painted prior to me buying it. So, I can't say whether the machine screws were original for 1984. Mooney (2).pdf

I think Turbo has it right. Five years ago we made nearly the same flight when we picked up my Mooney in early July. KOKK, KOTM, KCYS, MBW KRWL, KEVW, KSLC, KENV, KRTS,KTRK, KBLU, KLVK. Our destination was Stead, NV. The route kept us at 12.500 or below and over major interstates thru the higher passes. We only had to dodge a couple rain storms thru central Wyoming. East of Salt Lake we stayed over I-80 and were just under 12,500, so plenty of clearance. The Northern route looks like it about 200nm shorter than the Southern route. What ever route you take it looks like a nice adventure.

I am late to this thread but, it is good to hear that no damage was done. In the first 15 hours of ownership of my 84' M20J I found the evidence of this type of mishap. I was still receiving my dual instruction and we practiced the emergency gear extension procedure by the book. You could feel something was just not right. When pulling the T-handle extension cable lightly and slowly the gear would extend. If you pulled with more than light force it felt like the actuator skipped a gear or past a lobe. My mechanic's investigation found the bronze clutch was damaged. There were other things that suggested the gear override button was pressed while the gear extension lever was open. IIRC I found the bronze clutch at LASAR for +/- $350.00.

My 84' M20J came with a Kennon cover that I have been happy with. Has a smooth lining to protect the acrylic. http://www.shop.kennoncovers.com/Mooney_c38.htm

LOL, I liked the Spinal Tap reference "it goes to 11, its just better".

My #2 Com. crapped out today. If you have a good KY197 setting on the shelf and are willing to sell it, please let know. Feel free to PM with price and condition. Thanks.

Steve, I think you are in the "ball park" with what you are expecting to get for the money. Now you are down to considering your mission. About a year ago, I half-heartedly posted my "J" for sale. I didn't really pursue selling it. At annual this year all of the acrylics and 90% of the interior plastics were replaced. I may still consider selling it. What part of the West are you located in? My mission took me from Boise to Seattle and Boise to Reno. The J model has worked well. Thanks, Randy

You might try Skyline Aircraft Maintenance (http://www.skylineaircraft.com/) in Nampa, ID. I know they had a Q model, I don't know the year, that they own and were rebuilding for resale. I don't believe they had a buyer. You may be able to have it built out the way you want it. No affiliation, they just completed the annual on my J.

If you are talking about the small round aluminum eyeball vents, they are tough. In my 84" J the vents are part of an assembly that is glued to the backside of the two ceiling panels. I recently removed mine to install new ceiling panels. It took some careful cutting and trimming to prepare them for installation onto the new panels.

I agree with Bob. They appear to be blind rivets. Cherry Rivets can be domed or recessed and if sized properly the anvil will break-off at the head surface. You will be able to drill them out.

I am in the middle of doing the same thing. A few new interior panels and new acrylic all around. Bob it looks like you are fairly deep into your plane. I would say go for the new acrylic now. You won't want to go back latter. After talking with Great Lakes Aero, I went with the Gray (W/G) that Mooney is currently using. Replacing the windows is a lot of work. I have never scraped so much sealant.

I had the same issue about 2 years ago following the annual. I tracked the problem down to interference with the over-center linkage on the left firewall and the breather/drain tubes attached to the firewall in the same area. Should be some thing simple. Good luck.

I thought I would share this weeks newsletter from the Hawthorne Industrial Airport (KHTH) in Hawthorne, NV. Ms. Betty Easley is the volunteer Ambassador for the airport and author/photographer of its newsletter. You probably haven't met a nicer airport Ambassador. Last summer my brother and I flew down to Reno to spend a few days. One of our day trips was a short flight over to Hawthorne to visit their ordinance museum and look around town. Betty heard our calls as we approached and drove over to the airport, from her house, to welcome us to Hawthorne. We were met with cold bottled water and the keys to her personal courtesy car full of gas. She pointed out all the new construction and improvements. The runway was in great condition, new aprons and tie down area, and recently new fuel tanks have been installed. Betty told us to be sure to call when we were ready to leave because she wanted to get some photos. If you like, she will take photos of your takeoff/departure and email them to you. Her photos are the only ones I have or my plane in flight (2nd photo down in the newsletter). Betty won't take a dime for any of this effort. She will only accept a donation to the airport authority.

Chris, Congratulations on the impending purchase of your M20J. Just over 4 years ago I was nearly in your same situation. I had a whopping 80 hours, a high performance and complex endorsement. I knew I wanted a J but I also knew I wasn't nearly prepared to fly one half way across the country with a local check ride. I found my J in North Canton, OH. My PPL instructor wasn't specifically a Mooney instructor but had considerable Mooney time. He was more than willing to fly out with me, check out the plane and fly back with me. The insurance (AOPA) requirements were 15 hours of duel and 10 hours of solo time prior to carrying passengers. The trip back nearly covered the duel requirement. This all took place at the end of June/first of July. I blocked out a full week for this endeavor. I thought the trip was an invaluable learning experience covering long distance flight/weather planning, fuel management, high crosswind takeoffs and landings, in route weather avoidance, getting familiar with aircraft's systems, as well as the effects of dehydration and high altitude. I wouldn't do it again any other way. Do be careful and be sure to let us know how the adventure goes. Randy

Golfpilot, I would also say a "J" model like mine (unsolicited plug) would fit your needs. Like you, I was looking for a fast, efficient, and sexy looking plane for my 2-3 hour missions. Most of my flying has been between the Seattle area and Boise at 9,500 to 10,500. That is an 8+ hour drive that turns into a 2-1/2 hour flight. My missions don't look to be that much different from yours and the J fit perfectly. In the interest of full disclosure, I did recently post my plane in the for sale forum. Good luck in your search, Randy

That's a great story. A good laugh on a Friday.

+1 on Big Tex's suggestion. And if you have time stop in Port Townsend (0S9) for pie at the Spruce Goose Café. Their $100 hamburgers are good as well.

Conditions are delaying recovery. Additional photo. http://www.ktvb.com/news/Could-be-months-before-Wyoming-plane-crash-reached-259273781.html

The searchers presumed no survivors. http://www.ktvb.com/news/Brothers-on-crashed-plane-presumed-dead-259115691.html Condolences go out to the families.

I have seen some nice avionics installed in a local Mooney by Skyline Aircraft Maintenance in Nampa, Idaho. I believe Idaho has tax breaks for some aviation work as well, you'll have to ask. I am sure Justin, their avionics guy, would be happy to work up a quote for you. I have not had avionics work done by them, but have been happy with other work they have performed. http://skylineaircraft.com/avionics/