First off, i am new to mooneyspace. I'm normally a "lurker" not a "poster". I figured that next year i will be attending Oshkosh for the first so i would get to know a few people with similar interest before hand to gather recomendations and advise from people that are experienced in these events.
First off, i am a new pilot. For the last 18 years, i have been dreaming of becoming a private pilot, owning a mooney (long love affair) and living that illusive taboo of flying yourself to that beach vacation destination with my family with total freedom. Ive been with my wonderful wife for eleven years. On July 10 2009 we had our first girl Eleanor and second Annabelle on August 14 of 2011. I decided it was time before Anna joined us to finally get my "Private" . On may 31st 2011 i took my discovery flight. My first lesson was June 6th. I was awarded my Private Certificate 39 days later on July 14th. 2011. The week before i took my checkride, i was presented with a great opportunity to get into a mooney partnership and continue on to my instrument rating. I had my instrument done by winter. (done nights and sundays, i own two businesses) .
On to the plane. We have a 67 20F. It had fairly low hours when we got it (1820TT) with 825 SMOH. I analized the log books for reasons for the overhaul at such low time. I noted that in the late 80s, it sat for a few years. Compressions were very low and assumed that when it changed hands(sold) the new owner decided on an overhaul. The rest of the plane was in fair condition with original interior (gross) original basic IFR platform and poor paint job.
I have been flying it with basic maintenance changing the oil every 25hrs. I had it my shop changing the oil and found an issue. An small oil leak off the bottom of #1 cylinder base. I consulted with a few other mechanics and it was the census that it was a seepy through stud. After flying for a while, and regular inspections, the leak turned into a crack in the case. After alot of research i found that when the plane sat for years, they needed to top 1&2. The mechanic overtightened the #1 front lower stud cracking the case. The plane was sold and the case was repaired with the compliment of an overhaul.
After finding crack:
I pulled the engine and began a firewall foward overhaul.
Doing:
1.Cowl enclosure
2.External oil filter
3.JPI EDM 830
4. Rebuilt Nose gear and mains. New bearing, liners, tires and tubes
5. New 4place intercom
6. stand by vac.
7. LYCON balance porting high comp top
8. Complete strip and repaint. (running it through my shop lakeside aviation)
9. Complete new interior
10. All new windows. I dont want tape lines in the paint or old corrosion left under the fasteners so i removed the windows. Decided i hate the green tint so...I have excellent condition set if anyone is in need.
11. HSI
12. New Tach
13. Conchord battery
14. Skytech starter
This is where im at so far.. I want to put a GNS430w in it but, funds are low now this year.
It all started with an oil change
I'm should have everything done for spring. Next year i want to start getting to some events.