Jerry 5TJ Posted August 23, 2014 Report Posted August 23, 2014 This week during the annual review I found and replaced the last remaining original flex hose in the "C" bird. It was the oil line between the firewall and the gauge cluster. The hose was in "fair" condition, type 303-3 flex hose (cloth braid over stainless steel braid over rubber-like core) and bore a tag with the date stamp 1-4-65. I also replaced a bunch of other flex hoses forward of the firewall that were "only" 21 years old.
FlyDave Posted August 23, 2014 Report Posted August 23, 2014 Wow Jerry. I was 4 1/2 years old when that hose was made. And you didn't even replace it because it was failing...pretty darn good products them Mooney people used, eh?
orionflt Posted August 23, 2014 Report Posted August 23, 2014 I have a 62 C most of the hoses have been replaced but the hydraulic lines to the flaps are still original, they were made in 61. They are not as flexible as the use to be but are not leaking, they are on my todo list along with rebuilding the flap pump and actuator. Brian Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
N601RX Posted August 23, 2014 Report Posted August 23, 2014 We made up some new hoses to replace the original hoses behind my panel and on the flaps about 2 years ago. They were not leaking but we're very stiff. When I removed the ends I found a couple were corroded pretty bad. They looked ok from the outside. I think I posted a picture a couple of years ago.
Jerry 5TJ Posted September 3, 2014 Author Report Posted September 3, 2014 Finished the annual today, all entries signed off, and took the mandatory test flight. AOK so far, and no oil leaks from the new hoses. Glad to be aloft again. PS There are too many screws in the belly panels. 2
Mooneymite Posted September 3, 2014 Report Posted September 3, 2014 . PS There are too many screws in the belly panels. I recently finished the annual on my Mooney and would add that there are waaay too many screws associated with inspection panels in general. The belly panels are just the worst. Seems like Mooney could have easily knocked several hours off of the time to complete an annual by incorporating hinged panels in some places and quick openning panels in others. If you think how quick it is to open the oil access door on the top of the cowl and then think how nice it would have been to put that same design on all the access panels! Did Mooney designers not know that the airplane would have to be inspected annually?
1964-M20E Posted September 3, 2014 Report Posted September 3, 2014 I recently finished the annual on my Mooney and would add that there are waaay too many screws associated with inspection panels in general. The belly panels are just the worst. Seems like Mooney could have easily knocked several hours off of the time to complete an annual by incorporating hinged panels in some places and quick openning panels in others. If you think how quick it is to open the oil access door on the top of the cowl and then think how nice it would have been to put that same design on all the access panels! Did Mooney designers not know that the airplane would have to be inspected annually? I’ve always believe the reason Mooney stopped making planes over the years was they could not afford or could not source enough screws for the inspection covers at that time. 2
Rhumbline Posted September 3, 2014 Report Posted September 3, 2014 I’ve always believe the reason Mooney stopped making planes over the years was they could not afford or could not source enough screws for the inspection covers at that time. Yup. My mechanic wryly asserts that Mooney was actually in the screw business and created a market by building the airplane. 1
aaronk25 Posted September 5, 2014 Report Posted September 5, 2014 So does a hose that's not leaking but is stuff instead of soft and pliable need to be replaced? I dont here much about hoses blowing??? I have some that are stiff but they were 4 years ago when I bought the plane. Thoughts?
Bob_Belville Posted September 5, 2014 Report Posted September 5, 2014 I am in the process of an owner assist annual in my hanger. I spent quite a bit less than 1 hour removing all the access panels. I do have a one piece belly but it still has 40 or 50 screws. I use a 4V light weight power screwdriver. My big, heavy 18V drill is too powerful, prone to stripping screws, and get awfully heavy awfully fast on those underside panels.There are about 18 panels plus the belly that have to come off. Panels have 6-10 screws so there are close to 200 screws. I also removed the cowl, the seats/carpet, pulled the battery, and jacked up the plane. I think clearing out the grunt work including the Tri-Flowing the Heim bearings etc. helps the A&P concentrate on the inspecting, etc. 1
1964-M20E Posted September 5, 2014 Report Posted September 5, 2014 I am in the process of an owner assist annual in my hanger. I spent quite a bit less than 1 hour removing all the access panels. I do have a one piece belly but it still has 40 or 50 screws. I use a 4V light weight power screwdriver. My big, heavy 18V drill is too powerful, prone to stripping screws, and get awfully heavy awfully fast on those underside panels.There are about 18 panels plus the belly that have to come off. Panels have 6-10 screws so there are close to 200 screws. I also removed the cowl, the seats/carpet, pulled the battery, and jacked up the plane. I think clearing out the grunt work including the Tri-Flowing the Heim bearings etc. helps the A&P concentrate on the inspecting, etc. Bob Great that is the way I do my annuals. I do all the grunt work cleaning, lubing etc. (by the way all legal for the owner to do without an A&P/IA) and then some. I often get the comment from my IA what am I doing here. I tell her I need you to sign the paperwork. 1
Bob_Belville Posted September 5, 2014 Report Posted September 5, 2014 I spent a couple of hours this morning messing with a landing light lens cover and the actuator rods for the cowl flaps. This was fixing stuff which had been done sloppily by licensed mechanic some time in the past. Not airworthiness items and the A&P would not have touch them unless I had requested. And I would not have like to pay shop rates for such basic work as freeing over-jammed jam nuts and running a tap to clean thread on t-nuts screwed up by someone cross threading the bolt. My A&P will sign off.
aaronk25 Posted September 5, 2014 Report Posted September 5, 2014 So does a hose that's not leaking but is stuff instead of soft and pliable need to be replaced? I dont here much about hoses blowing??? I have some that are stiff but they were 4 years ago when I bought the plane. Thoughts?
Jerry 5TJ Posted September 8, 2014 Author Report Posted September 8, 2014 Here is an extract from what one material vendor says. 4.0 HOSE AND FITTING INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS 4.1 Even with proper selection and installation, hose life may be significantly reduced without a continuing inspection program. The frequency of inspection should be determined by the system designer or end user taking into account the severity of the application and risk potential. An inspection program must be established and followed by the user and, at minimum, must include instructions 4.2 through 4.7, listed below. 4.2 Visual Inspection Hose/Fitting: Any of the following conditions require immediate shut down and replacement of the hose assembly: (See also ARP1658 for illustrations.) • Fitting slippage on hose, • Damaged, cut or abraded cover (any reinforcement exposed); • Hard, stiff, heat cracked, or charred hose; • Cracked, damaged, or badly corroded hose or fittings; • Leaks at fitting or in hose; • Kinked, crushed, flattened or twisted hose; and • Blistered, soft, degraded, or loose cover. • System malfunction including but not limited to, over-pressurization or pressure spikes. Ref http://www.aero-hose.com/_docs/111%20catalog.pdf So, their suggestion is to replace any stiff hose. 1
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