Prop control not working

[bksmith30]

I have a 1961 M20B, I just changed the oil, plugs and trouble shooted a small oil leak. When I pulled the plane out of the hanger to start it with the cowling off to track down oil leak my starter went out. So I had the starter removed as well as the generator since the lower cowling was removed. New starter and generator and lower cowling back on, pulled the plane out again and started the engine let it run for about 3-4 minutes while it was running I tried to cycle the prop but the control knob would not move at all. The cable seems to be fine. Everything was working fine before but its not now. The only thing that was had anything to do with the prop was the oil line on the front of the engine was removed to access the generator bolts. Any one have any ideas on what the cause would be? I have a lycoming O360-A1D engine with little over 600 hours SMOH and little over 300 hours McCauley SPOH. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[bonal]

Does the cable stick when the engine is not running you might also try disconnecting the cable end from the governor control arm. See if the arm moves and if the cable is still stuck.

[bksmith30]

It will not move at all, with the engine running or not.

[bonal]

Try disconnecting from the governor arm and see if it's the cable itself try to isolate where it has become stuck.

[bksmith30]

Ok I wll try that, just a pain to get to it. Just odd that it happened when I was repairing other problems. Thank you for your response!

[bonal]

I know the feeling. Good luck

[N601RX]

Try rotating it a little bit, and then pushing the button and pulling on it.  Sometimes the venier controls get crossed up.

[bksmith30]

Thank you, I will give that a try as well!

[N201MKTurbo]

Did you drop a tool or fastener on the governor arm?

[bksmith30]

No there is nothing on the arm, there were no tools rested on the cowl or engine. The governor arm looks in tack. I just haven't tried the other suggestions yet as I will when i get off work. I have a feeling its the control cable but want to make sure before I spend $600 for one.

[cliffy]

Lets start at the beginning

You say it's a B model. They didn't come with a vernier prop control originally.  They had a straight push/pull with a lock ring to stop unwanted movement. Which do you have?

If the original style, are you sure the lock ring/friction lock is releasing?

If it was replaced with a vernier, try twisting the knob a little to release it. 

Look at the governor end connection to make sure it is clear and free of anything blocking it. 

Remove the control from the gov wheel and see if the cable is still not moving 

Twist the gov plate to see if it will move. 

This covers about everything you can do to trouble shoot. Once you get to removing the control end from the gov you are now in A^P territory.

I wish you luck. 

[bksmith30]

Mine does have the vernier cable, and i am pretty sure that the B models came this way, i could be wrong I was once before  . I called the factory dealer and the B uses the same as the C through G part number : 660189-005. I will try all the suggestions and determine if it is the cable or not and I will have an AP removing the control end, thanks cliffy for grouping everyone's suggestions together into one post. I did a screen shot of yours in case I won't have service at the hanger.

[KSMooniac]

If you end up needing a new cable, you can send your old one to McFarlane and they'll duplicate it for much less than buying a factory new cable.  This is 100% legal, and you'll end up with exactly the same cable at the end of the day.

[bksmith30]

Do you know the cost from them? I checked with them but they couldn't give me a price without giving them the dimensions. I know Southwest Texas Aviation price is $582, not sure if that is a Mooney or not but Willmar Air Service it is $332 and is a Mooney stock part.

[KSMooniac]

I know the cost was about half of what Mooney charges when I purchased new J cables earlier this year.  

[bksmith30]

Thanks I will check them out when i find out for sure it is the cable. Going to head to the hanger after work.

[bonal]

Going to head to the hanger after work, Now Your Talkin!

[wombat]

How 'firm' should the push/pull on the prop control be?   On my E, I have to use both hands when cycling it during the run-up.   It's easily adjustable using the vernier while in flight but when pushing the vernier release in and just pulling the control out it's extremely stiff.

 

Does anyone know what the lubrication schedule (if any) is for that cable?   I would think that it's probably something like graphite down the cable where I can or perhaps silicone.

[N201MKTurbo]

The prop control should move with almost no effort.

[BigTex]

How 'firm' should the push/pull on the prop control be? On my E, I have to use both hands when cycling it during the run-up. It's easily adjustable using the vernier while in flight but when pushing the vernier release in and just pulling the control out it's extremely stiff.

Does anyone know what the lubrication schedule (if any) is for that cable? I would think that it's probably something like graphite down the cable where I can or perhaps silicone.

I'd not fly the plane until you get that fixed. It should move just like your throttle and mixture cables.

I had my prop cable replaced recently. I ordered it from SWA and it was drop shipped from Mooney and made by McFarlane... Go figure. Cost was ~ $500 and a bear to install.

[HRM]

Just odd that it happened when I was repairing other problems.

 

Have a chat with Mike Busch 

[cliffy]

I did my prop control through McFarland and it was $240 if I remember correctly.

You will have to "participate" in the making of it as an "owner designed part" through them as I don't think they make an "approved" model for a Mooney yet. ODP is fine with the FAA as long as you (the owner) participate in its design, manf control.. materials or some other part of the making. McFarland does this all the time. They have a form for it. You can send them your control, fill out the form and tell them to make a duplicate (or they might be able to remake your own) using all their approved procedures and manf inspections like they do on their "approved" ones for Cessnas. You can then make a log book entry saying you are supplying a prop control designed to your specifications as an ODP for installation on your airplane. Then your A&P will sign off saying he feels the part is a good "form, fit and, function to the original part and he can install it.  

[KSMooniac]

And to put your mind at further ease...they actually make the cables for Mooney.

[ryoder]

For this owner designed part, do they make the cable plus the control portion as well?  If so then can they do the throttle and mixture?

If I put a blue knob in the airplane I probably want to see a shiny red and black knob as well.

[bksmith30]

Ok it was the prop cable, after it was removed it was still really hard to operate and the governor operated fine. I am going to order a new one today either from Wilmar Air Service $332 versus $582 from SWA, but I am going to contact McFarlane first to get a price since I have it out I can get them the dimensions and they will quote me one.