Checking for corrosion at pre-purchase

[bd32322]

I bought my first Mooney without having visited this site and taking advantage of the knowledge base here. However, I did do a pre-purchase inspection from a reputable MSC and was very happy with the plane. Unfortunately, I did not exactly know the details of what the shop inspected.

Now that I am trying to move up to a different Mooney, I am wondering if there is a laundry list of things you would want to inspect regarding airframe corrosion (not engine). Can they actually be done during a PPI or are they too labor intensive?

Can I myself take a look at any tell tale signs even before doing a PPI?

Thanks

[bd32322]

Sorry should have mentioned this is for a M20k. I think the 1986 and 1987 models have the epoxy primer which makes them less susceptible to rust.

[M016576]

A couple great places to look:

Wheel wells at the main spar

Pull the pilot side panel, and run your fingers all the way around the frame (steel roll cage).

Pull the dash and take a look at all the connectors and grounds.

If all three of those spots look corrosion free, then that's a great sign.

[carusoam]

Stored indoors all of it's life is a good sign...

Stored outdoors for decades, is best to have a good ppi...

Reading through it's logs will give a solid sign of who has been doing the maintenance...

My C was an outdoor bird. My local mechanic did it's few hundred dollar PPI. I read it's logs. It had no pedigree of any sort..

I got pretty lucky with that one...

Some corrosion was developing under paint in a visible way to a potential buyer.

another spot of corrosion had started on the floor by the back seat. Visible by lifting the carpet.

It is better to invest in a good PPI when spending a good chunk of change.

Get logs and pictures sent to you first....

then, Go see the bird next...

then, Start the negotiations...

Then, write your Purchase Agreement detailing your expectations...

Then, Get your PPI (consider making it an annual if it makes sense)

contact your insurance guy...

PPI with intent to purchase includes flying it by somebody knowlegable on the model, the engine and the nav/com equipment.

then follow up with getting all of the AW issues corrected + anything on the wish list...

Then follow up with proper Transition Training...

Lastly, deliver to the Home Drome...

Somewhere along the way, check with your accountant on how to best handle the associated taxes that go with your new bird...

That's what comes to mind when I think about the birds I came home with...

I enjoy machine acquisitions, but i am not a pro. i am only a PP....

How does that sound? Corrosion can be devastating, but there are so many things to watch for...

Best regards,

-a-

[TTaylor]

The one place that kills an airframe is corrosion on the wing spar. The panels in the wing should be opened and the spar checked closely. If possible it is helpful to drain the tanks and check for corrosion of the spar in the tanks. Unfortunately I know this from experience, we found spar corrosion during a tank reseal and had to write-off a 63 20C.

[bd32322]

The one place that kills an airframe is corrosion on the wing spar. The panels in the wing should be opened and the spar checked closely. If possible it is helpful to drain the tanks and check for corrosion of the spar in the tanks. Unfortunately I know this from experience, we found spar corrosion during a tank reseal and had to write-off a 63 20C.

 

Ouch that is concerning .. so basically the corrosion is not visible until the sealant is off?

Or it is visible once the fuel is out?

[TTaylor]

Ours was not found until the sealant was removed. I still think it is a good idea to check the backside of the spar and in the tanks if possible for any signs of corrosion.

[bd32322]

Ours was not found until the sealant was removed. I still think it is a good idea to check the backside of the spar and in the tanks if possible for any signs of corrosion.

Thanks

 

Wonder how that came about - I would think a surface that has sealant on it - wouldnt be exposed to corrosion ..

unless the sealant has cracks and the fuel has water from condensation or otherwise