Fuel Selector M20S

[Flymu2]

When I picked up my plane from the paint shop, the fuel selector was very difficult to reposition. On inspection, there is blue dye around the selector.

 

My mechanic did some searching. The selector is available, but it's $1600 . The Mooney part # is 610289-001.

 

Anyone have any ideas on how to handle this problem other than just ordering a new selector?

[Fritz Kaiser]

Hi , please Check this.... It is from the ovation, but it should fit in the egale too!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mooney-Aircraft-Fuel-Selector-w-Selector-Plate-P-N-36100-21-Mooney-Ovation-/301228282323?hash=item46229ad1d3&vxp=mtr

Good luck.

Fritz

[Flymu2]

My mechanic says it has to have an 8130. I sent an inquiry to the seller. Let's see what he says. Thanks for the lead.

[Piloto]

I have seen this same problem before. Try disconnecting the lines from the selector. Be ready with a bucket for the fuel spill. Spray carburetor cleaner into the fuel selector ports. Rotate the selector a couple times. You can also try WD-40. Sometimes when the plane is idle for a long time the selector becomes harder to rotate.

José

[AndyFromCB]

My mechanic says it has to have an 8130. I sent an inquiry to the seller. Let's see what he says. Thanks for the lead.

 

Take it to another mechanic. Nowhere in the regulations is a 8130/yellowtag required for anything. Have him show you the regulation, bet you he won't be able to.

[Flymu2]

After a lot of calls, I found out that no one overhauls these valves, apparently because the manufacturer doesn't want them opened other than by them. Maybe a liability issue. The only unit available that has been checked for satisfactory operation is a new one from Mooney at $1484. On the one hand it seems silly to pay that much. On the other hand it's a single point of failure item. If it fails the engine quits. I've already had this happen to me once and ended up in the trees. I think I have to bite the bullet and pay Mooney their ransom.

[GeorgePerry]

You might try Wentworth Aircraft Salvage.  The usually have a good selection of yellow tagged parts on hand.

 

http://www.wentworthaircraft.com

[Yooper Rocketman]

After a lot of calls, I found out that no one overhauls these valves, apparently because the manufacturer doesn't want them opened other than by them. Maybe a liability issue. The only unit available that has been checked for satisfactory operation is a new one from Mooney at $1484. On the one hand it seems silly to pay that much. On the other hand it's a single point of failure item. If it fails the engine quits. I've already had this happen to me once and ended up in the trees. I think I have to bite the bullet and pay Mooney their ransom.

 

Did you order one yet?  On another list I monitor (Lancair Talk), they had some guys with the same problem.  What name brand is the fuel selector?  They had an option to send it back to the manufacturer and get it cleaned and repairs, for much less than a replacement.  Here is a clip of the conversation.

 

Re: Fuel Selector stiff.

by Doug Sowder » Fri Mar 06, 2015 3:05 pm

Andair responded to an e-mail from me overnight. Their suggestion is that my fuel selector may have been contaminated with glass and/or carbon fibers left in the wing after construction (which I wasn't involved in), and that this would require factory attention, so I should send the valve to them. Estimated cost a reasonale $100.00, but subject to change after inspection.

[Flymu2]

 

Did you order one yet?  On another list I monitor (Lancair Talk), they had some guys with the same problem.  What name brand is the fuel selector?  They had an option to send it back to the manufacturer and get it cleaned and repairs, for much less than a replacement.  Here is a clip of the conversation.

 

Re: Fuel Selector stiff.

by Doug Sowder » Fri Mar 06, 2015 3:05 pm

Andair responded to an e-mail from me overnight. Their suggestion is that my fuel selector may have been contaminated with glass and/or carbon fibers left in the wing after construction (which I wasn't involved in), and that this would require factory attention, so I should send the valve to them. Estimated cost a reasonale $100.00, but subject to change after inspection.

 

 

Hmmm. The manufacturer is Airight in Wichita. I didn't think of your idea. I'll call them on Monday.

[Yooper Rocketman]

Compared to a new one, might be worth the freight and a bit of down time for them to service it.  Let us know what they say.