PilotRPI Posted April 22, 2015 Report Posted April 22, 2015 Is there a download on this site, or something similar, that would list the typical problem areas and questions to ask a seller of an M20C? I found one that seems interesting. Oddly enough, it was a D (fixed gear) that was converted to a C. Anything in particular I should look into for that? Quote
TTaylor Posted April 22, 2015 Report Posted April 22, 2015 Welcome to Mooneyspace! 1. A good mechanic that knows older Mooney's. 2. Corrosion, it will ruin your day (maybe your year). Spar corrosion is most common in the 62 to 65 planes but can be found on others. Need a mechanic that knows what and where to look for it. 3. I think there are prebuy check lists in the flies section. MS has a terrible search engine, better to go to Google and search back to MS. LASAR has a short list if you search Mooney prebuy checklist. Good luck on finding a Mooney Quote
Hank Posted April 22, 2015 Report Posted April 22, 2015 George Perry has a thread here titled something like "buying a vintage Mooney" with many things to look for. Spend a minute with the search box, you'll like what you find. Good luck with your search! Cs are great planes. Quote
22 others Posted April 22, 2015 Report Posted April 22, 2015 Here:http://mooneyspace.com/topic/8-prospective-vintage-mooney-buyers/ Quote
carusoam Posted April 22, 2015 Report Posted April 22, 2015 Nothing odd about D converted to C... Most of them have been converted. Know what a PPI is and why it is good. This is important for all airplanes. More important for old airplanes. Most important for protecting your wallet. Former C owner, -a- Quote
PilotRPI Posted April 22, 2015 Author Report Posted April 22, 2015 My plan is probably to do a full annual on anything I buy. If I go PPI, then I will be sure to be there myself while it is done. That link had some really good info. The Lasar site has some good info as well. Quote
Mooneymite Posted April 22, 2015 Report Posted April 22, 2015 If you're interested in a "newer" C model, do not be deterred by the electric gear. The older models all have the tried and true "Johnson bars", but starting around 1968 the electric gear became an option, then it replaced the manual gear. Most C owners love the manual gear and many will tell you to avoid the electrics. I'm not one of them. I've had my electric gear C model for 18 years and never had an issue with it. The only time I've used the manual backup is during the annual inspection when it has to be tested. The major issues with the electric gear are precisely the same as with the manual gear: careful periodic inspection for wear, checking the pre-loads and proper lubrication. The major difference is that if a manual gear is out of rig, you can compensate with a stronger "Armstrong". If an electric gear is out of rig, you will accellerate wear of the drive train parts. When I first got my Mooney, the gear lash in the retraction mechanism was about 1/4 tooth. Last time I did the check, the lash was about 1/4 tooth....no perceptible wear in 18 years and countless extensions/retractions. For me, it has been a plus, as I get older it is even more a plus to be able to flip a switch to operate the gear and not have to worry about my wife's purse in the way of the Johnson bar. Believe me, I am in no way critical of the Johnson bar. It's great. However, take all the nay-sayers about the electric gear with a grain of salt. My experience has been completely positive. 1 Quote
Hank Posted April 22, 2015 Report Posted April 22, 2015 Me too, Gus. Plus I keep water and charts between the seats, and plates sideways on the floor below the throttle quadrant. Can't do that with a Johnson bar. Even better, I don't skin my knuckles or release seatbelts lowering gear to land. Quote
Mooneymite Posted April 22, 2015 Report Posted April 22, 2015 On 4/22/2015 at 8:56 PM, Hank said: Me too, Gus. Plus I keep water and charts between the seats, and plates sideways on the floor below the throttle quadrant. Can't do that with a Johnson bar. Even better, I don't skin my knuckles or release seatbelts lowering gear to land. Careful, Hank, or we'll have the "Johnson Bar bullies" down on us! 1 Quote
Hank Posted April 22, 2015 Report Posted April 22, 2015 On 4/22/2015 at 9:04 PM, Mooneymite said: Careful, Hank, or we'll have the "Johnson Bar bullies" down on us! That's okay-- they can only fight with their one oversize forearm, their left arms are pretty small . . . 2 Quote
Alhall Posted April 23, 2015 Report Posted April 23, 2015 Love my Johnson Bar. I also know a 130 lb 70 year old lady flying an M20E with a Johnson Bar. Just saying 1 Quote
Htwjr Posted April 23, 2015 Report Posted April 23, 2015 I have C and I wanted to go on record stating that I love my "Johnson"....bar. What do I like about my Johnson? Its long and hard and I can wrap my hand around it, I can pull on it, it feels good when you get it in the slot, and it has never failed me. Yes I for one love my Johnson...bar. Just sayin 4 Quote
Marauder Posted April 23, 2015 Report Posted April 23, 2015 On 4/23/2015 at 4:00 PM, Htwjr said: I have C and I wanted to go on record stating that I love my "Johnson"....bar. What do I like about my Johnson? Its long and hard and I can wrap my hand around it, I can pull on it, it feels good when you get it in the slot, and it has never failed me. Yes I for one love my Johnson...bar. Just sayin Wait until your wife finds out you have been cheating on her! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote
Htwjr Posted April 23, 2015 Report Posted April 23, 2015 She is pretty fond of it occasionally but I don't think she appreciates it as much as I do. 1 Quote
ryoder Posted April 25, 2015 Report Posted April 25, 2015 Johnson Bar. What a terrible name. I love the manual gear because it's one less thing to go wrong. I don't have to unlatch my belt or harness to operate it. I do have to unlatch the harness for the fuel selector and I cut my hand on the selector before. The C has some airworthiness directives so educate yourself on those. I have the 100 hour prop hub, engine mount inspection, and gear and pushrod lube. Those two inspections don't coincide so it requires three maintenance events minimum per year. Older Cs have oddly arranged panels but you get used to it. Quote
Alhall Posted April 25, 2015 Report Posted April 25, 2015 When the Prop(hub) AD came out Hartzell offered a swap for a new Prop for 5k some M20c will have that AD free prop with the B hub. Quote
atn_pilot Posted April 25, 2015 Report Posted April 25, 2015 On 4/25/2015 at 8:10 PM, ryoder said: Johnson Bar. What a terrible name. I love the manual gear because it's one less thing to go wrong. I don't have to unlatch my belt or harness to operate it. I do have to unlatch the harness for the fuel selector and I cut my hand on the selector before. That fuel selector is the only thing so far I don't like about my C. You've got to be a female gymnast to be able to do the contortions to reach that damned thing. Quote
bonal Posted April 26, 2015 Report Posted April 26, 2015 I honestly don't know what the deal is with the fuel select. I'm 220 and about as limber as my Johnson...bar and have no trouble working it. I like the simplicity of the manual gear but it would be nice to be able to put things between the seats. The hub AD is not too much a problem since I only manage about 50 to 70 hours a year. An M20c is a great airplane and nothing can touch it for cost for performance value. 1 Quote
gsxrpilot Posted April 26, 2015 Report Posted April 26, 2015 On 4/25/2015 at 10:35 PM, atn_pilot said: That fuel selector is the only thing so far I don't like about my C. You've got to be a female gymnast to be able to do the contortions to reach that damned thing. I slide the seat back a couple of notches and use a home made T handle made from 1/2 inch PVC. All very easy to use. 1 Quote
atn_pilot Posted April 26, 2015 Report Posted April 26, 2015 On 4/26/2015 at 2:40 AM, gsxrpilot said: I slide the seat back a couple of notches and use a home made T handle made from 1/2 inch PVC. All very easy to use. That's an excellent idea, actually. Thanks! Quote
atn_pilot Posted April 26, 2015 Report Posted April 26, 2015 On 4/26/2015 at 2:50 AM, daver328 said: I watch what I eat ... work out ... whenever I need, reach down and switch tanks. Sounds crazy, I know! Um, yeah, I think I'll keep eating the pizza and try the T handle idea. 1 Quote
carusoam Posted April 26, 2015 Report Posted April 26, 2015 Watch what you eat, exercise, and check this thread... http://mooneyspace.com/topic/13884-fuel-selector-un-reachable/?hl=%2Btank+%2Bselector+%2Bpipe Check in with your doctor before going too extreme on exercise... Best regards, -a- Quote
Guest Posted April 26, 2015 Report Posted April 26, 2015 On 4/23/2015 at 4:00 PM, Htwjr said: I have C and I wanted to go on record stating that I love my "Johnson"....bar. What do I like about my Johnson? Its long and hard and I can wrap my hand around it, I can pull on it, it feels good when you get it in the slot, and it has never failed me. Yes I for one love my Johnson...bar. Just sayin I moved from a Mooney to a Comanche, now I have 8 jugs to play with instead of a Johnson bar. Clarence Quote
bonal Posted April 26, 2015 Report Posted April 26, 2015 Who the heck named it a Johnson ...I'm talking about the one in the plane... Quote
ryoder Posted April 27, 2015 Report Posted April 27, 2015 Pilots who can't reach the selector due to a large midsection have bigger problems to worry about and should prioritize getting in shape over flying recreationally. To each his own but heart disease is a major killer and guts are a huge risk factor. Quote
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