Door seal replacement on my 86 m20j

[Heybluez]

So this is my first update on my "new plane" and figured I would share some picks. The old door seal that was on there was bulging out the sides when the door was closed. Felt it was time for an upgrade so I bought an aircraft door seals seal.  Little did I realize the amount of work required!  It took about 5-6 hours to get all the old adhesive off. It was caked on there pretty good. I almost think that it was replaced in the past and never really cleaned before. Once that was off, putting the new seal on was about 30 minutes, I'd say. Reassembling the door upholstery probably another 1 hour given I could not figure out which screws went where.   either way, managed to get it done.  I can tell you that the door seal no longer bulges out the sides but it does not like parts of the door are not flush with the fuselage... But I am hoping that's because the seal is so new that it just needs time to form to the body of the door and frame. It was certainly tough getting it closed the first time!  

Anyway, it was a blast to do and I can't wait to tackle the baggage door next. I do want to thank Hubert Compton who was there the entire time helping me through this. No way I could have done it without his knowledge.

Happy to others near CHO if you want to do this.

thanks all!

MJP

[Danb]

Bluez, the clothpins are a great idea, I've done mine a few times and still am not happy, ready to go to inflatable one..you cleaned it perfect.

, good luck with your new bird

[flyboy0681]

Been there done that too, not a fun job. I remember using a liquid solvent to remove the old, caked up glue but it didn't take hours. We used the factory seal, which fit like a glove, however, ever since it was replaced the door sticks like a MF when it's closed and locked for a few days. The only way to pry it open in those cases is to use a flathead screwdriver. 

 

 

[carusoam]

Nice pictures.  Report back after flying...

I expect that there will be a quieter cabin and less chill in the winter.

best regards,

-a-

[chrisk]

I remember doing this.  Getting the old glue off was a pain and took several hours.  I think I used goof off to loosen it up and a rag with plastic scrapper.  MEK probably would have worked too.  Installing the new seal was really simple when instructions were followed.  As I recall, put the new glue on, wait a few minutes then stick the seal on.  No clothespins necessary.  It fit very tight for the first week and it was difficult to close the door. Now it is perfect.

[Heybluez]

I remember doing this.  Getting the old glue off was a pain and took several hours.  I think I used goof off to loosen it up and a rag with plastic scrapper.  MEK probably would have worked too.  Installing the new seal was really simple when instructions were followed.  As I recall, put the new glue on, wait a few minutes then stick the seal on.  No clothespins necessary.  It fit very tight for the first week and it was difficult to close the door. Now it is perfect.

Yes, we used Goo Off and a brass brush. It was a ton of work but worth it.

[Heybluez]

Nice pictures.  Report back after flying...

I expect that there will be a quieter cabin and less chill in the winter.

best regards,

-a-

plan on going out this weekend.. i am hoping for those results!  will report