Recog Light

[PlaneDrvr99]

I have a 1994 M20J and one of my Recog lights burned out. Can I replace just the bulb or does the whole bulb projector have to be replaced ? I took the clear lense off and tried to look for my self. I couldn't figure out how to pull just the bulb out of the fixture. looked to me as if you have to replace the whole fixture. 2 wires went up to the back of the fixture but they had some form of hardened putty over the connecter. I guess a sealant of some kind ? Any help is much appreciated. I believe these are 25 watt - 28 volt bulbs.

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard Drvr.

I have not seen much about the replacement bulbs for those.  I have seen one instance of somebody going to LED replacements a while ago.

Many people have stopped or limited using them because of melting lenses.

See who comes along with an answer....

Best regards,

-a-

[ArtVandelay]

I have a 1994 M20J and one of my Recog lights burned out. Can I replace just the bulb or does the whole bulb projector have to be replaced ? I took the clear lense off and tried to look for my self. I couldn't figure out how to pull just the bulb out of the fixture. looked to me as if you have to replace the whole fixture. 2 wires went up to the back of the fixture but they had some form of hardened putty over the connecter. I guess a sealant of some kind ? Any help is much appreciated. I believe these are 25 watt - 28 volt bulbs.

I believe it's a 14v bulb and there is a resistor added to drop the voltage, it's a halogen bulb but not in a socket, you have to pull the entire projector. If you search back you'll find these are actually a full 360 round projector that have been trimmed. If you have a dremal tool you can buy them for $15, then trim them to fit.

And if you have trouble melting lenses, get Precise pulselite and wigwag them.

[PlaneDrvr99]

Anyone know who makes the LED replacement ? Just talk to Whelen, they don't have a LED conversion. Whelen told me these are a made to order item. I basically order with one of the Whelen dealers and they special order with Whelen. Looks as if these were only on the Mooney's.

[amillet]

I just replaced the rear recognition light bulb in my '97J.  Maintenance manual explains how.  Bulbs were expensive.  $23.69 ea. from Skygeek.  I ordered from them because nav light bulb ordered at same time was $17 cheaper than AS. Shipped in one day.

[kortopates]

2 hours ago, PlaneDrvr99 said:

Anyone know who makes the LED replacement ? Just talk to Whelen, they don't have a LED conversion. Whelen told me these are a made to order item. I basically order with one of the Whelen dealers and they special order with Whelen. Looks as if these were only on the Mooney's.

There is no LED replacement. You understood correctly from Whelen that these are made for modern mooneys only. Therefore I really doubt we'll ever see a LED replacement for Mooneys given the small application. Google the part no. if you want to find one available quicker and I've found them cheaper than list price that way too. Or if you want to go Teejay's route and are handy with a dremel tool you can try grinding a projector bulb and lens down to size. I haven't tried that yet. They do last quite awhile with the flasher and Lasar is another source for the flasher device (IIRC less than $300 but call them).

1 hour ago, amillet said:

I just replaced the rear recognition light bulb in my '97J.  Maintenance manual explains how.  Bulbs were expensive.  $23.69 ea. from Skygeek.  I ordered from them because nav light bulb ordered at same time was $17 cheaper than AS. Shipped in one day.

amillet you are referring to the rear white Position lights in the rear of the wingtips - not the front forward facing Recognition light in front of the Nav and strobes - completely different. Make sure you re-sealed the position lights with the 3M sealant listed in the IPC but not mentioned in the SM - otherwise flying through precip can lead to shorting it out if the socket the bulb holds get wet.

[amillet]

Paul, where can I find the IPC?  I didn't use any sealant, just put it back together in reverse order.  I did use a little RTV to stick the lens back on.

Are you attending the PPP IN Bullhead City in April?

Alan Millet

[Awful_Charlie]

Thought we'd been here before. They are fitted to Cessnas too, and list price for the assembly is $200 or something rotten.  See

 and

I got a batch of 6 bulbs from the bay of e for $18, they take maybe half an hour each to cut down, remove the leads from the old bulb and solder them onto the new . On the other hand, if you're someone who makes 1000 bucks an hour, then just do another hours work and tell your A&P to change 'em

[kortopates]

34 minutes ago, amillet said:

Paul, where can I find the IPC?  I didn't use any sealant, just put it back together in reverse order.  I did use a little RTV to stick the lens back on.

Are you attending the PPP IN Bullhead City in April?

Alan Millet

Hi Alan, You can get the IPC along with the current maintenance manual (they were all updated last summer) and POHs all on a thumb drive from Mooney through your MSC of choice. Not expensive. 

I am expecting on instructing at the PPP at Bull Head City but it all depends on getting enough sign-ups. We haven't done the PPP there in what seems like 5 or 6 years or so now. Hope to see you there. 

Edited February 9, 2016 by kortopates

[amillet]

I just figured out IPC = Illustrated Parts Catalog.  Yes I have a copy already.

Do you know which 3M sealant is used?

[carusoam]

Thanks AM!

I was afraid to ask my CFII about that one.

Best regards,

-a-