Can I Replace This Screw (Picture Attached)

[HopePilot]

Can I, as an owner, not mechanic, replace this screw which is getting rusty?  Also, if I remove it will something in the tail, like a nut, fall off?  Last question, does anyone know if it is a common part?

[MooneyMitch]

Careful now, don't drop that lens!!!  Just kidding.  Good job. 

[MooneyMitch]

"All seriousness aside", there are tons of things you can do to save yourself tons of money and Jim R has listed them.

[M20BE]

Have someone hold the tail while removing the screw or it may fall.

José

[HopePilot]

Thanks everyone!  If anyone knows the type of screw it is, please chime in or I'll just remove it and go from there.  

[Immelman]

I don't know the type of screw off hand but its either a #6 or #8 sheet metal or truss head machine screw, probably 1/2" length.

I have built up, over the years, a good assortment of proper aircraft hardware and find that there are probably a dozen or so fastener types that you will have a frequent need for.. Figure out what those are and order sufficient quantities of them. You need not (and probably should not) buy a stainless screw 'kit', even for a Mooney, as they often contain a lot of what you don't need.

I get my hardware from aircraft spruce and chief aircraft... for most things.

[richardheitzman]

seems to be minor surface rust. take it out, sand blast it or work off the rust with some scotch brite, repaint and install.

That screw holds the bezel that holds in the lens for your nav light. Carefull not to bust the glass.

They get that way because in the past mechanics take out the lens to clean them up for you, and the paint and metal get scratched or damaged, and the rust sets in. You can also take it out and replace with a stainless steel screw.

Don't over tighten as you can chip the lens, or crack it.

I like a owner who changes hardware. Makes it easy at the annual.

[OR75]

for S/N up to 24-1037:   Grimes P/N 4 x 5/8 LG/RD/HD

for S/N 24-1038 and above: Wheelen P/N 100024-001

 

[thinwing]

Hope...while you are at it,you might as well replace your combo flash tube/position light....yours looks discolored like they do when they are wired backward...see whelens website/mechanics toolbox for additional info.They screw is a standard an part # 6/32 threads about an in long.It threads into a rivnut that can be stripped if over tightened and a real pain to drill out and replace.Screw is aso availible in stainless but not approved...kpc

[HopePilot]

Thanks, I'll look into all this info.  Lots to think about.  What should I replace the combo flash tube/position light with?

[scottfromiowa]

I just reported you to the "screw police"...they are comin' ta gitcha...

Seriously, I replaced the same screws when my plane's tail light failed.  As I recall it took a LOT of penetrant to get them out...

[HopePilot]

Re:  "Screw police."

Now you've done it Scott.  Comment from Capt. CrashNBurn in 3...2...1...

[thinwing]

my tailposition is just a strobe flash unit..an a342 i believe...my tail position lights are on my wingtips...your combo unit is pretty expensive..I could look it up,its in the whelen catalog,and the newer globes cant fall out when you unscrew them cause they are bonded to the retainer ring with proseal..k