Vance Harral Posted February 23, 2017 Report Posted February 23, 2017 Several years ago, we replaced the rubber duct that runs between the air intake box and the fuel servo in our M20F. This part is the subject of multiple threads here on MS, involving cost, quality, availability, and the wisdom of repair vs. replacement. We replaced ours because the old one was torn, had been sloppily repaired with RTV, and was coming apart again. Our replacement duct is working fine, but I'm starting this thread to solicit input on what to do with the old one. It's been sitting in a box in the hangar, for no other reason than it seemed like a bad idea at the time to just throw it away. Climate around here is such that it hasn't deteriorated any further that I can tell. Theoretically it could be repaired and held as a backup, especially since there's no urgency for a "quick fix", and a replacement might not be available in the future. But if we really cared about having a hot backup, we could order a new one from LASAR or Mooney or whatever vendor has them in stock today. What say the denizens of MooneySpace: repair or toss? If the former, what's the best, no-apologies repair technique, and is it even worth the trouble?
MB65E Posted February 23, 2017 Report Posted February 23, 2017 I could build a airplane with the spare parts I have accumulated over the years. I'd save it for the next Mad Max Mooney construction project!! Personally, I don't think there is a legal repair. One can get crafty with some fiberglass cloth and some high end silicone. I'd still save the part!! -Matt
powder_hounder Posted February 24, 2017 Report Posted February 24, 2017 (edited) I'd look to repair it if you think it would be a safe repair. I think that sucker cost me $500 10 years ago when I replaced mine. Edited February 24, 2017 by powder_hounder
RLCarter Posted February 24, 2017 Report Posted February 24, 2017 Pitch it! My theory is if you thought it could have been repaired, it would still be in service. Patching one that is starting to fail to buy a little time is one thing, but it's already started to deteriorate so repairs will be ongoing. I'm all for repairing vs replacing if it cost effective (money/time) and if the outcome is as good or better than original......
mike20papa Posted February 24, 2017 Report Posted February 24, 2017 Considering the sporadic availability of some of these parts .. I have saved mine. 1
Raptor05121 Posted February 25, 2017 Report Posted February 25, 2017 The rubber accordian boot after the filter? Mine was $250 from LASAR. I threw my old one away
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