Mooney Bladder Install

[N6758N]

I figured I would start a thread to document the installation of bladders in my C model, I do not believe such a thread exists here yet but someone please correct me otherwise. I will update this thread as I have time to work on the project. I obtained a set of serviceable bladders (54.8 gals) from AirMods, and I purchased the STC and a few misc parts needed to complete the job from Griggs aircraft. I just started the job this weekend so progress will be slow. 

 

 Here is the bladder setup as it will be installed inside the wing, I am going to be using the new style caps.

Fuel senders have been removed, I will be using the new CiES senders in their place. 

Templates for the new holes that have to be cut in the wing. 

Template laid out, a little tricky figuring out how to make a hole with a 1.5 radius curve.

Cutting into the wings, no turning back now!

[Piloto]

 I would pressure test for leaks before installing them. Just apply air pressure (5psi) and check for bubbles while spraying water around.

José

Edited August 21, 2017 by Piloto

[N6758N]

4 hours ago, Piloto said:

 I would pressure test for leaks before installing them. Just apply air pressure (5psi) and check for bubbles while spraying water around.

José

Good idea Jose', although I think 5 psi would be a little high. Can anyone give some helpful suggestions on how to remove the fuel access panels on top of the wing? Mine have never been removed in almost 50 years as far as I can tell and they are stubborn...

[TonyK]

I am pretty sure I would require copious amounts of industrial medication prior to making the first cut into my wing.  Just the thought of it makes me want to lie down with an ice pack.

[markejackson02]

9 minutes ago, N6758N said:

Good idea Jose', although I think 5 psi would be a little high. Can anyone give some helpful suggestions on how to remove the fuel access panels on top of the wing? Mine have never been removed in almost 50 years as far as I can tell and they are stubborn...

http://www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/detail.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=15048

[N6758N]

2 minutes ago, markejackson02 said:

http://www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/detail.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=15048

Thanks!

 

[Piloto]

2 hours ago, N6758N said:

Good idea Jose', although I think 5 psi would be a little high. Can anyone give some helpful suggestions on how to remove the fuel access panels on top of the wing? Mine have never been removed in almost 50 years as far as I can tell and they are stubborn...

You can pressure test with just air from your mouth.

To easily remove the tank access panels:

1. Remove all the screws

2. Insert a thin bladed knife with rounded tip between the skin edge and the cover groove.

3. Jig saw the knife while moving across the perimeter to cut the sealant.

4. The access panel will just fall out after cutting the sealant.

José

 

Edited August 21, 2017 by Piloto

[N6758N]

6 minutes ago, Piloto said:

You can pressure test with just air from your mouth.

To easily remove the tank access panels:

1. Remove all the screws

2. Insert a thin bladed knife with rounded tip between the skin edge and the cover groove.

3. Jig saw the knife while moving across the perimeter to cut the sealant.

4. The access panel will just fall out after cutting the sealant.

José

 

Jose',

Do you think a butter knife would work for this?

[Piloto]

Just now, N6758N said:

Jose',

Do you think a butter knife would work for this?

It will work but you may have to sharpen the blade on a sander for easy entry.

José

[carusoam]

Nice work, Terry!

All photos are greatly appreciated...

Best regards,

-a-

[N6758N]

I wasn't able to make to much progress last night, however thanks to @Pilotos suggestion, the butter knife made short work of the panel on the left wing. Also, the Mooney nose gear holds a dog leash well, see Wilbur. 

 

[1964-M20E]

cool keep the pics coming

[Candy man]

On 8/21/2017 at 8:44 AM, Piloto said:

 I would pressure test for leaks before installing them. Just apply air pressure (5psi) and check for bubbles while spraying water around.

José

Water? Is soapy water with mild dish soap better? Makes bigger bubbles.

[steingar]

Thanks to the OP for posting up about this.  My airplane came with bladders, I didn't even know what they look like.

[Danb]

Way to go Terry, Wilbur looks bored,  btw you've got brass ones, I'd be scared to death to make that cut.

[Cooperd0g]

8 hours ago, Candy man said:

Water? Is soapy water with mild dish soap better? Makes bigger bubbles.

Yes, soapy water is the best for finding air leaks.

[N6758N]

More slow progress last night, finally got all the fuel panels removed. Does anyone have any old fuel access panels they are willing to part with? I need two more to complete the job, they will go where the old filler caps were. 

 

[Bob_Belville]

  Access panels: try @LASAR, or Paul Loewen who kept a lot of used parts when he sold LASAR, or Jerry Pressley who is on MS as aircraftpartswholesale or similar.

[N6758N]

1 minute ago, Bob_Belville said:

  Access panels: try @LASAR, or Paul Loewen who kept a lot of used parts when he sold LASAR, or Jerry Pressley who is on MS as aircraftpartswholesale or similar.

Thanks Bob, I'm waiting to see if @Alan Fox has any, and then I will try others. I can always remove the old plate off the doubler and fabricate a new one without the hole, but I'm trying to save myself a few steps if I can. 

[LASAR]

12 minutes ago, Bob_Belville said:

  Access panels: try @LASAR, or Paul Loewen who kept a lot of used parts when he sold LASAR, or Jerry Pressley who is on MS as aircraftpartswholesale or similar.

@N6758N We have fuel access panels in stock. List price on new ones is $481.24. We have 2 used ones for $210.00 each. Dan's direct line in parts is: 800-954-5619. Nice work!

[N6758N]

Just now, LASAR said:

@N6758N We have fuel access panels in stock. List price on new ones is $481.24. We have 2 used ones for $210.00 each. Dan's direct line in parts is: 800-954-5619. Nice work!

Thanks guys, I think I will pass on those prices though. I can easily make a new one out of the old filler plate access panel doubler for about $10 worth of materials. Thanks for checking in though!

[Mr Bill]

6758N,

FYI, There is an AD M20 53  dated 03/2005.  Involves some extra foam under the bladders and other items the FAA required. 

Great pictures. Very nice work!

Mr Bill

[Marauder]

Wait until he posts pictures of those shiny new fuel caps were are installing. I'm replacing my Shaw's.





Shiny




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[rbridges]

I have the new caps. I love them. Super smooth compared to the mooney caps. 

[kris_adams]

6 minutes ago, rbridges said:

I have the new caps. I love them. Super smooth compared to the mooney caps. 

Yeah, one of my favorite things of the bladders...no line guy has a problem getting them on either.