hammdo Posted December 9, 2023 Author Report Posted December 9, 2023 Did the pilot's side leather panel today -- pretty easy -- use leather contact cement, a compass to measure out the working area, set the contact cement and waited for it to be tacky, then rolled the leather onto the panel -- slowly. When rolling the edges, I made little triangles, rolled the edges, trimmed then hammered lightly to flatten. The contact cement ONLY needs to be in the rolling areas (marked out) and not the whole leather piece. Doesn't take long and the leather color matches great with the new Yokes: Quote
hammdo Posted December 10, 2023 Author Report Posted December 10, 2023 Here is the panel in the plane -- I like the looks but the 'fit' needs to be better -- so, I'm going to re-do with ABS plastic as I can sand the edges better and get a more 'contoured' fit. Still, color and the Mooney logo looks nice. For the co-pilot, I'll need to 'split' the panels since they're in sections and I'll do the same -- ABS plastic, formed fitted. Quote
hammdo Posted December 10, 2023 Author Report Posted December 10, 2023 Here's my plan for the next one -- once the ABS and black pipping come in, I'll create one that looks like this - like the trim idea: 4 Quote
hammdo Posted December 12, 2023 Author Report Posted December 12, 2023 Vintage Leather Yokes are done! AD is completed and the new yokes fit right in! Next will do the panels. 4 Quote
DCarlton Posted December 13, 2023 Report Posted December 13, 2023 On 12/9/2023 at 10:17 PM, hammdo said: Here's my plan for the next one -- once the ABS and black pipping come in, I'll create one that looks like this - like the trim idea: I used thin aluminum sheet to make my upper trim panels and arm rests but didn't fill the center of side panel to preserve max wiggle room. Every inch of elbow room seems to help. 1 Quote
hammdo Posted December 13, 2023 Author Report Posted December 13, 2023 Blackstone report is in! She’s humming along and looks happy… Notice the Lead? Since I installed the Fuel Flow in January of 2023, I've been able to really be aggressive with Leaning -- and its showing! -Don Quote
hammdo Posted December 18, 2023 Author Report Posted December 18, 2023 Well, Grant ( @gwav8or and I went out today (Grant doing safety pilot duties while he's waiting on his F to get avionics done). FUN Day -- flew almost 2 hours and got 3 approaches in with 2 holds during his safety pilot time. So for the day had 3 holds and 3 approaches! Great to have someone help and I'll be happy to return the favor. The time literally 'flew' by and before we knew it, it was done. Looking forward to more opportunities and to use the ICARUS next time we go. Oooo -- leather was NICE BTW... Thanks Grant -- it was a blast! -Don Quote
gwav8or Posted December 18, 2023 Report Posted December 18, 2023 12 hours ago, hammdo said: Well, Grant ( @gwav8or and I went out today (Grant doing safety pilot duties while he's waiting on his F to get avionics done). FUN Day -- flew almost 2 hours and got 3 approaches in with 2 holds during his safety pilot time. So for the day had 3 holds and 3 approaches! Great to have someone help and I'll be happy to return the favor. The time literally 'flew' by and before we knew it, it was done. Looking forward to more opportunities and to use the ICARUS next time we go. Oooo -- leather was NICE BTW... Thanks Grant -- it was a blast! -Don It certainly was a blast @hammdo! Always glad to help out and I look forward to flying again soon! And yes, the leather yokes are great! Quote
hammdo Posted December 23, 2023 Author Report Posted December 23, 2023 Noticed the throttle and prop cables started 'feeling' different recently so, I went ahead, bit the bullet, and ordered from McFarlane using the part numbers from my Mooney Parts Catalog (IPC). I'll see if I get these before annual and ask the AP if they can install them - I also ordered the tools -- just to have them in case I need them. After having the mixture cable break, in 2022, I don't want to wait until these have issues. MC660189-005 (Prop) 660189-5 was IPC # MCVA660190-003 (Throttle) 660190–3 was IPC # -Don 2 Quote
hammdo Posted December 27, 2023 Author Report Posted December 27, 2023 AP is doing the throttle/prop cables at annual so, PTT, throttle, and prop cables will be done. I’ve kept up with maintenance all year so hoping things still look good. I also ordered new intake rubber tubes, gaskets, and bolts/washer/nuts too. I have the prop heim kit also coming for the prop cable. Should put things in a good way. Later I’ll do the cowl flaps, carb heat, cabin heat, and brake cables. Just so I know the condition of the cables will be good… Annual is next month so I’ll want to get some flying in before then… -Don 1 Quote
hammdo Posted December 30, 2023 Author Report Posted December 30, 2023 Shop called, gonna go next week! Cables in, have everything ready to go… gonna take her out tomorrow and Monday get some time in before annual. Getting some items done since it’s been a while… -Don 1 Quote
hammdo Posted January 2 Author Report Posted January 2 Tried the Icarus today - boy does that thing hide the outside! Did 2 approaches-VOR/LOC 17 to KGVT. Lots of fun, CFII liked it also… Nice day to fly… -Don 1 Quote
hammdo Posted January 5 Author Report Posted January 5 Annual has been going well until today - #4 cylinder bottom plug was full of oil. Borescope inspection of the cylinder shows what they suspect is a cracked valve guide so we’re pulling the cylinder and sending it out for inspection to see if an overhaul or IRAN is needed. No indications in the oil analyst or filter. 751 hours since the engine was IRAN. Other cylinders looked good. May explain why in the last couple of flights #4 was running cooler. Glad it’s caught now… New cables going in, we’re upgrading the prop cable end to use the heim bearing kit 660051-005. So far the rest is looking good. Looks like the left tank patch will need to wait a bit… -Don Quote
EricJ Posted January 5 Report Posted January 5 1 minute ago, hammdo said: Annual has been going well until today - #4 cylinder bottom plug was full of oil. Borescope inspection of the cylinder shows what they suspect is a cracked valve guide so we’re pulling the cylinder and sending it out for inspection to see if an overhaul or IRAN is needed. No indications in the oil analyst or filter. 751 hours since the engine was IRAN. Other cylinders looked good. May explain why in the last couple of flights #4 was running cooler. Glad it’s caught now… New cables going in, we’re upgrading the prop cable end to use the heim bearing kit 660051-005. So far the rest is looking good. Looks like the left tank patch will need to wait a bit… -Don A cracking guide might not show up on oil analysis. How has your oil consumption been? Quote
hammdo Posted January 5 Author Report Posted January 5 I have 13 hours on the oil since I did the last change - was due to add 1 quart. It was at 5 1/2 quarts when I landed for annual, So it was not using a lot. I do run lean of peak a lot and keep cylinder temps 390°- 395°. Been doing that since I’ve owned her. -Don Quote
gwav8or Posted January 5 Report Posted January 5 2 hours ago, hammdo said: Annual has been going well until today - #4 cylinder bottom plug was full of oil. Borescope inspection of the cylinder shows what they suspect is a cracked valve guide so we’re pulling the cylinder and sending it out for inspection to see if an overhaul or IRAN is needed. No indications in the oil analyst or filter. 751 hours since the engine was IRAN. Other cylinders looked good. May explain why in the last couple of flights #4 was running cooler. Glad it’s caught now… New cables going in, we’re upgrading the prop cable end to use the heim bearing kit 660051-005. So far the rest is looking good. Looks like the left tank patch will need to wait a bit… -Don Dang @hammdo sounds like you're having the same kind of luck I would be having. Sorry to hear about the cylinder but glad it was caught on the ground! Quote
hammdo Posted January 5 Author Report Posted January 5 Yea, it was a surprise since it was running so well - due to the fine wires it appears. I’m guessing 3 weeks it will be down. Sucks but better on the ground. We’re deciding between IRAN or overhaul. Repair shop will evaluate it. First run Lycoming nitride cylinder so should be a good one. 3 years of ownership- I expect these things to happen - engine crank plug, transponder, tank patches, prop and governor IRAN, right mag OH, mixture control failing, so things have happen. I try to get ahead of some things but no real way to plan for a crack guide. Figures I’d do one luxury item then get a reality smack in the face ;o) @gwav8or I’m available for safety pilot work now ;o). -Don Quote
gwav8or Posted January 6 Report Posted January 6 18 hours ago, hammdo said: Yea, it was a surprise since it was running so well - due to the fine wires it appears. I’m guessing 3 weeks it will be down. Sucks but better on the ground. We’re deciding between IRAN or overhaul. Repair shop will evaluate it. First run Lycoming nitride cylinder so should be a good one. 3 years of ownership- I expect these things to happen - engine crank plug, transponder, tank patches, prop and governor IRAN, right mag OH, mixture control failing, so things have happen. I try to get ahead of some things but no real way to plan for a crack guide. Figures I’d do one luxury item then get a reality smack in the face ;o) @gwav8or I’m available for safety pilot work now ;o). -Don Oh the joys of owing 50+ year old aircraft that we love so much! lol @hammdo Let's look at next weekend. Either Saturday or Sunday. I definitely need a Safety Pilot. Getting used to the G5s is more "fun" than I expected lol Quote
hammdo Posted January 8 Author Report Posted January 8 Cylinder is on its way for IRAN -- waiting on the shop to let me know what they found. While I was there, have some pics of the cam/followers -- engine is CLEAN and still 'wet' after 9 days -- AP said keep doing what I'm doing. Things look normal for an engine that was IRAN about 760 hours ago. No flat spots on the cam -- followers still look good with what may look like 'some' pits on the followers edges. Not seeing any excess wear. Was able to see all lobes too! Compression on on cylinders were excellent -- just the oil leaking from the guide. We'll do new rings, piston pin plugs, valve job, and honing -- assuming only the guide(s) need replacing. Pretty happy with the looks of things inside! -Don 2 Quote
Fly Boomer Posted January 8 Report Posted January 8 4 hours ago, hammdo said: Pretty happy with the looks of things inside! Do you use Camguard? Quote
hammdo Posted January 8 Author Report Posted January 8 Yes CamGuard with Victory 20W50 for the ‘stickiness’. Seems like that combo hangs on metal pretty good! @EricJ, it does look clean and healthy. AP said no sludge anywhere. I’ve put about a third of the ‘after IRAN’ hours on it. While I hate pulling a cylinder, it sure gave me an opportunity to view inside. I have no complaints. We’re installing new nuts/bolts/gaskets/seals/intake tubing etc. since I have the chance. I’m expecting her to keep up with all the good trends… Cylinder is going to a very reputable Cylinder shop in Prosper TX. They’ll let me know what she needs. -Don 1 Quote
hammdo Posted January 8 Author Report Posted January 8 WELL, the intrigue continues! The cylinder shop (Sal's in Prosper) told us he knew I was using Camguard -- so naturally I asked how he knew. Per them, stated they've seen more cylinders with issues come in from using Camguard -- when flying alot (like I do). They recommend only using Camguard IF the plane is going to sit for long periods (like avionics, etc). I told them I fly pretty much weekly - so they suggest I lay off the Camguard (or use half as much) unless the engine will be sitting for long periods. So, the exhaust guide is getting replaced and we're doing an IRAN on the cylinder and hope to get it back by the end of the week. This is the FIRST definitive statement from a shop about the use of Camguard. So, while the engine looks fantastic, I guess I'll go with no Camguard and see how the oil analysis reports go. Very interesting they knew without asking me what I was using. I'll keep changing the oil @ 25 to 30 hours... -Don 1 Quote
hammdo Posted January 9 Author Report Posted January 9 Another Texan had a similar notice from a shop too… -Don 1 Quote
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