Fuel Flow Gauge Not Working on a 1980 231

[Speed Merchant]

A friend of mine is considering buying a 231. The stock MAP/Fuel Flow gauge is not working on the fuel flow side.  Are fuel flow components for the stock gauge available? Is there a STC that allows removal of the stock gauge other than the JPI 930?

Thanks

[A64Pilot]

Is this a combo gauge where MP is on one side and the other side FF?

If so then the FF side is really a pressure gauge and ought to be readily available and or repairable.

‘However there are several standalone FF options available, I personally like Electronics International “stuff” due to their outstanding customer

support.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pnpages/10-25304.php?gclid=CjwKCAjw4qCKBhAVEiwAkTYsPHFL4SEqiOSvX5yq-E2NGnQgNWSVUDfSRQZaZ7WPk_wLl760Q-A2mRoCG3cQAvD_BwE

 

but it’s only a fuel flow meter with pressure, for additional money of course you can get a whole lot more. That’s always the case isn’t it?

Edited September 20, 2021 by A64Pilot

[anthonydesmet]

2 hours ago, Speed Merchant said:

A friend of mine is considering buying a 231. The stock MAP/Fuel Flow gauge is not working on the fuel flow side.  Are fuel flow components for the stock gauge available? Is there a STC that allows removal of the stock gauge other than the JPI 930?

Thanks

I think I’d approach this from an engine monitor perspective.  Is there an existing engine monitor? If yes, what kind and can you core trade in for an upgrade to add fuel flow/MP/RPM?

 If no engine monitor then I’d REALLY consider his MP/Fuel Flow issue as an “opportunity” to get an engine monitor.  Scale his fidelity on the engine monitor with wallet size but definitely take care of your FF/MP.

 

Ad an aside…..I do have an older Shadin fuel flow computer that worked when pulled sitting on the shelf but it would not obviously fix MP issue and you would have to find all the transducer hardware.

[N231BN]

A friend of mine is considering buying a 231. The stock MAP/Fuel Flow gauge is not working on the fuel flow side.  Are fuel flow components for the stock gauge available? Is there a STC that allows removal of the stock gauge other than the JPI 930?
Thanks

Any fuel flow device certified as a primary replacement will work as a substitute. There are many Shadin units on ebay at any one time and they work great with the stock transducer (floscan 201).

You can either placard the FF side of the gauge INOP or call up any instrument shop and get a 3" MP gauge for little money.

[carusoam]

Another FF gauge that has shown up in Continental powered Mooneys ….

Is the FT101…. Very simple flow meter calibrated in gph… the only other function it has is Gals used….

 

Many simple FF instruments measure a pressure drop across a known orifice, and display the dP as gph…. Getting the existing gauge to work properly may only need to be cleaned and calibrated… 

Or see if Alan has one on the shelf….

Best regards,

-a-

[N231BN]

Another FF gauge that has shown up in Continental powered Mooneys ….
Is the FT101…. Very simple flow meter calibrated in gph… the only other function it has is Gals used….
 
Many simple FF instruments measure a pressure drop across a known orifice, and display the dP as gph…. Getting the existing gauge to work properly may only need to be cleaned and calibrated… 
Or see if Alan has one on the shelf….
Best regards,
-a-

The first 171 M20K models (all 1979) built had a pressure style FF indicator, they were almost all changed out to flow instruments via SIM20-49. I looked into getting mine repaired but it was cost-prohibitive.

[Speed Merchant]

20 hours ago, A64Pilot said:

Is this a combo gauge where MP is on one side and the other side FF?

If so then the FF side is really a pressure gauge and ought to be readily available and or repairable.

‘However there are several standalone FF options available, I personally like Electronics International “stuff” due to their outstanding customer

support.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pnpages/10-25304.php?gclid=CjwKCAjw4qCKBhAVEiwAkTYsPHFL4SEqiOSvX5yq-E2NGnQgNWSVUDfSRQZaZ7WPk_wLl760Q-A2mRoCG3cQAvD_BwE

 

but it’s only a fuel flow meter with pressure, for additional money of course you can get a whole lot more. That’s always the case isn’t it?

Thanks I will pass it on.

[Speed Merchant]

18 hours ago, anthonydesmet said:

I think I’d approach this from an engine monitor perspective.  Is there an existing engine monitor? If yes, what kind and can you core trade in for an upgrade to add fuel flow/MP/RPM?

 If no engine monitor then I’d REALLY consider his MP/Fuel Flow issue as an “opportunity” to get an engine monitor.  Scale his fidelity on the engine monitor with wallet size but definitely take care of your FF/MP.

 

Ad an aside…..I do have an older Shadin fuel flow computer that worked when pulled sitting on the shelf but it would not obviously fix MP issue and you would have to find all the transducer hardware.

The plane has a JPI 830. My friend's question was if he can legally fly with an inop gauge. Thanks!

5 hours ago, N231BN said:

11 hours ago, carusoam said:

Another FF gauge that has shown up in Continental powered Mooneys ….
Is the FT101…. Very simple flow meter calibrated in gph… the only other function it has is Gals used….
 
Many simple FF instruments measure a pressure drop across a known orifice, and display the dP as gph…. Getting the existing gauge to work properly may only need to be cleaned and calibrated… 
Or see if Alan has one on the shelf….
Best regards,
-a-

The first 171 M20K models (all 1979) built had a pressure style FF indicator, they were almost all changed out to flow instruments via SIM20-49. I looked into getting mine repaired but it was cost-prohibitive.

Thanks I will pass the info on. Appreciate it.

[anthonydesmet]

6 hours ago, Speed Merchant said:

The plane has a JPI 830. My friend's question was if he can legally fly with an inop gauge. Thanks!

Thanks I will pass the info on. Appreciate it.

Ahh, did not get that at all from original post.  I think with an “inop” tag on the inop equipment and following the min/essential equipment required for type of flying would answer his question.

[N231BN]

Thanks I will pass the info on. Appreciate it.

Fuel flow is required in a M20K. An EDM 830 is not a primary replacement.