Changing the “barber pole” gear position bulb.

[Glen Davis]

How do I change the bulb in my barber pole gear indicator on the floor on my J?  I Purchased a 12 V bulb to replace the existing 24 V bulb so it would be brighter. I hope changing the bulb does not involve removing the belly pan. That would be quite a chore just to replace a tiny little lightbulb.

[Guest]

The belly panels have to come off to access the bulb.  A 5/16” ignition wrench will allow you to remove the bulb retaining nut.

Clarence

[A64Pilot]

Removing the belly panel doesn’t take me 5 min, and I’m old.

Get a good electric drill with an adjustable clutch, and do not scrimp on a creeper, get a good one with and adjustable back rest, a comfortable creeper makes a big difference.

Get a handful of new screws before you start, it’s likely a few should be repaced.

[Hank]

3 hours ago, A64Pilot said:

Get a handful of new screws before you start, it’s likely a few should be repaced.

I buy screws and teflon washers to go under them in nags of 100 from Spruce. I think #8 washers are $0.02 each this way.

[A64Pilot]

You use the thick white plastic washers?

[PT20J]

6 hours ago, Glen Davis said:

How do I change the bulb in my barber pole gear indicator on the floor on my J?  I Purchased a 12 V bulb to replace the existing 24 V bulb so it would be brighter. I hope changing the bulb does not involve removing the belly pan. That would be quite a chore just to replace a tiny little lightbulb.

Mooney used a 28V  bulb in 14V  airplanes to evidently to make it dimmer. This works because the higher voltage bulb will be under rated. However, if you put a 14V bulb in a 28V system it will not last very long. 

Skip

[PT20J]

Also, if you have a one piece belly, don’t use a drill driver on the fasteners — it’s attached with camlocs. 

Skip

[Hank]

6 hours ago, PT20J said:

Also, if you have a one piece belly, don’t use a drill driver on the fasteners — it’s attached with camlocs. 

Skip

Mine isn't. There are 48 #8 flathead screws with countersunk washers, plus five #6s behind the nose wheel.

But I don't use power screwdrivers. Husky makes a great double-ratcheting screwdriver. 

[Guest]

7 hours ago, PT20J said:

Also, if you have a one piece belly, don’t use a drill driver on the fasteners — it’s attached with camlocs. 

Skip

Only on the factory composite belly fairing. Many of the aftermarket use machine screws.

Clarence