New induction couplings for Es and Fs

[tony]

Quote: Sabremech

Tony, that induction boot is no small part in the power plant system. What if your owner produced induction boot collapses and causes the engine to quit, resulting in an off airport landing or even worse, someone's death? As an IA, I would not sign off on that being a minor repair. Will your insurance cover the claim if it's determined that this part didn't meet the TCDS? 

 

[Monticello Flying Club]

We just got our replacement in the mail the other day.  Any tricks to replacing it?  Should we mount it first to the fuel injector and then install the front cowl section or attach it to the front cowl and then install both of them together to the fuel injector and frame?

[Shadrach]

I've always mounted it to the servo first. Start all of the bolts in their threads before you tighten....   Did yours come pre drilled or do you have to make the holes?

[mikesalman]

Mine has a tear about the size of my pinkie , we discovered it during my annual. My IA did not seem to think it was a big deal, but I still would like to get it replaced. 

[kellym]

I think in the case of the upgraded instrument panels, they are non structural and still must be performed in accordance with AC 43.13 which is approved data. That's your justification.

Yes, they are non-structural, and in most cases you are using exactly the same instruments in an allegedly safer standard layout. Only challenging item is getting the right angle on the panel and/or artificial horizon. The original panel is bent to do that, but not practical for a replacement of the same thickness aluminum unless you have hydraulic press.

One needs to be precise in language used for log entry on owner produced parts to avoid future problems.

[kellym]

Mine has a tear about the size of my pinkie , we discovered it during my annual. My IA did not seem to think it was a big deal, but I still would like to get it replaced. 

Rumor has it that you might be able to wrap the outside of the boot with self adhering silicone "rescue tape".

I've never seen any ordinary RTV or similar product that will stick to the material. Since the rescue tape adheres to itself, it might work better.

[Yetti]

Just asking, but wouldn't Scotch Brand Friction Tape be a better choice for wrapping?   Seems that the materials are more similar.

[DaV8or]

Mine has a tear about the size of my pinkie , we discovered it during my annual. My IA did not seem to think it was a big deal, but I still would like to get it replaced. 

 

It is a big deal. Replace it, don't patch it. Besides letting in unfiltered air all the time which can be hard on your valves and introduce dirt into the fuel servo, the boot is friable and once torn little pieces can break off and go in your intake. One good sized piece comes off and goes in one of your impact tubes and you're looking for a place to land. 

[Monticello Flying Club]

Thanks everyone for the install tips.  We were able to do it without removing the lower cowl.  The biggest pain was the safety wires (which by the way hadn't been saftied the last time it was replaced).  Attached is a picture of our removed one.  Our concern was that pieces of this hole were getting sucked into our engine.  I good thing to look for if you are buying a Mooney since apparently you couldn't buy these for a few years so there are a number of A/C out there with patched instead of replaced ducts.  Around $450 total installed.