New Mooney Owner - Welshpool (EGCW) UK

[GrumpyDragon]

Greetings All,

Three of us have just purchased a 1980 M20K-231 and based it at Welshpool, UK.

It's in great condition with low hours on all the important bits, but comes with a couple of snags so I'm looking for some advice on sourcing parts etc. 

1) Both the TIT gauge and the Fuel Flow gauge are U/S (a JPI900 or something like it is on the agenda for a future upgrade, but we want to fix what it has first). Experience tells me that both are more likely to be the probes/sensors and/or wiring connections than the gauges themselves. Any tips on simple wiring diagnostics would be much appreciated, as would the best place to source replacement probes/sensors for us Brits. I know my way backwards around Grummans, but don't know where to start with Mooneys, and our proposed local maintenance company (who are very good and will start looking after it soon) are maxxed out currently.

2) Secondly. there is a distinct whiff of Avgas in the cockpit when you unlock it and get in. Not a bad whiff, but it's there, and there are no obvious leaks or wet patches. Are the Mooney fuel cocks known to seep a bit when seals are worn are stand around in the cold for a long time, as Grumman are known to? Could the gascolator drain be anything to do with it?

3) Talking of which, is it normal that it pours fuel out over the floor of the hangar when you pull the ring? I wasn't expecting that to be a two man job - one to pull the ring and the other to catch the fuel!

Other than that, it's great to fly, but a bit expensive as leaning any more than a tiny bit is off the agenda until we get at least the TIT indication sorted.

Be great to hear from other Mooney owners local to us.

Edited March 19, 2023 by GrumpyDragon
spelling

[ArtVandelay]

2. You probably are leaking at the inboard senders, they are low and just forward of the back seats, remove carpeting to check.
3. I use a small box to hold container (GATS jar) up under drain to catch fuel.

[GrumpyDragon]

5 minutes ago, ArtVandelay said:

2. You probably are leaking at the inboard senders, they are low and just forward of the back seats, remove carpeting to check.
3. I use a small box to hold container (GATS jar) up under drain to catch fuel.

Great stuff, thanks.

[Fly Boomer]

6 hours ago, GrumpyDragon said:

Other than that, it's great to fly, but a bit expensive as leaning any more than a tiny bit is off the agenda until we get at least the TIT indication sorted.

Good plan.  Many 231s have been fitted with aftermarket intercoolers and wastegates which makes them a bit less wonky, but you are on thin ice without that TIT gauge.