Rigging main gear height in the retracted position?

[Brian2034]

Ok

still working on rigging the gear

Problem where having is the copilot side gear is hanging low in the retracted position. So low you can’t get the gear door closed flush to the wing because the door is hitting the low hanging landing gear.

If we adjust the gear throw we can get the gear tucked in the wing and the door closed  perfect but we lose tension on the bungee for Down lock.

 

[Andy95W]

Is your M20C earlier than 1964?  A friend of mine had a 1963, the landing gear was slightly different than my 1964.  We had the same problem with his, one of the main gear would not retract all the way and the gear door was rigged as close as it could be.  It didn't seem to make any difference in performance, though.

One thing- do not adjust the gear throw in order to get the gear to retract more.  That’s how non-Mooney mechanics cause gear collapses.

You could check the Johnson bar with the plane up on jacks, push the bar down more toward the floor.  If that raises the gear more, then your floor mounted up-block has worn.

[47U]

1 hour ago, Brian2034 said:

Problem where having is the copilot side gear is hanging low in the retracted position. So low you can’t get the gear door closed flush to the wing because the door is hitting the low hanging landing gear.

If both sides were not retracting all the way I’d guess the Johnson bar may be bent.  Something good to check for, regardless.  First annual I went through my gear tensions were low.  Out of spec low.  I adjusted them into spec and both main gear were hanging down.  The solution?  I ordered all the bolts and bushings in the gear linkage and that solved the problem.  It was about .3 amu (10+ years ago).

[Brian2034]

Only one side hanging low

just went through the gear everything looked good for wear limits.

Yes, we did temporarily adjusted the gear throw to see if we could get both mains to retract properly and to verify the gear and doors where not binding.
Obviously, down lock spring tension specifications is the number one goal but we also have to solve the gear hanging to low.

 

[PT20J]

It's unlikely it left the factory that way, so something has changed. The amount of adjustment to set the preload is pretty small. All three wheels are rigidly connected together. Maybe the problem is the other main gear.

[Shadrach]

17 hours ago, Brian2034 said:

Ok

still working on rigging the gear

Problem where having is the copilot side gear is hanging low in the retracted position. So low you can’t get the gear door closed flush to the wing because the door is hitting the low hanging landing gear.

If we adjust the gear throw we can get the gear tucked in the wing and the door closed  perfect but we lose tension on the bungee for Down lock.

 

This is the type of maintenance that has the potential to get very expensive very quickly. Either in time spent learning on the job or a post mx gear collapse. While the knowledge based on this forum runs deep and flows freely, the fastest and likely least expensive route to a satisfactory resolution is through in-person analysis by someone with a detailed understanding of the system and experience with rigging.

It’s entirely feasible that you and your mechanic will be able to solve this given enough time, the question is how much time?

Something is either bent or way out of adjustment. Either way it seems likely from your post that everything needs to be evaluated, adjusted and re-rigged for correct travel and preload.

A mooney experienced mechanic can likely completely adjust and re-rig the gear to spec in under five hours. Someone who’s learning on the job could chase their tail for quite some time.

[N201MKTurbo]

See @47U above. He has the answer.

[Brian2034]

Looks like it’s going to be a learning curve for us.

Get your Google map out!

Where located at CYYT airport (Newfoundland Canada) definitely no where close to a Mooney mechanic or repair centre.

 Also I believe knowledge is a powerful tool and if anyone decides to buy and fly 50 year old aircraft or any aircraft, they should know as much as possible about their particular aircraft. 
 

 

[Fly Boomer]

19 minutes ago, Brian2034 said:

Where located at CYYT airport (Newfoundland Canada) definitely no where close to a Mooney mechanic or repair centre.

Nonsense!  You are only 1200 nm from Clarence at CYKF.  He can fix you up.

[Brian2034]

Yea

so he’s driving here or do we truck the plane to him!

This is a restoration project with a plane that sat on the ramp for 10 years.

[Shadrach]

1 hour ago, Brian2034 said:

Looks like it’s going to be a learning curve for us.

Get your Google map out!

Where located at CYYT airport (Newfoundland Canada) definitely no where close to a Mooney mechanic or repair centre.

 Also I believe knowledge is a powerful tool and if anyone decides to buy and fly 50 year old aircraft or any aircraft, they should know as much as possible about their particular aircraft. 
 

 

I agree, I’m not telling you not to be involved. I telling you that it would be beneficial to have someone who’s done a complete rigging involved. I didn’t say MSC…I didn’t even say credentialed. Just someone who knows the system. If there is no Mooney knowledge base where you are then rising to the occasion is the only choice you and your mechanic have. Keep us posted!

[Kelpro999]

Is your retract assist spring (#22) anchor bracket still intact? They have a tendency to pull corroded rivet heads off.

[Brian2034]

I’ll check the anchors again 

everything looked intact and in good shape 

[phxcobraz]

@N201MKTurbo helped me inspect mine due to a similar issue and I ordered new bushings and bolts from Lasar. Still need to install the damn things eventually, life gets in the way. There is enough play at a few positions that it should tighten everything up.