Mooney Hydraulic Leak

[Carl Everitt]

We received a M20E (apparently) straight from annual for an avionic upgrade, and since it has been in the hangar we are constantly cleaning up a large hydraulic puddle under the belly. Being an avionic shop we need some guidance/advise on where to look. The aircraft supposed to came from annual.....but it doesn't look like this aircraft has been inspected for a long time, and the 'delivery' pilot said that the engine cut-out twice before he took off.........thoughts, comments,

Thanks,

Carl

[mooniac15u]

5 minutes ago, Carl Everitt said:

We received a M20E (apparently) straight from annual for an avionic upgrade, and since it has been in the hangar we are constantly cleaning up a large hydraulic puddle under the belly. Being an avionic shop we need some guidance/advise on where to look. The aircraft supposed to came from annual.....but it doesn't look like this aircraft has been inspected for a long time, and the 'delivery' pilot said that the engine cut-out twice before he took off.........thoughts, comments,

Thanks,

Carl

Is the parking brake on? That locks pressure in the hydraulic brake system and if the seals aren't great they can leak over time.

[Carl Everitt]

Just check the parking brake was not on.

[dzeleski]

1 hour ago, Carl Everitt said:

We received a M20E (apparently) straight from annual for an avionic upgrade, and since it has been in the hangar we are constantly cleaning up a large hydraulic puddle under the belly. Being an avionic shop we need some guidance/advise on where to look. The aircraft supposed to came from annual.....but it doesn't look like this aircraft has been inspected for a long time, and the 'delivery' pilot said that the engine cut-out twice before he took off.........thoughts, comments,

Thanks,

Carl

This thread might help. I assume that E has hydraulic flaps.

[N204TA]

One of the nice things about an old Mooney is the removable belly skins.  You can drop those and see the guts of the airplane without having to tear out the interior.  

Look approximately under the co-pilot seat and you should see the flap actuator assembly described above.  Check the hoses and o-rings for signs of leaking.

Unless it's been modified, the hydraulic master cylinder is attached to the firewall under the left avionics access panel in front of the windshield.  Typically, though, if that's leaking, the pilot's footwell carpet will be soaked with fluid.

Good luck.

Edited August 12 by N204TA

[Ragsf15e]

You’re probably going to have to pull a few belly panels, however, my master cylinder for the brakes is under my brake pedals.  If the flaps are hydraulic, the lines go back below the copilot seat to the actuator.  It’s either the brakes or flaps. Both run off the same reservoir. 

[Utah20Gflyer]

I’d suggest starting at the reservoir and working your way down the system.  My reservoir is above the rudder pedals and under the pilot side avionics access panel.  Master cylinders are under the floor right next to the electric fuel pump, that’s always a good bet.  Although it could be anywhere if you remove two belly panels that will expose the majority of the likely possibilities. 

[tony]

The flap actuator is aft of the spar and the hydraulic pump is just forward of the spar on the copilot's side.

[Shadrach]

14 hours ago, Carl Everitt said:

We received a M20E (apparently) straight from annual for an avionic upgrade, and since it has been in the hangar we are constantly cleaning up a large hydraulic puddle under the belly. Being an avionic shop we need some guidance/advise on where to look. The aircraft supposed to came from annual.....but it doesn't look like this aircraft has been inspected for a long time, and the 'delivery' pilot said that the engine cut-out twice before he took off.........thoughts, comments,

Thanks,

Carl

Where are you located Carl?  I would suggest pulling the panel that is soiled with fluid. Once you’ve determined the leak’s origin, we can offer potential resolution.