Instrument Overhaul Recs

[bigmo]

I've got a single VSI that has a hazy glass. Function is a-ok, it's just aesthetics. Normally, I'd just postpone it, but my a/c will be offline for two weeks getting a bunch of routine maintenance done, as well as some panel work. I'd really like to have that VSI repaired during the process.

I've only used Naylor's for years - love those guys and their prices have been great. They were my go-to, but I called and he said they're super backed up and I realistically am looking at a 4-5 week turn.

So, looking for a Naylor's-like service. Send in instrument, they do a quick repair or overhaul, they send it out in 3-4 days. That kind of place.

I called the 6 guys local to me listed as "avionics shops" and all replied they don't do work like that lol. They all cater to the "money is no object" PJ crowd...

 

 

[AndreiC]

I used Rudy’s aircraft instruments for the overhaul of my fuel pressure/manifold pressure instrument. Excellent service very quick turnaround and good price. 

i know they do AIs and DGs, but you should check if they also work on HSIs. 

[bigmo]

Thanks @AndreiC. Called and they called right back with an affordable repair option. Going to have my A&P mail it off while it's offline.

[kortopates]

…
I called the 6 guys local to me listed as "avionics shops" and all replied they don't do work like that lol. They all cater to the "money is no object" PJ crowd...

just an FYI, for the future, money has nothing to do with your inability to find an avionic shop to repair your instrument. The fact is, only an instrument repair station that has capabilities for your instrument can overhaul it. that won’t be an Avionics shop. There are many instrument repair stations around the country.


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[bigmo]

1 hour ago, kortopates said:

just an FYI, for the future, money has nothing to do with your inability to find an avionic shop to repair your instrument. The fact is, only an instrument repair station that has capabilities for your instrument can overhaul it. that won’t be an Avionics shop. There are many instrument repair stations around the country.


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I recognize that. A few were, a few were not, but just to repair it, they don't need to be a repair station (no 8130 issued). All I need is the glass cleaned properly.

All good though, Rudy's seems just like the shop I am used to with Naylor's - sans the wait.

[McMooney]

8 hours ago, bigmo said:

I've got a single VSI that has a hazy glass. Function is a-ok, it's just aesthetics. Normally, I'd just postpone it, but my a/c will be offline for two weeks getting a bunch of routine maintenance done, as well as some panel work. I'd really like to have that VSI repaired during the process.

I've only used Naylor's for years - love those guys and their prices have been great. They were my go-to, but I called and he said they're super backed up and I realistically am looking at a 4-5 week turn.

So, looking for a Naylor's-like service. Send in instrument, they do a quick repair or overhaul, they send it out in 3-4 days. That kind of place.

I called the 6 guys local to me listed as "avionics shops" and all replied they don't do work like that lol. They all cater to the "money is no object" PJ crowd...

 

 

if i remember right,  you can probably just buy a new one for the price of an overhaul

[ArtVandelay]

if i remember right,  you can probably just buy a new one for the price of an overhaul

Or look for someone who has upgraded to glass and is selling their old instruments.

[Hank]

4 hours ago, ArtVandelay said:

Or look for someone who has upgraded to glass and is selling their old instruments.

This worked well for me.

[bigmo]

12 hours ago, McMooney said:

if i remember right,  you can probably just buy a new one for the price of an overhaul

Latest price on a new TSO VSI I could find was $465. I did look into that.

[bigmo]

10 hours ago, ArtVandelay said:

Or look for someone who has upgraded to glass and is selling their old instruments.

To be legal, however, it needs to be yellow tagged by the removing m Chan if or have an 8130…correct? My A&P was pretty certain that was the case. I’m seeing literally 0 used VSI that are yellow tagged (or if they are, they are priced the same as a new instrument). 

[McMooney]

2 hours ago, bigmo said:

To be legal, however, it needs to be yellow tagged by the removing m Chan if or have an 8130…correct? My A&P was pretty certain that was the case. I’m seeing literally 0 used VSI that are yellow tagged (or if they are, they are priced the same as a new instrument). 

not really necc

[bigmo]

I get that the 8130 is one of many tools. But the installing A&P has to be sure that the equipment is functional. How would he do that with any lineage or paperwork?

I DID find a affordable, clean VSI pulled "working perfectly" from a panel doing an upgrade. It's cheaper than overhaul, marginally cheaper than repair. I guess with mine, I at least know it works and I'll deal with the inconvenience of mailing it two ways.

[EricJ]

3 hours ago, bigmo said:

To be legal, however, it needs to be yellow tagged by the removing m Chan if or have an 8130…correct? My A&P was pretty certain that was the case. I’m seeing literally 0 used VSI that are yellow tagged (or if they are, they are priced the same as a new instrument). 

There isn't any official FAA document that is a "yellow tag".   There are 8130-3 documents, that are only necessary if you want to export a part.

1 minute ago, bigmo said:

I get that the 8130 is one of many tools. But the installing A&P has to be sure that the equipment is functional. How would he do that with any lineage or paperwork?

I DID find a affordable, clean VSI pulled "working perfectly" from a panel doing an upgrade. It's cheaper than overhaul, marginally cheaper than repair. I guess with mine, I at least know it works and I'll deal with the inconvenience of mailing it two ways.

An A&P just needs to make sure it's airworthy for installation.   There aren't really any test requirements for a VSI to define what "airworthy" means, but I think if it doesn't cause any leaks in the rest of your static system (which does get tested via the usual leak test), then it's at least airworthy.   Your existing VSI never gets calibrated during static/leak/altimeter tests, other than to keep from overrunning it during the test.

A test fixture, or even something as simple as a syringe, can verify that the instrument is at least functional.   I have an air instrument tester that I got off ebay and rehabilitated that works great for that sort of thing and that I use to do static/leak tests for airspeed indicators, altimeters, etc., and also VSI.   My tester isn't calibrated, but it's certainly good enough to verify air instruments are functional, and will make sure a VSI isn't completely out of whack.   Even just testing a VSI with a syringe and piece of tubing will let you know that it's working, but it won't be calibrated.   There isn't really any requirement to calibrate VSIs, though.

[bigmo]

Good info thanks. Might gamble a bit on a used one and worst case, I'll have a cool paper weight.

[DC_Brasil]

Hello! 

My M20J is finishing the panel upgrade next week. I'll have a freshly remo ed and working VSI for sale.

I live in Brazil but could check how much a FedEx or DHL shipping would cost if you're interested.

Pm me.

 

 

[bigmo]

That’s super kind of you @DC_Brasil. I think I have one sourced, but will follow up if it falls through. 
Thanks!

[bigmo]

Scored a super clean J panel upgrade takeoff VSI for $50! Thanks @EricJ for the pro tip. Plus I'll have a cool paperweight on my desk for my old one.