ad5ut Posted July 6 Report Posted July 6 Hi folks! I got myself into a pickle with the V-Band clamp AD on a new-to-me 231 with a TSIO-360-GB engine that can't use the PMA clamps. While I don't realistically expect any to turn up, I figured I would at least throw out this offer in case somebody had the foresight to buy a few extra when the AD came out or is in a position to use the PMA clamps and pass along their Continental parts at a suitable premium for my stupidity. I'll buy new clamps with documentation for $3,000 per clamp. I'll also pay a pro-rated amount for serviceable clamps (must pass the AD inspection) with documented time in service of 400 hours or less. I would also pay $500/ea plus overnight shipping for serviceable clamps over 500 hours TIS if I can get them quickly enough to move the plane 5 miles before the AD deadline. Purchase of used clamps are subject to the shop I'm stuck at agreeing to install them IAW part M of the AD.
Rick Junkin Posted July 18 Report Posted July 18 You may be in luck. There’s an extension on the AD https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2025/july/17/faa-grants-limited-turbocharger-clamp-ad-extension?utm_source=ebrief&utm_medium=email
ad5ut Posted July 18 Author Report Posted July 18 Thanks for the heads up! This is great news for other -LB and -GB owners, but it applies the TBO life limit of 12 years so it won’t help me specifically. I am going to go back through my log books, but I’m pretty sure mine have been on there since the last major overhaul well over 12 years ago. Based on that, my offer is still open, though the lack of non-scam responses doesn’t look great.
M20Kid Posted August 6 Report Posted August 6 Hey ad5ut, I'm in the same boat as you (and everyone else who got caught by this AD). I also have an M20K-231 and, as far as I know, I can use the PMA part from RAM. That part is listed in the AD as an acceptable replacement so hopefully there won't be any issues. I did find exactly one for sale the other day and that one is coming to me in the next few days. I've been looking for a friend who has a Seneca and needs 2 for his, but so far no luck there. That said, I did find a supplier in San Diego that said he had three new clamps that he would sell for $3000 each. I pushed back because the retail price from RAM is $1355 and I don't like anyone charging I-got-you-over-a-barrel pricing. If you're willing to pay that price I would recommend calling them. I didn't keep the email or I would tell you the company name. Apparently they supply parts for the military and wouldn't even talk to me until I could prove I live and fly in the US. Interesting place. Best wishes!
M20Kid Posted August 6 Report Posted August 6 Correction - ASAP Aerospace in Anaheim CA. That's the place that said they had new $3000 V Band clamps.
ad5ut Posted August 6 Author Report Posted August 6 Thanks for the pointer! I've asked three shops in NW Arkansas and none would use the RAM part on an TSIO-360-GB because only the -LB configuration is listed in the applications for the PMA even though they use exactly the same exhaust components. My other alternatives are replacing the whole engine to get an -LB or waiting until Continental comes out with a new part, hopefully in April based on their AMOC.
ad5ut Posted August 6 Author Report Posted August 6 After talking with ASAP Aerospace, the clamps they thought they had are the RAM part. Thanks for the tip though.
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