Holes in J model cowl flap

[Kwixdraw]

How many of you have had the exhaust pipe wear a hole in the right cowl flap of your 201?  I've seen several but I'm trying to get a feel for how common this is. I'm redoing an old repair job on my cowl and replacing the camlocks so I'm trying to decide if I want to form a cowl flap with more clearance or adjust things better when I fix the fiberglass work that was jacked up years ago.

[Cruiser]

Inside near the front of the flap I get a silver dollar sized spot and at the lower outside edge another spot. Both have been patched a couple of times years before I got the plane.  They need to be done again.

So it seems this is a long standing problem. Even an engine replacement and exhaust system rebuild didn't make any difference.

[201er]

My problem seems to be more on the other side with all the drainage tubes.

[1964-M20E]

Are these from heat or from physical contact?  If it is heat you might be able to work with yourmechanic and fabricate a heat shield out of a piece of alum. and stand it off from the cowl flap about 1/2 to 3/4".  This might help.

[Kwixdraw]

On my aircraft the holes are from physical contact.  I'm thinking this has a lot to do with all the loosness in the camlocks though there have been articles published that claim airloads are the problem, pulling the cowl up until everything contacts. My cowl has some issues all it's own since the 1st owner tried to land nose gear first and punched/wore a hole through it just ahead of the cowl flaps. The hole and the little aluminum L brace were not repaired in the best manner and I think that has contributed to some problems in the cowl flap hinges too. Anyway, I finally got my A&P so I'm going to tackle getting this thing back in proper order.

[DaV8or]

Quote: Kwixdraw

Anyway, I finally got my A&P so I'm going to tackle getting this thing back in proper order.

[Kwixdraw]

I don't know Dave. First I'm going to concentrate on getting the Mooney in tip top shape as sort of a display of my skills. I'd like to do the IA but I will have to see what sort of experience I can generate in three years to see if I can qualify. I'm not crazy about running out to look for a job, more interested in doing specialized work on antiques and small aircraft.

[DaV8or]

Quote: Kwixdraw

I don't know Dave. First I'm going to concentrate on getting the Mooney in tip top shape as sort of a display of my skills. I'd like to do the IA but I will have to see what sort of experience I can generate in three years to see if I can qualify. I'm not crazy about running out to look for a job, more interested in doing specialized work on antiques and small aircraft.

[Kwixdraw]

I feel lucky that when I first bought my J a friend of mine introduced me to Bill Estes at Riverside Air Service. They were a Mooney dealer back in the 70s but a requirement to stock a certain amount of parts ended that situation. Bill walked me though the first couple annuals and showed me the proper way to rig the landing gear.  Times change , RAS is no more and Bill has retired. I have a few things I want to accomplish to make improvements to our favored chariots but I am new to this and it will take me some time to learn how to best navigate the system. PMAs and STCs and that sort of thing. I just hope Mooney doesn't sell to the Chinese.  Anyone be interested in a kevlar cowl for the J? Not talking a 9-10K LoPresti go fast thing just a solid replacement part with some changes to address problems with the stock unit. Things like the top cracking at the bulge. Cowl flap hinges breaking and holes from the exhaust pipes. What would such an item be worth?