Wing Fuel Gauge Sight Glass

[CoachTom]

Does anyone know of a way to replace or polish to see through the Wing Fuel Gauge Sight Glass?  Obviously it isn't "glass" because it wouldn't turn opaque and unreadable. I didn't know if there was a replacement part for the glass or a way to polish it clear as the shops do to automotive headlamps that turn opaque as well?

[LuvFlying]

On all plexi, I use http://www.flitz.com/.

[Piloto]

You can easily replace the dial housing. The dial and the needle in the plastic housing is very much like a magnetic compass glued onto a cavity in the wing. Underneath the cavity there is a magnet that aligns the needle according to the fuel level. Just pray the plastic housing with a screwdriver and install the new one bonding it with silicon glue. Make sure the new one is of the same scale as the original. The scales are different for each model. The dials used to sell for $30 each.

José

  

[fantom]

A little course compound and a quick buffing....it will look like new. At leasr mine did.

[fantom]

A little course compound and a quick buffing....it will look like new. At least mine did.

[rbatin]

Hello everyone.  I'm new to site. I have a 231K.  My wing tank gauge fell off.  I found the gauge.  Any one know how to reinstall it?  It seems like it was held in place with silicone.  Is there additional parts under the gauge connected to the wing in the silicone?  Thank for your help

Ron

[Buster1]

Ron,

Just a little "off thread" but we'll let it slide as it's your first post.  ;-)

I do not entirely understand your issue.  Do you have a mechanic near you that can have a look?  Sounds like something that you might want to run by him.

Good luck.

[Bob]

Ron,

This thread actually encouraged me to do some research on the wing sight glass fuel gauges.  I have a 231 that has one wing fuel gauge without a needle.  Actually, due to age and turbulance, the needle has broken into a bunch of little pieces floating in the gauge.  I have found that the sight glass gauges are very cheap and easy to install.  I recently got a quote from Willmar for $33.95 each.  Also Don Maxwell has some info on this and is close to you.  If one just fell off, I would replace them both and never have an issue again for 20-30 years.  Here is a link that may help:

http://www.donmaxwell.com/publications/MAPA_TEXT/Wing%20Fuel%20Gauge%20Retrofit.htm

I guess they are simular in design to a cheap compass.  The in-tank fuel sender has a magnetic point on top that moves, in a radius, as fuel level changes. The site glass senders are basically glued in with a sealer.  The needle then moves as the magnetic point moves.  I hope my description or Don Maxwell's helps you!

Bob

[Jeff_S]

This was very timely, as one of my fuel sight gauges has become flooded with water and hard to see. Glad to know there's an easy fix!

[nels]

I was thinking about adding these to my plane.  Who sells the entire assembly

[KSMooniac]

They are Mooney parts, unfortunately.  You might talk to your favorite MSC about availability and price.  Sometimes you can find them via ebay or salvage sources.

[danb35]

I bought the retrofit kits from LASAR last year; it was about $700 for the set.  There are different kits for different model Mooneys.  Don Maxwell used to have an article up on his web site about them, but it looks like it's dropped off now.