Inflatable lumbar repair: how to?

[LuvFlying]

I've got a '87 205 with the inflatable lumbar supports in the front seats. The pilot's seat does not stay inflated for more than five minutes. I was thinking about pulling the seat apart to find/repair the leak.  Does anyone have any guidance?

I see in the parts catalogue that the lumbar parts are from Ford. I seem to remember my Dad having a Tbird of about the same vintage with the same system.

Thanks
~Bob

[KSMooniac]

I don't have any experience with the system in a Mooney, but played with one in a Ford 20 years ago.    Last year I repaired my inflatable door seal, though, which is likely similar.  I'd start with a careful inspection of the bulb and hose and try to find a leak.  The hose might have deteriorated a bit, especially at the joint.  With my door seal, I had to cut it and add a "stent" of R/C airplane fuel hose, and siliconed it in place with GE 108 silicone after cleaning with MEK.  You could probably repair a leak with the same method.

[Scott Aviation]

Bob, try this website, might be cheaper to buy new than to fix.

http://www.sptpanel.com/inflatable_lumbar_support.htm

[LuvFlying]

KS Scott- Yeah, I checked the bulb and visable hose, and connections hoping for an easy fix.

Scott Av - Great tip!  Is that "legal"? TSO'd STCd or whatever alphabet thing approval I need?

[Scott Aviation]

Regarding an STC etc, Im not so sure its required as lumbar is no more relavent to the type certificate of the aircraft as adding cupholders to the centre column. With that said Im not an A&P yet and don't have that info, if you check with the company's website they may have more info.  Personally Im going to install two of them in my 20J front seats. To me all that matters is they are made of rubber that passes FAR23.853 flame-test requirement, which they are.  When they are installed all your going to see is the bulbs for pumping them up, to me they are just an extension of the foam you are installing in your seat back right and that foam just has to meat the flame test and they are only $84 for a set.   Just my two cents.

[Carl S]

You could probably run a form 337 if you wanted to be through about documenting it.

 

[LuvFlying]

And $48 for one.  That's worth it - not to have to hunt down a leak, that will likely be on a seam that I can't repair. I just ordered one.

[Scott Aviation]

Let me know how you like it, I've got to do a complete interior in my 201 and like I said want to install 2 of them during the upholstery stage. 

 

Chris