Rotating adjustable vents in 201

[FlyDave]

Hi all,

One of my twist-to-adjust overhead vents is stuck closed. The adjustable part is not firmly mounted in the fixed piece and when you try to grab it it slides into the fixed piece.

Anyone have a way of taking this apart or fixing it without taking the entire plasting headliner apart?

Thanks,

[Jeff_S]

I'll add a similar request, but this one about the lower ball-joint air vent by my knees. The ball joint is loose enough in the housing that if the vent is closed tightly, trying to open it just makes the whole unit twist. If I reach down and hold the ball joint to get the vent started open then I can open it the rest of the way, but it's an annoyance.  How can I tighten the ball joint?

[carusoam]

The ball vent in my M20C was held in place with 4 sheet metal screws.  It was easy to remove clean and put back...

Well finding the 4 existing holes in the sheet metal (through carpet and insulation) was a PITA.  Finding that it was just sheet metal screws (not tinnermans or other exotic fasteners) holding it in place was not very impressive either...

I was surprised how well it worked after cleaning.  They are so tight,  and it only takes a small amount of crud to interfere with their operation. 

Long story short: Have you tried cleaning in place with lots of fluid?

- a -

[Jeff_S]

Let me know how that works, Jim. So far it hasn't been hot enough here for it to be a big problem, and the overhead vent provides plenty of air. But I'm sure as summer heats up here in Atlanta I'll want it blowing in from both sides.

[rogerl]

Quote: Jeff_S

I'll add a similar request, but this one about the lower ball-joint air vent by my knees. The ball joint is loose enough in the housing that if the vent is closed tightly, trying to open it just makes the whole unit twist. If I reach down and hold the ball joint to get the vent started open then I can open it the rest of the way, but it's an annoyance.  How can I tighten the ball joint?

[N201MKTurbo]

If you lubricate them at every annual you will not have this problem.

[KSMooniac]

My ball vent was unusable when I got the plane...a little bit of tri-flow made it work like new so give that a try.  Perhaps some contact cleaner or similar first if you think it is dirty might be in order.