Disappointing Prebuy

aldoradave · #1 03-19-09, 07:22 PM

Brought my ferry pilot and gear to Fort Worth to do an annual and prebuy on what I hoped to be the "one". May still be-- but there have been some unexpected glitches.

First, the pressurization was not functioning right and some "fixes" have been done but it is not proven. At the last log book entry, it was "inop" with two valves not functioning.

Then the log showed that the heater was disabled 2 years ago and not fixed. The owner has stated now that he will fix the heater, and that the pressurization "will work". But having spent over $1500 and two days I am not sure I want to go on with this one.

BTW, I was assured before I flew out here that "everything worked just fine"

So we are on our way home and wanted some input from the board as to the presurization and heater issues. Like how should the presurization be checked out, and how should the heater be fixed?

Thanks for any guidance.

Dave Dillehay
Former Cirrus Owner
Wannabe Skymaster Owner

hharney · #2 03-19-09, 08:19 PM

On the heater I would talk to C&D Associates in Benton Harbor Michigan. Ask for Bill Sandmann, Service Mgr 269-695-7469, he has given a presentation at 2 of the SOAPA meetings. They repair Janitrol and have their own AD - free heater. Hope that helps.

Skymaster337B · #3 03-19-09, 08:26 PM

There's only one way to check pressurization...climb to FL200 and see what the cabin pressure is. This not only checks the cabin's ability to hold air, but the turbo's ability to make air and keep the engine's manifold pressure up.

I'd ask the sell if he's willing to discount the money you wasted ($1500) as a matter of good faith if he wants you to come out to see the airplane again...after everything is working for the second time.

tropical · #4 03-19-09, 09:09 PM

Run, don't walk away.

This one sounds like a money pit. If the owner hasn't maintained the heater or the pressurization, what else has he failed to maintain?

It can't be that good of a deal. Are you looking for a plane to fly or a total rebuild project?

Pete Somers · #5 03-20-09, 02:33 AM

You can check the pressurization on the ground, the service manual shows how. Used to do this on both the P210 and P337.

Pete

edasmus · #6 03-20-09, 07:51 AM

I agree, RUN away. If for no other reason, there is no excuse for the seller to say everything works and then not have that even be close to the case. Remember, this is a buyers market!!