Altimeter overhaul or replace

[N3322G]

At last static check the altimeter was noticeably sticky - it either needs overhauled or replaced at the annual that starts this week.

Any thoughts?

[Tom Deml]

Just had the same issue. Replaced it, $900. Tag on the removed one was from 1996....not bad.

[Ray B]

In the last 18 mos I've replaced the mix control and the recording tach with new. Not due to the old ones failing, I just wanted new looking faces. Neither instrument made it to 75 hours before failure! I've had two new Altimeters fail in the past few years and when I ask one inst. shop about it they said pick up an "old" alt. in one hand and a new one in the other. That new light one has a cheaper plastic case that does not like temperature change after a cold soaked night. I put the "old" instruments back in and they are still working fine. Next annual I'll have the faces refurbished so they look new. Just my two cents! Ray B

[Kristin Winter]

I am kinda with Ray on this one. I would likely sent out for overhaul. Somethings are made better these days, but a lot of things are not. When I bought Maggie, I had the shop that was doing the annual send the A/S indicator and the altimeter to Airparts of Lock Haven for overhaul. Where you are, I might use Mid-Continent or Castleberry.

[N3322G]

Thanks for the interesting perspectives.

When I put in the unit in does another static check have to be done?

[Tom Deml]

I had mine in for the static check and the old altimeter was trouble beyond 14,000. So, they just replaced it and then completed the static check. I replaced it with a United 5934P-3. It's been rock solid so far.

[N3322G]

I talked with Frank at Air Parts of Lock Haven (Jim retired two months ago) and he had the same opinions expressed here with one added point - that diaphragm has been exercised for at least two decades that I know about and he said even if he O/H it, it might deteriorate sooner than I'd like so he suggested new United and that's what I'll be doing.

He will be seeing my flap sender unit so it wasn't a total loss for APLH

[DAVEG24]

Pat,

You wanted to know if you had to repeat the static test after replacing the altimeter. The short answer is "YES". Anytime a line is broken (opened) in the static system, you're required by the regs to do a new test. Whether you adhere to the reg is up to you, but anybody that looks at your log book will surely notice the new altimeter install and the missing static check if one isn't done. Happy flying and Holidays to you.

Dave Gitelman

[N3322G]

Thanks Dave, thought so - one is planned