How can I say this gently
rv8ch said:
I've got a 2.25" Aerosonic altimeter that I bought used, rather cheap, but it does not work. Thanks, Mickey
Mickey where have you been? Hows it going.
I got to be honest, done that been there.
There was a reason it was used and cheap.
Here is my opinion based on experience and spending lots of money. Trash-can it. Just buy a new one. I have had poor luck with old instruments in general and repairing old altimeters (or T&B's, DG's, AI's) in particular.
I find once they get old and tired they never work right again and repair cost to get it fixed make it non-value added, meaning not worth it.
As you point out they charge a lot to LOOK at it.
Hint.... they really don't want to look at or repair it. It is not worth it to them either. They rather just make a new one and you buy it, for good reason. Its easier to make a new instrument than fix and old one.
May be some super heavy duty high quality instruments are worth repairing. My guess is a little peanut Alt is not a good candidate to get repaired. I must be becoming an old man, because I am going to say it....they don't make them like they use to or make them to last.
I know throwing it away is not what you want to hear but that what I think.
What is a new 2.25" altimeter going for? Cost of a 3.25" one? Is this primary altitude or back up?
If its primary do yourself a favor, spend the extra 1.125 inches and get a man sized altimeter.
They really work and are cheaper (I recall/think). I know the 2-1/4" units looks cool but you should be able to find room for the full meal deal size altimeter.
If its back up, they have little digital altimeters?
Don't feel bad. I bought so many used instruments and went thru this more than once. I will not buy used instruments, but than my RV-7 is all "digital".
Good luck, how is it going. Flying yet? Got the gear and engine mount deal worked out?