M-14P Carburetor

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I've beenrunning the M-14P on my airplane since late August, doing run-ups to check operations,and doing lots of taxi work. After shutting down from the 8th run the carburetor began dripping fuel at the rate of about one drop per second. I made several more runs, and after each one the dripping continued. I had a PS5-C on my Pitts when I first began flying it back in 1984. After six hours of flying the engine quit on a landing roll-out. I got out to push the plane off the runway, and gas was literally pouring out of the carburetor. Needless to say, I never flew with that carburetor again, as it had ruptured a diaphragm ($1,200 to overhaul!). Because of this experience I didn't dare fly my plane, thinking perhapsmy M-14P carburetor was having the same problem. I did an internet search and found that the Lithuanian CAA had issued an AD on the diaphragms in the AK-14P carburetor, giving them a life-limit of six years, regardless of operational time. The diaphragms in my carburetor are 15 years old. I removed the carb and sent it to M-14P, Inc., in Arizona, this morning for replacement of the diaphragms. They estimate the cost to be $75 for the diaphragms and two hours labor, for a total of $225. Not bad for the peace of mind. Any of you other M-14 owners may want to check on the age of your carburetor or the last date the diaphragms were replaced. Fly Safe!


Danny