New rear prop

Nick Bailey · #1 08-23-05, 09:28 PM

My rear prop is getting to the point where my mechanic at last annual almost wouldn't pass it. Since we don't have to worry about this prop being identical to front,(rear is already 2 inches shorter than front), why not try to get more efficiency if it needs to be replaced? Couln't I go to the newer style scimitar prop, one 2" longer to match the front, or even a 3blade prop? ( I read on aprevious post that the MT 3-blade composits are both the same size). Has anyone ever had different props front and rear? If I wanted to try this how would I go about doing it legally?

hharney · #2 08-26-05, 07:52 PM

I have the MT 3 blade props. This STC requires you to install both front and rear at the same time. The diameter of both front and rear are identical. 76 inch (192 cm to be exact). You can not install rear only or front only. You must do both. I have 185 hours on them in about 2 years. The TBO is 2000 hours or 6 years. The cost is very near the price of factory new McCaully's. Advantages: Smooth, very responsive, quiet, lighter (60 lb gain on useful), increase in climb performance (200 fpm) and sexy. The spinners are fiberglass and add a much improved look to the system. Problems: long delivery time, rear prop much more suseptable to FOD, only one service center (Florida). I have had damage to the rear twice. 5 minute epoxy and sandpaper. Overall I am happy with the performance and looks. Service and practicallity is a little questionable. I believe the workmanship is second to none. There are a lot of airplanes using MT blades.
BTW, be careful how you handle your current blades. The reason I had to install new blades, I had made the decision to overhaul my props and the shop condemed both units. They were working just fine before I sent them in.

WebMaster · #3 08-26-05, 09:43 PM

And,
Herb's plane sounds different.

Guy Paris · #4 08-27-05, 12:12 PM

Hi guy's,

A visit to a good prop shop convinced me that prop o/h is a necessary evil. One should see the hidden problems that can develop. Back in the mid ninety's I sent my props out for o/h and sure enough a small crack found on one of the front blades where it goes inside the hub. Knowing it would not get better, one new blade and I was on my way. guy, the old 72 driver.

big al 08 · #5 08-27-05, 09:08 PM

when i replaced the engines i sent the props and gov. to oh. one blade had pits in side at the hub and found out the prop gov were different from each other; which made it a continous sync. problem. one new blade, complete oh and a new prop gov to match the other for 7k - fair.