Cracked Spinner

[ncdmtb]

During my preflight today, I noticed that my spinner has a hairline crack. This is the first time I noticed it, so I am not sure if it just started up, or if it has been around and I just haven´t noticed it yet. I decided not to fly until I have the issue resolved.

 

I have a 1964 M20E. The plane just had a recent annual in September. Prop was removed and checked during the annual. The shop did not mention any issues at the time.

 

Since there are so many experienced folks on this forum, I would like to hear what your thoughts are on this.

 

Have others had this problem? How did you deal with it?

 

Would you have also not fly until fixed?

 

Would you (a) buy a new spinner, ( try to find used one, or ( c) try to get it fixed?

 

 

[N601RX]

Don't fly it, an exploding spinner can mess a lot of stuff up.  The Mooney Spinner is pretty expensive.  I've noticed there is a repair station I think in Atlanta that has approval to repair them. I've saw several of their advertisements.  Another option is to look for a used one. Mooney also used a hard Telfon tape on some of the spinners to provide a tight fit around the nose of the prop.  The sequence of tightening the screws is important also.

 

http://www.spinner-repairs.com/welded_spinner_repair.htm

[BigTex]

There was a thread around cracked spinners a few months ago.  Here's a Hartzell SB on it:

 

http://hartzellprop.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/12/ASB332-R01-W.pdf

[orionflt]

Hartzell has a SB out on mooney props ( http://hartzellprop.com//wp-content/uploads/2012/12/ASB332-R01-W.pdf ) it seems to be a common problem and the replacement spinner runs $1500.00. I had spinner damage from an impact to the spinner from a hanger door and looked at the new spinner, my old spinner from 1961 seemed tohave held up pretty well, no cracks or repairs so I opted to replace it with a used one of the same style and vintage. I only have a few hours on the replacement, but I have added a careful inspection to my preflight check list. If it does crack I will bite the bullet and go with the new replacement, I defiantly am not a fan of repairs on something that affects the balance of the prop and takes so much stress.

[AmigOne]

I hope your spinner can be repaired but if it can not I have one (including the bullhead) in excellent shape. It came out of my 1968 M20C, Hartzell prop so I don't know if it will fit your E. When the moment comes, if you are interested, send me a pm. Jose

[N201MKTurbo]

Bummer, I hate it when that happens....

[WardHolbrook]

I had a spinner come apart on a Mooney E model. You don't want to go there, get it fixed before you fly it. 

[jetdriven]

Is that chrome plated? It could have been hydrogen embrittlement from chrome plating that weakened it. Either way I'd seek to have it repaired then monitor it from then on. Ebay is also a good source for used spinners.