RobertE Posted August 9, 2014 Report Share Posted August 9, 2014 I know that an oil streak on the prop is evidence of a leaking seal. I don't have that. What I do have are tiny, hairline streaks on both prop hubs. In other words, the flat surface from which the prop emerges (about 1/4 inch wide) shows very faint streaks to the edge of that surface. What gives me pause before simply concluding I've got a leaky seal is the fact that the hub on both blades shows identical evidence, plus the fact that there isn't enough oil to be noticeable except in direct sunlight. I can't imagine both seals failing simultaneously and identically. The prop was overhauled 200 hours ago. So do I have a problem and, if so, should I take it immediately to the prop shop or first watch it for awhile? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
romair Posted August 9, 2014 Report Share Posted August 9, 2014 Have the same thing, very faint streaks. I had them before and after prop overhaul. I think it's normal. Stefan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeev Posted August 9, 2014 Report Share Posted August 9, 2014 Its normal especially in hot weather. Unless its leaving oil mist on your windshield or cowling I wouldn't worry about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BorealOne Posted August 10, 2014 Report Share Posted August 10, 2014 Same thing happened to me after a new prop was installed. It's simply some excess grease working its way out. I'd say nothing to worry about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaronk25 Posted August 10, 2014 Report Share Posted August 10, 2014 Same here....200hours since overhaul and oil streaks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
animalmover Posted August 10, 2014 Report Share Posted August 10, 2014 There was a discussion a while back about this and if I remember correctly it had to do with the type grease in the prop and the hot part of the year. Places in the north were using lighter grease and the people in the south were using heavier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Aviation Posted August 10, 2014 Report Share Posted August 10, 2014 Same issue on my 201 pulled the prop twice this summer thinking the hub oring was leaking strange it only started during hot summer conditions although I am getting the odd speckles on the windshield too. Little streaks about 3 " up at the base of the blades on both blades. Confirmed it's not the prop oring so it's the warm grease in the blade hub? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Aviation Posted August 10, 2014 Report Share Posted August 10, 2014 And to note my prop was overhauled in 2008 and has 180 hours in service the McCauley paddle prop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody Stallings Posted August 10, 2014 Report Share Posted August 10, 2014 With the 200 Series McCauley, after overhaul you may have a blade that needs to be re shimmed. If a blade has excessive blade tip movement, it will allow the blade to wobble just a tiny bit during shutdown allowing the blade Oring to move up an down on its sealing surface. The small amount of greese that got on the outside of the Oring will sling up the blade on the next start up. It is not uncommon for a McCauley to be re shimmed after Overhaul. An no, it is not a safety of flight issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larryb Posted August 10, 2014 Report Share Posted August 10, 2014 I have faint streaks too. Many start halfway up the blade. I thought they were bug guts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhumbline Posted August 10, 2014 Report Share Posted August 10, 2014 If ever there was a case for the use of prop wash... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob47v Posted August 10, 2014 Report Share Posted August 10, 2014 It's normal and as someone mentioned specially during the summer months. It's grease gets hot thins out and streaks on the prop. If it where oil from the hub then worry. One of my neighbors had the same thing on his 172. I told him what it was. Not comfortable had the prop looked at. $2200 later it did the same thing the shop told the same thing I did that it was normal. WOW!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertE Posted August 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2014 Thanks, gentlemen. This is another reminder of how terribly helpful this forum is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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