Spinner cracking on Hartzell blended airfoil props

[Kevin]

Some Mooney M20( ) owners have experienced metal long-nosed spinner cracking since installing Hartzell propeller model HC-C2YR-1BFP/F7497 onto their aircraft under STC SA02414CH-D.  This propeller is commonly referred to as the "blended airfoil prop." While the exact cause of long-nosed metal spinner cracking is still under investigation, Hartzell has observed that it can be unpredictable, with customers previously experiencing this cracking particularly susceptible to additional cracking incidents on longer metal spinners.

To address this condition, Hartzell has developed two alternate spinner design options as replacements for the original long-nosed metal design.  OPTION 1 is a new long-nosed composite fiberglass spinner design; OPTION 2 is a blunt-nosed metal spinner.  Both the new composite dome and blunt-nosed metal designs have demonstrated improved cracking resistance over the original long-nosed metal spinner design.

In order to minimize possible future long-nosed metal spinner cracking problems, Hartzell is offering you a NO CHARGE replacement spinner - either OPTION 1 (long-nosed composite) or OPTION 2 (blunt-nosed metal) - and all associated hardware to replace your current long-nosed metal spinner.  This free warranty replacement offer includes a new spinner and all necessary mounting hardware.  Designed as a replacement to your original metal unit, these new spinners are directly interchangeable with the original long-nosed metal spinner, and fit onto the existing C-4549-1(P) metal adapter ring.  Hartzell can normally ship replacement spinners within six weeks of receiving your warranty order.

OPTION 1 composite long-nosed spinners are available in two versions: pre-painted Matterhorn White (kit # 103877F1), or primed-only and ready for custom painting (kit # 103877).  Optional no-charge composite filler plates are also included in each kit, which may be installed following minor modification of the existing adapter ring.  Note that – while all parts are provided at no charge – the adapter ring modification, filler plate installation labor, and custom painting costs of primed-only spinners are not covered under Hartzell warranty.

OPTION 2 blunt-nosed metal spinners are available in two finishes: polished aluminum (kit# 104070P), or buff aluminum suitable for painting (kit# 104070).  Please note that Filler Plates are not available for blunt-nosed metal spinners.

Additional details on this conversion can be found in enclosed Hartzell Service Bulletin 311, Rev 2.  The bulletin includes composite spinner back plate modification procedures, custom paint specifications, and illustrations of both spinner Option 1 (Figure 3) and Option 2 (Figure 4).  Please reference the Appendix section of Hartzell Service Bulletin HC-SB-61-311, Revision 2 for details on ordering these no-charge warranty parts.  This no-charge warranty offer expires February 29, 2012. Service Bulletin HC-SB-61-311, Revision 2 can be found at http://www.hartzellprop.com/service_support.php?id=80. This link opens the Hartzell Service Bulletin listing, and HC-SB-61-311 can be located and opened from this list.

To minimize potential spinner dome cracking, Hartzell recommends you take advantage of this no-charge spinner replacement offer.  Please contact Hartzell Product Support via telephone at (937) 778-4201, selection 3 or via e-mail at techsupport@hartzellprop.com with any questions.

Regards,

Kevin M. Ryan
Product Support Representative
Hartzell Propeller Inc.
Email: techsupport@hartzellprop.com

[Ned Gravel]

Kevin:

Good work on this.   Demonstrates good customer service.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Congratulations to Craig as well.  A website like this one has come of age when an OEM uses it to announce something this important to the wider community.

 

[carusoam]

For pictures and other real life examples.....

http://www.mooneyspace.com/index.cfm?mainaction=posts&forumid=2&threadid=1242

Kevin,

Thanks for joining us here at MooneySpace.

Best regards,

-a-

[KSMooniac]

Did Hartzell look into a chrome-like coating for the fiberglass spinner to replicate the polished aluminum look that so many of us like?

[Kevin]

We did look into a chrome-like coating, and are still doing so, but don't expect anything soon.

[Lionudakis]

Mine cracked also at 20 hrs, just like the one in the pic. I had one the next day on the door step. Now thats what I call customer service !!! I really didn't want a composite, I love that big polished nose !

[Lionudakis]

Quote: Kevin

We did look into a chrome-like coating, and are still doing so, but don't expect anything soon.