Which propeller for an E,F or J??

[1964-M20E]

You are going to buy a new propeller for an E,F or J model (naturally aspirated, 200HP) and assume for the moment costs and weight are not factors. @Cody Stallings

1. Which one would you get?
2. Which one it the most efficient in turning HP and torque into usable thrust?
3. Which one is the quietest?
4. Your own question?
5.  

I expect the answer to each will be different.

[201Mooniac]

I recently had to decide that for my J model and decided to go with the MT prop based on lower weight (I know you mentioned that isn't a factor but I like the few extra lbs payload), better climb, and smaller diameter so more ground clearance.  I found out it seems quieter as well.  I also think it looks great.

[Guest]

It very much depends on the types of airports you frequent, and you proximity to repair services.  An MT may present service issues that conventional aluminum bladed propellers don’t.

I have an MT on my Comanche 400, as it was the only legal option for me.

Clarence

[carusoam]

I would ask the aero engineer from Kansas... why he bought the MT and if he still likes it... 

And would he order it differently the next time..?

Size, weight, and cost matter... efficiency, noise abatement, and the paint being able to Stick to it... are important too...

Lots of good experience in recent history...

Then comparison to a TopProp...

Check on the delivery schedule... we can have an engine built in two weeks... props can take months...

PP thoughts only, not a mechanic...

Best regards,

-a-

[PT20J]

Clarence @M20Doc, what’s your maintenance experience been: McCauley vs Hartzell?

[JimB]

I installed my new MT just a few months ago and very pleased. No RPM restrictions, gained some useful load, very smooth, no airworthiness directives, no noticeable cruise speed drop, seems quieter, a bit more ground clearance and it seems like to me, she starts easier with less mass to get moving. Other than my investment, there isn't anything not to like so far. But sometimes you do get what you pay for. 

Edited December 15, 2020 by JimB

[1964-M20E]

4.  For all of the composite props what's the TBO on these?

 

MT SB-1 says 1800 hours????  6 years???

 

McCauley 2000 hours 6 years?

 

Hartzell ??

 

I know from other posts Canada has a calendar limit as well as hours and the US does not.

[0TreeLemur]

99% of what there is to know about propellers was known by the end of WWII.  Somebody else on MS said that, but it makes sense.    Having just installed a new Hartzell top-prop, I can say that it is quieter.   Essentially the same as the one it replaced in every other way that I can detect.   No 100h ECI AD is nice, but I wish I didn't have to spend money on a new prop. 

If a few dB quieter or a few lbs of UL increase or a shorter takeoff run and a few kts slower (faster) in cruise makes you happy, go for it.  If you are a CB, find a good used one.

Edited December 15, 2020 by 0TreeLemur
added photo.

[carusoam]

What changed since the end of WWII...

• Metal alloy technology (funny, because so much was known prior to WWII about the alloys themselves)
• manufacturing techniques (high precision machining and finishing)
• composite technology (funny, because the composite core is wood)
• Computer modeling, and design... (modeling in WWII included a lot manual mathematics...)
• Close enough got us pretty far... 
• The composite props really lower the sound profile outside...

My favorite prop manufacturer... goofed up the easy part... the spinner OD does not  match my airplane cowl...

So... make sure your spinner gets the right OD...

Best regards,

-a-

[Guest]

2 hours ago, PT20J said:

Clarence @M20Doc, what’s your maintenance experience been: McCauley vs Hartzell?

No noticeable difference from what I’ve seen.

Clarence

[Yetti]

Apparently the Wright brothers got to 70% efficiency in their props.   And has not changed that much since then.

[ArtVandelay]

Apparently the Wright brothers got to 70% efficiency in their props.   And has not changed that much since then.

We’re closer to 85% (peak) efficient today.

[Seth]

17 hours ago, carusoam said:

I would ask the aero engineer from Kansas... why he bought the MT and if he still likes it... 

And would he order it differently the next time..?

Size, weight, and cost matter... efficiency, noise abatement, and the paint being able to Stick to it... are important too...

Lots of good experience in recent history...

Then comparison to a TopProp...

Check on the delivery schedule... we can have an engine built in two weeks... props can take months...

PP thoughts only, not a mechanic...

Best regards,

-a-

Months - My order from MT took months, way longer than the state backlog. Of course it occurred during the early stages of COVID and thus that may have caused some of the delay. I'll write this up when I give my full review on what I've done with my Missile.

The reason I went with MT was due to:

-Smaller diameter

-Lighter (both W&B and mass for startup)

-Removal of full feathering prop (saves failure point and weight)

-Newer technology

-Better runway performance

-Better climb

-Nickel leading edge designed for turboprops (instead of the stainless steel leading edge) which is even harder

-Equal or better speed up to a certain altitude (TBD)

I have a 300 HP normally aspirated engine thus no turbo. The four blade causes more drag, thus at low power settings it will be slower. In a back to back comparison over a metal three blade, a Cirrus SR22T turbo was faster at all altitudes. The NA SR22 was faster until over 13,000 feet. I rarely go that high so I went with the 4 blade

 

I'm worried about long term maintenance and paint issuses. Will explain more in my write up.

 

I'd look at the TOP Prop. If you go into short runways a lot, look at a three blade for runway and climb performance advantages. Your cruise speed will likely be fastest with a two blade.

 

-Seth

Edited December 15, 2020 by Seth

[jetdriven]

I want to see how many guys it takes to remove the lower cowling with that 4 blade prop

[Seth]

1 hour ago, jetdriven said:

I want to see how many guys it takes to remove the lower cowling with that 4 blade prop

We should take a funny picture when we touch up the paint again! We’ll get everyone out to the airport and take a picture with 12 people working it.

-Seth

[brad]

Really happy with my new simitar.