Slick Nick Posted August 25 Report Posted August 25 I’ve got my prop coming off at annual here for a warranty re-seal (it was just overhauled last year and one of the blades started weeping.) I haven’t noticed much in the way of adverse vibrations thus far, but is the cost of a dynamic balancing worth it when the prop is reinstalled? I typically run at either 2500 or 2400 rpm depending on if I’m doing a best power or Econ cruise. If I get it balanced to a specific RPM, say 2500, will that make a noticeable difference when I choose to run 2400? I fly a lot, and as I mentioned I haven’t really noticed much vibration as it is, but if it’s something I’m missing out on I’d definitely go for it. A smoother running engine is good for longevity. Would love to hear some feedback, good or bad, if it’s worth it. McCauley C214 2 blade on a ‘91 J model.
Pinecone Posted August 25 Report Posted August 25 Another yes. Vibration is bad for most components and actually the airframe itself.
EricJ Posted August 25 Report Posted August 25 A buddy was having one of our local prop balancing guys do his airplane, so while he was here I had him do mine, even though I didn't really have any complaints. He said mine was pretty good to start with, but he did manage to get it better. On his instruments it wasn't a huge change (I don't remember the numbers), but it was a difference. Interestingly, even that small change was noticeable in the airplane. It really did make a noticeable difference, which I thought was pretty cool. 1
FlyingDude Posted August 25 Report Posted August 25 Yes, I do dynamic balancing (as an a&p) and every single one of my customers said they could feel the difference. 1
dkkim73 Posted August 25 Report Posted August 25 Any opinions on rebalancing after changing cylinders? (3 since balancing after prop overhaul)
GeeBee Posted August 26 Report Posted August 26 23 minutes ago, dkkim73 said: Any opinions on rebalancing after changing cylinders? (3 since balancing after prop overhaul) Yes, do it. I just had mine done last Friday. I usually do it every 3 years or 500 hours whichever occurs first. I was talking with the shop about changes that require re-balance and changing cylinders is one of them. 1
Bolter Posted August 26 Report Posted August 26 (on my former J) I also thought nothing of my vibration levels, but was convinced by my A&P to let him do it. Sure enough, it was a seat of the pants measurable difference, for all of my typical operating speeds. I do not think that balancing for 2500 rpm means that 2600 and 2400 rpm will be rough as a trade off. I do not think I have heard anyone complain that balancing did not make an improvment.
Hank Posted August 26 Report Posted August 26 1 hour ago, GeeBee said: Yes, do it. I just had mine done last Friday. I usually do it every 3 years or 500 hours whichever occurs first. I was talking with the shop about changes that require re-balance and changing cylinders is one of them. What is your rationale for this? I had mine checked at annual in 2018, having been done during overhaul by the previous owner around 2003-04. It was still under 0.01 ops. Haven't checked it since.
GeeBee Posted August 26 Report Posted August 26 1 hour ago, Hank said: What is your rationale for this? I had mine checked at annual in 2018, having been done during overhaul by the previous owner around 2003-04. It was still under 0.01 ops. Haven't checked it since. Prop blades erode, sometimes you have to dress out nicks and if you have de-ice boots so do they. Mine did not change much but it did change.
Slick Nick Posted August 26 Author Report Posted August 26 Thanks everyone for the input! I’ll be getting it done 1
TaildraggerPilot Posted August 28 Report Posted August 28 It’s worth every penny, as long as the pennies don’t add up to more than $425 1
hubcap Posted August 28 Report Posted August 28 Definitely worth it in my opinion. I noticed the biggest difference in cruise, not so much in the pattern or climb. 1
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