What exactly is a prop overhaul

[M20E-1964]

I know what an engine overhaul is.... but what exactly is a prop overhaul? What are they doing to the prop to makes it overhauled?

What does a prop overhaul usually cost?

just curious

[AmigOne]

The o/h for my propeller on the O-360, with a no AD hub cost me $2300 (the hub was not new) job done at East Coast Propeller, reputable place, quick and they pick up and deliver within 200 miles. Don't know where you are located.

From the internet:

PROPELLER OVERHAUL PROCESS

• Propeller is received, paperwork packet is opened and will follow the components through out the servicing. The width, thickness, and diameter are measured to verify that the blades meet the manufacturer specifications, and the Type Certificate for the aircraft.
  
  
• The propeller is then disassembled and cleaned.
  
  
• Hub components are inspected by our certified Level 2 inspectors, using magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, and eddy current procedures. The components are dimensionally checked to verify they meet the manufacturers specifications. The aluminum parts that require corrosion protection are then alodined and painted. The steel parts that require corrosion protection are cadmium plated to the current military specifications. Blades are cleaned, and inspected by our certified level 2 inspectors, using liquid penetrant and eddy current procedures. Precise grinding and machining, remove corrosion, pitting, and scratches, on the blades, and replaces the proper airfoil on the leading edge. Removal of these stress risers restores the strength and integrity of the blades. Blade width, thickness, face alignment, edge alignment, angles and diameter are once again checked and held to strict tolerances. This assures a smooth operating propeller. If blades were involved in a strike and met the standards provided by the manufactures, they would be straightened at this time. Corrosion protection and factory specified paint are applied for long term protection. Blades are then balanced and are ready for final assembly.
  
  
• Precise assembly of hub and blade components complete the overhaul. Blade angles are set for the aircraft, and the assembly is statically balanced. The assembly is now ready for installation on the aircraft.
  

[yvesg]

about:

Precise assembly of hub and blade components complete the overhaul. Blade angles are set for the aircraft, and the assembly is statically balanced. The assembly is now ready for installation on the aircraft.

What is the difference between statically balanced and dynamically balanced? Would shop doing overhaul usually provide the dynamic option?

In Canada prop overhaul are mandatory every 1500 hours or 10 years. Mine will be due within a few years and I want to learn more about this process before going through this.

Regards,

Yves in Ottawa

C-FQKM

[carusoam]

You might be thinking about the the constant speed part of the equation as well. The rpm controller has some moving parts and seals that might be worth considering, or be aware of.

[Kevin]

Static balance is part of the overhaul process. The prop is generally balanced on a suspension balancer, a knife edge balancer, or similar balancer. This is done with the prop sitting still. A dynamic balance is performed on your aircraft, usually with the enginer running at your normal cruise RPM. This "dails in" the whole rotating system.

A dynamic balance is usually perfomed as an "extra" step. Mnay propeller shops will offer it as an optional service.

[jetdriven]

That sounds exactly like our 600$ strip, paint, and reseal, minus the NDT inspections. Plus, San Antonio Propeller didnt regrind the blades. You only get to do that twice or 3 times before the blades don't pass. They cost as much as a new prop.

[yvesg]

Would anyone have any clue on the cost of dynamic prop balancing?

Yves from Ottawa

C-FQKM

[jetdriven]

going rate is ~200$.