Damaged Prop

upstech76

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2014
Messages
13
How much prop damage is too much for safe use? I haven't noticed any vibrations or adverse effects but don't want to damage anything either. Is it safe to use?
IMG_0942.JPG IMG_0941.JPG
 

fhhuber

Lieutenant
Joined
Jun 19, 2014
Messages
1,365
The potential issues will be vibration and uneven loads on bearings and the shaft.

If you aren't noting vibrations that's a good sign. If all the blades are similarly damaged it may actually still be in balance and not be an issue at all...

The shaft and bearings can handle some imbalance, but its hard to say how much. Its also impossible to tell just from some pictures what the real effect will be on your lower end.

I tend to think your shaft is more likely to have been bent from the impact that damaged the prop than to get bent from some minor imbalance issue when you aren't noting any vibrations.

Spin the prop (engine off, and in neutral) and see if there's any visible wobble. Look at the center of the shaft at the prop hub while the prop is spinning. If its visibly wobbling its a bad sign.

I've seen people go for years with props in much worse condition.

Looks like an OEM aluminum prop... Cost of sending it to the shop to be ground even and balanced might be close to cost of a new prop.
 

wrench 3

Commander
Joined
Aug 12, 2012
Messages
2,108
File of any rough edges to help prevent cavitation and run with it.
 

upstech76

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2014
Messages
13
Thanks everyone, sounds like I can get a little more use out of this one before I swap it.
 
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