prop break in?

[jigmister]

what is the correct way to break in a prop that just came from the shop with a new hub installed?

 

[Maclin]

Re: prop break in?

No break in required.

 

[Maclin]

Re: prop break in?

...just don't get it wet



Seriously, the rubber has cured, it is good to go, there are no spinning or sliding parts to wear in.

 

[jigmister]

Re: prop break in?

I ask beacsue I took my stainless prop into a shop with a spun hub. The mechanic there told me that when I get it back to break it in very slow. Get on plane real easy for the first day. Otherwise it will spin again. He talked about all the oils used to seat the hub will need to work out.

This is my fist time around with a spun hub. Not sure I like what hes telling me.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: prop break in?

I've never heard that but maybe he does it differently than some others.... I suggest that you follow his advice since it can't hurt anything to take it easy for a day.

 

[Maclin]

Re: prop break in?

Was it the mechanic? or the prop builder that said that?

I have heard that in posts before, and most responders say that is odd, that the process itself "cures" all. If the advice was from the prop builder then just do what he says if his warranty depends on it. If it was a mechanic then he may just be perpetuating an urban legend.

 

[Maclin]

Re: prop break in?

Hey Smoke, you beat me to it...

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: prop break in?

Yep, sounds like utter nonsense to me...but then, I'm not a professional prop rebuilder either!

 

[jigmister]

Re: prop break in?

Was it the mechanic? or the prop builder that said that?

I have heard that in posts before, and most responders say that is odd, that the process itself "cures" all. If the advice was from the prop builder then just do what he says if his warranty depends on it. If it was a mechanic then he may just be perpetuating an urban legend.

it is a propeller shop. One man operation from what I can see.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: prop break in?

Oils on a rubber hub are a no-no. If your mechanic is pressing hubs with oil as a lubricant, get a new mechanic. Or find a new prop shop.
The professional prop shops use a soapy water solution to lubricate the hub as it is pressed in --same as tire mounters lube the rims. According to a major hub manufacturer (HMS Hubs), the soap/water solution will dissipate after about a day and the prop can be used normally when it is delivered.

Because there seems to be some workmanship questions--at least in my mind--You also need to find out if the correct hub was used. Aluminum props, because the prop hub is weaker use a 70 durometer rubber hub to avoid bursting the prop. Stainless use the more firm and durable 80 durometer.

 

[Chas0218]

Re: prop break in?

Oils on a rubber hub are a no-no. If your mechanic is pressing hubs with oil as a lubricant, get a new mechanic. Or find a new prop shop.
The professional prop shops use a soapy water solution to lubricate the hub as it is pressed in --same as tire mounters lube the rims. According to a major hub manufacturer (HMS Hubs), the soap/water solution will dissipate after about a day and the prop can be used normally when it is delivered.

Same reason why I use dish soap when installing new impellers in the housing.