Prop Repair

[Frank Acampora]

I sent my SS prop to the repair shop to have bent blades fixed.

When I bought the prop (used) it had several pits on the blade faces and hub. These pits were about 1/8 inch in size and about half as deep. I suspect they were caused by salt water corrosion. I sent a note along with the prop asking that these pits be filled.

The repair shop sent a note back stating that they wouldn't fix the pits because the welds would pop back out. I was not satisfied with the other repairs because they re-shaped the leading edge of the blades and one blade had a sloppy weld where about 1/2 inch was added to the broken blade. The weld looked sloppy, even after grinding. So, I am looking for a better prop repair shop.

BUT-- was the prop shop merely being lazy not wanting to repair the pits, and blowing smoke?

I always thought that good welds were as strong as the base metal and a proper repair would last the life of the prop.

Comments please.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Prop Repair

Rich Boger or Mark Croxton....

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Prop Repair

A repair should last the life of the prop, or at least close. But new or repaired don't mean a hill of beans if you hit something with it. The weld is typically stronger than the metal around it. That's because of the heat. The metal around it is weakened by it. It's not usually the weld that breaks, but the metal around it.

Corroded props have crystallized metal in the damaged area. That's very poor material to weld to. Most shops fill the minor pits with the same things autobody shops use.

I'm afraid that if you expect a repaired prop matching original dimensions and appearance, especially in a saltwater environment, you are expecting too much. There's only so much they can do.

Some shops do better at refinishing than others. Check your local marine dealers and see who they use.

 

[Ron G]

Re: Prop Repair

Rich Boger or Mark Croxton....

Performance propellers are very good also i hear

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Prop Repair

What brand prop is it?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Prop Repair

Ahh. OK-- crystallized metal. So they were not blowing smoke. Thanks.
Stock Force-- I think Michigan made them.