California Prop

[skippy2]

Hello all, I am a new 170B owner. I am trying to find information on a California Prop not to be confused with Southern Cal Prop. Does anyone have information on how much they changed the pitch or any website info? Any information about what is changed on the prop would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,

Skip

[ambooth]

Hi, Skippy2,
My significant other and I are new owners as well ('53 170B s/n 25878). We have had ours since 10/2/06. We have a California prop as well--I will look thru the box of papers that came with the plane and see if I can find any specifics on the prop. I know it is ground in a way that makes it better for cruise.

[sphillips]

Skippy,

My prop was reshaped into a "Jet Flow" by Aero Propeller in 1976. Dont know if this is the same thing.

Steve

[skippy2]

Thanks all! Can't seem to find anything in the logs on it yet either. Skip

[sea1dww]

This is an interesting question that I have been trying to resolve for a year now.

I was looking at a '55 170B in Kansas and the owner was telling me that he had the Prop sent to California for the "California Twist" repitch. It sounded like some sort of combo pitch that gave good climb and cruise results. I have been unable to find anything related to the mod. I'll be watching this thread with interest to see if anyone has had better results.

Dave
N1946C
S/N 26091

[Robert Eilers]

I have also been watching this thread and am very interested in this "California Prop". I look forward to some specifics regarding exactly what it is and who to talk about the prop work.

[c170skog]

Hi Some information on california prop. They were developed by Ted at Aero Propeller in Torrance as I was told by Ted. They have since moved to Hemet, was burned in a hanger fire and as far as I know are back in business. I have not been out there for a while. It is called a jet flow and how Ted told me it has two parts. Inward for climb and outward for cruise. It is all hand ground and I don't know if thwey are still doing them.Ted past a few years ago. Will try to get a phone number if anyone is intersted.
Ken

[Robert Eilers]

I spoke to Aero propeller in Hemet, CA 951-765-3178 about the California Propeller. The California Prop is a modification available through Aero propeller. As it was explained to me, the prop is modified making it narrower, thinner and the profile of the blade is changed resulting in a more efficient prop. The modification cost approx. $850.

[skippy2]

Thanks all this is great information. Skip

[sea1dww]

I spoke with the folks at Aero Propeller and they faxed me a description of the mod. Apparently Mcauley came out with a "Jet Flow" propeller for the 1960 172. This propeller had a different hub making it unacceptable for the c-170. The modification reshapes the standard 170 propeller to meet the "Jet Flow" shape and gives it a new model number and is returned in "new" condition if it is done by Mcauley. (I'm not sure about Aero Propeller, their's may just be as "overhauled") The differences after the mod are: 2700 rpm for takeoff, 2450 rpm for cruise, 5-8 mph cruise speed increase and a shorter takeoff distance.

I can provide the new propeller model number if anyone is interested, I just don't have the paperwork in front of me just now.

Dave

[GAHorn]

Hmmn. I wonder if that prop would be applicable to the 6-bolt crank of the O-300-C/D engines? And if there is any approval basis for a 170 with that engine? (Doubtful.)

[sea1dww]

Here are the propeller specs: (1960 172 1C172/EM7654 equivalent)

This is for a 5 1/4" bolt circle and 8 hub mounting bolts.

Model- Engine- Present propeller- Jet-Flow Propeller

170,A,B - c145-2,-2h;O300-A,-B - 1A170/DM7653 - 1C172/MDM7655
172 - c145-2,-2h;O300-A,-B - 1A170/DM7651 - 1C172/MDM7654

I forgot to mention earlier that climb speed increases and the service ceiling goes up. This is according to Mr. L.W. Halstead Vice President of Sales - McCauley Industrial Corporation.

I hope someone more knowledgable than I can explain what all this means. It would seem that for $850 plus shipping this may be a good performance mod.

Dave