PROP CARE - PROP COVERS

[MoonlightVFR]

I WASH MY PROP on Cessna 170B , but I do little else and sometimes wonder if I should do more.


Trying to protect the prop from stones, giant lawn mowers , bird deposits etc.

It was removed about 200 hrs ago to allow the AP to examine back side of crank shaft flange for cracks. It was perfect however I have developed a jaundiced view at any suggestion of cutting perfectly good safety wire on prop bolts for inspection. I do not think it is neccesary at each annual. Am I off base?

I have seen advertisements for cloth prop covers for 30 years but I never see aircraft with them installed unless it is winter time in Alaska. Why is it that way?

I am concerned about deterioation of prop surface. Should I be applying a protective agent ? The back side is painted flat black and there is no corrosion under the paint.

I would appreciate any tips, this question was prompted by the current spirited post on 3 vs 2 blades.

[GAHorn]

Propeller care is much simpler since metal propellers became common. Other than dressing and polishing out nicks, touch-up paint, etc., by your A&P, most fixed propellers require very little additional.
A dynamic balance is good for both your engine and your prop. Keeping water out of the mating surfaces between your prop and your crankshaft flange will reduce the possibility of corrosion. (Don't forget the dissimilar metals of your aluminum prop and your steel crankshaft.... Some anticorrosion treatment isn't a bad idea, such as ACK50, Corrosion X, etc.)
Otherwise, it's not disqualifying to wipe your blades down with similar corrosion treatment products regularly.

I don't think it's necessary to remove a prop at each annual inspection unless there's some overriding reason. Airplanes stored outdoors might be inspected for corrosion in the prop/flange interface, but not for cracks, unless there's been a a strike (in which case it shouldn't wait for inspection.) I'm not willing to criticize an inspector who's attentive to details, but... I'd want to install new bolts after a few removals, however. I don't like the idea of reusing them too many times, and they're expensive and that would cause me to question the real necessity of annual prop removal/reinstallation if no problems have been discovered by such frequent inspection. Is your airplane stored outdoors? Near the seacoast? Had a prop strike in it's past that wasn't inspected properly? (mandatory tear down)

Covers are usually used in conjuction with preserving engine heat and avoiding ice/frost accumulations in cold climates.

Wood props are a different animal. Does anyone out there use wood props anymore on 170's?

[Kyle Wolfe]

One minor item I previously overlooked....

When taking the bugs off the airplane, don't forget to wash the BACK side of the prop too. There often is as much gunk accumulated on the back as on the front.