Hi from Mt Isa, where my J170 has been parked for 6 months and despite covers on prop it was showing signs of bubbling under glass. Small 1mm or less blisters (many - displaying weave of cloth and easily felt with fingertips).
I removed prop, sanded v smooth, sprayed with clear lacquer, balanced, and replaced 2 weeks ago, and today test flew.
Two problems:
1 feels like vibration present, so maybe not balanced well enough
2 the blisters are back and can be felt again. Definitely smooth 2 weeks ago. Looks like air trapped under glass expands in heat. 42 C is common here.
Decided to buy new prop, several options:
1 Take original to Bundaberg when visiting next weekend and get a reconditioned one
2 Buy 3 blade Bolly as recommended in other posts
3 Buy Sensenich - don't know where from, or how much they cost.
Any advice anyone? And what is best value?
Finally, am only getting 85-90kt IAS lately, and recall it was 95-100kt 6 months ago. Is it likely that small irreguarities in prop surface would create that much inefficiency?
Greg at Isa
