need a good radial guy

[avbug]

What this generally does is lube the outside of the doughnut seals...doesn't go right through the hub. Some operators use motor oil too, and the main function is to slightly swell the seals to help prevent leakage. We used to do it on an Ag Cat, too. However, I'm not convinced it actually does anything.

If it's going through your hub, you have serious problems.

Were you meaning to say it flowed through a spinner, instead?

 

[bell47]

Avbug, No I meant hub. When you pour the STP down the top blade it will run through the hub and leake through to the bottom blade. Now I'm not sure what it does or where it goes in the hub but it seems to lube it nicely and tends to flush out dust particles. I assume we're talking the same prop, I'm talking about the counterweighted props that you have to grease the counter weights and hub. I've done this on probably 5-7 different props over the years and they all dribble through. Also helps during run up to cycle prop a bunch after doing this and the clean the windshield before you fly it, as the STP really slings everywhere.

 

[bugchaser]

I have also seen the STP trick done in the past. I too am not sure about the results. One thing for sure is that is will make a mess all over the airplane. We also had a wooden prop "wrench" that fit over the blade so that one could twist the prop back and forth. We would do this after greasing on particularly sticky props. You mentioned something about getting the covers off to apply grease. Do you not have any grease fittings? There is also a product that clamps over the prop blades and supposedly forces grease into the hub. I think that is was called a King greaser or something like that. Again, the only result I ever saw from that was a big mess all over the airplane. On a side note, do you guys run the engine up prior to shutdown and pull the prop back. This protects the prop cylinder as well as having the prop control in the proper position for starting a counterweight prop. Of course all of this could be avoided with the installation of a hydromatic propeller.

 

[Frozen Ronin]

Wow, be careful loading up a hub with STP or MM oil. It acts as a great cleaner and lubricant, but will continue to clean even after you re-grease the hub if it doesn't all get out. That leaves you with rapidly spinning parts without proper lubrication.

We use the 1340 on the single Otter, not sure if the prop set up is the same. Doubtful. But I haven't seen sticking issues in service up here.

So much to learn!

As far as a great Radial guy in GA, have you checked with any of the Yak or CJ guys? There are several in Atlanta (Delta guys), and they might have a lead on a round motor mechanic.

Love to help you, but the run to AK might be a little expensive!

Ronin