Tpe331

[JohnnyP]

(wasn't sure which forum to dump this one in)...

Have never operated a direct-drive turboprop before.

For a guy only used to pt6's, PW120's, etc, what are some of the major operational differences compared to a TPE331?

I don't currently have any manuals at this time, and searching on the internet makes it hard to come up with some basic operation/tech info.

(found a few articles on shaft bow, spinning the props, summertime cooling tips, etc, but would like a bit more)

Any info from you guys will be much appreciated!

 

[propsarebest]

-They are REAL easy to torch on startup, especially the older ones

-BRING YOUR EAR PLUGS, cause you will be deaf.

-They eat batteries on startup like Star Jones locked in a See's candy store. We always started them up off of a GPU.

Ohh, and they were designed to be disposable- just throw them away when they time out.

 

[JohnnyP]

.....

Thanks for the info.

I was also browsing the turbo commander website and found some general articles on TPE331 operation, would like to run across some more.

The way I understand it, the RPM on, lets say ground idle, is around 100%...(what would the actual RPM be, 2000?) ......hence the noise?

 

[Launchpad]

You'll find that most people hate them, usually just because.

They are waaay better on fuel, they have a waaay higher TBO, and they have a quieter noise foot print in the air. On the ground, that's another story.

The noise comes from the compressor blades in the front from a direct view is the worst. Louder than a Pratt for sure.

There is a ground idle, so they are not at 100% all the time. Prop not at 2000, probably upper teens but depends on A/C and power output.. (noise comes from blade length, and blade length is usually based on power output)

I ran them on a jetstream for years, thought they were great.

 

[AV80R]

(wasn't sure which forum to dump this one in)...
Have never operated a direct-drive turboprop before.
For a guy only used to pt6's, PW120's, etc, what are some of the major operational differences compared to a TPE331?
I don't currently have any manuals at this time, and searching on the internet makes it hard to come up with some basic operation/tech info.
(found a few articles on shaft bow, spinning the props, summertime cooling tips, etc, but would like a bit more)
Any info from you guys will be much appreciated!

Well, got some 4,000 hours plus in the TPE 331-12 (Jetstreams).
- We usually used GPU power to crank it up but internal battery start was not that big of a deal.
- True, they are loud.
- At the gate, don't forget to spin a few times to avoid thermal bending (I think that's the proper term?) I believe it was more important for the -10 and below engines bt we did that too.
- Most people hate them? Huh? Not me or anyone I knew. I loved those things, loud but built to last!

 

[JohnnyP]

....

How is the start procedure, as compared to a PT6 or PW120?

 

[phr8dawg]

I think the right term is shaft bow where you spin the prop to where the binding is strongest and let it cool down in that position. TPE331s make a snarling sound in beta range which sounds better
than a wound-up Harley. I liked the plant!

 

[Tgaug6300]

Starting is much easier than the Pratts. I can only speak of the Turbo Commanders, but on that airplane it was just turn the switch to "Ground Start" everything was automatic from there. Once that engine was stabilized start the other one.
Power is instantaneous too, no spool up time (nice on go-arounds). I think I read somewhere where the TBO on the TPE-331 series has been bumped up to 5400 hours. Great engines though! Unfortunantly it is getting harder to find a mechanic that knows what it is.
I never met anyone that has operated them that did not like them.

 

[JohnnyP]

....

I think i read somewhere last night about an upgrade taking it to 7000hrs+ on the TBO..?..

 

[APFPilot]

I think i read somewhere last night about an upgrade taking it to 7000hrs+ on the TBO..?..

I haven't heard 7000, but 5400 can be done on the Twin Commanders. I have a bunch of 331 information in my office. If you want to send me a PM I may be able to help you.