REFLECTOR:MT 540 Prop
Robin Ream
reflector@tvbf.org
Fri, 31 Oct 2003 09:11:36 -0600
I don't think any of us would put the IVO prop in the same class with
the MT even in a drunken stupor, however, you can buy six or seven of IVO's
electric constant speed props for the price on one MT. A major aggravation
concerning blade replacement and repair of IVO props is exactly what you
just described the MT service center as being a stickler on and that is
BALANCE. Balance is nothing to be taken lightly. MT won't talk to you
unless you do everything their way. -- IVO will sell you the blade
anyway... They ship it to you, and hope you have the sense to take it to a
good shop and have it balanced after you replace the blade.
The IVO prop also requires persistent attention to bolt torque and blade
wear in the hub, and if you don't think you want to mess with that extra
hassle you definitely shouldn't buy that type of prop.
In any case, and with whatever type of prop you decide to fly, please
don't underestimate the importance of prop balance. It prolongs the life of
your instruments, your electronics, your engine and mount, the exhaust
system; in fact the whole airplane, and maybe the pilot too.
By the way, most manufacturers static balance their props and while
that's generally "ball park," it's no substitute for dynamic balancing on
the airplane. Even if it were perfect, the hubs, spinners, etc., etc.,
would still collectively add imbalance to the system. Dynamic balancing can
correct for all of that and it's really not that expensive.
Robin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chuck Jensen" <cjensen@dts9000.com>
To: <reflector@tvbf.org>
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2003 8:58 AM
Subject: RE: REFLECTOR:MT 540 Prop
> I'm running a 540 w/hydraulic MT prop. The cost and quality of the MT
prop
> are inversely proportional to the level of service. I had a prop that had
a
> big stone nick in it that actually cut through one side of the metal
leading
> edge and part way through the other side. Prop repair was definitely in my
> future.
>
> In the form of good news/bad news, the good news is you don't have to send
> the prop to Germany anymore, the bad news is you have to send it to their
> facility in Deland, FL. MT's repair service is very consistent; they do
not
> return phone calls, they don't return emails, they don't return faxes.
> However, if you ever get hold of Jurgen, (386)736-7762 or
> mtprop@Bellsouth.net, he's obviously a smart, competent, agreeable fellow.
>
> As part of their Total Quality Program (my words, not theirs), they
refused
> to repair the one prop without redoing all of the props. Argument that
> balance was the issue seemed reasonable enough. However, their insistence
> of overhauling the hub ($1,400) to install a new seal design was less
> palatable. The reason for this was a number of the seals of the old
design
> leaked. However, mine didn't and I really didn't want them messing with
it
> but it was another "do it our way or we won't do it." The words weren't
> quite that blunt but the message was. However, I will say this ($2,500
> later) the prop came back impeccable. Impossible to tell from new.
Except
> for this fix, which was not MT's fault, the prop has been flawless.
>
> Their scheduling is a very "definite" affair. They definitely will be
done
> with the prop when they get done, and not a minute sooner. They will
> consider your schedule (paper), then determine it doesn't match their
> schedule (scissors)...you lose!
>
> In defense of MT, I think the consensus is correct that the prop, though
> expensive, seems to be an excellent fit. There are a couple fixed pitched
> units flying around that I think gets several kts higher cruise but they
pay
> for it by having to fly out of Edward's AFB.
>
> IVO has said they are bringing out a hi-HP prop for the 540 (maybe it's a
> stutter thing but they've been saying the same thing for a number of
years)
> but the comments on Reflector about IVO were uniformly negative and I
didn't
> really notice anyone inclined to rise to their defense.
>
> In short, MT is the obvious, if not only choice. Tell Jurgen Chuck sent
you
> and he'll charge you a 25% premium.
>
> Chuck Jensen
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: reflector-admin@tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-admin@tvbf.org]On
> Behalf Of Richard@Riley.net
> Sent: Friday, October 31, 2003 2:18 AM
> To: reflector@tvbf.org
> Subject: REFLECTOR:MT 540 Prop
>
>
> I'm thinking of using an MT hydraulic prop on my 540 engine. Does anyone
> on the list have experience with this combination? I'm worried about the
> blades being fragile, having to send it to Germany, etc. There's a
> Velocity RG at Compton with an electric MT that's been nothing but
> headaches, but half of those have been because it's electric.
>
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