What pitch and diameter will
work best with my airplane?- Top
It is impossible to provide a chart that shows
the optimum propeller set-up for your airplane.
Similar airplanes produce varying results with
the same propeller and engine. To get an idea of
which propeller would work best, refer to the
Prop Option Chart and then experiment with the
pitch. This is one of the advantages of the
adjustable pitch propeller as one propeller will
work on a variety of aircraft and can be
adjusted for optimum performance.
What are the advantages of a
multi-blade (3 or 4 blade) prop? - Top
Replacing a 2 blade prop with
a multi blade propeller allows you to use a
finer pitch setting in the same diameter, or a
smaller diameter with the original pitch. This
provides added ground and airframe clearance,
and a wider variance in pitch settings. Also in
many cases multi blade props dampen existing
engine vibrations.
How do I determine when the
blades can no longer be used?- Top
You should inspect your prop
blades before each flight for nicks and cracks
as well as damage to the finish. Minute nicks
may be sanded smooth although any bare wood
should be refinished with a waterproof clear
coat, to maintain the vapor barrier. If
any cracks, or larger nicks are present, the blade
should be replaced. Also, ensure that the root
of the propeller hasn‘t been crushed or
damaged. When there is no gap between the hub
halves, the root has most likely been damaged
from over tightening.
Replace the
blades immediately as this is very dangerous.
How do I properly maintain my Solo propeller?-
Top
Here are some
suggestions that will prolong the life of your
SOLO Propeller. To begin with, regular waxing of
the blades will help protect the high gloss
finish and maintain a moisture barrier for the
wood core. As well, whenever you are storing
your airplane turn the prop horizontal on a two
blade propeller. On a three blade leave one of
the blades vertical and rotate it frequently.
This helps keep the blades precision balanced,
as any moisture that they may have accumulated
will be distributed evenly. If the plane is
going to be stored for a long period of time,
remove the propeller and place it horizontal
with the face up, out of direct sunlight and in
a dry area. Use a light oil between the hub and
the dial and grease the actuator frequently with
lithium or white grease. Renew the hub’s
luster using an aluminum polish.
Do I need to balance my
propeller?- Top
All propellers have been
balanced to +/- .05g at the tips, before they
leave the factory. If the propeller unit has
been altered in any way, the unit should be
re-balanced using a proper balance machine. If
the propeller appears to be out of balance,
check that the balance codes are the same on all
the blades. Contact us for advice on rebalancing.
Is a specific torque really
necessary when securing the prop nut?- Top
Yes, proper torque is
extremely important. The specific torque given
in the operating and assembly instructions,
provides the maximum grip on the propeller
blades without damaging the root. If the nut is
under tightened the blades may slip and change
pitch. If the nut is over tightened the root
will be damaged and the integrity of the blade
will be destroyed. In extreme cases this may
result in blade failure, posing a very serious
danger to the operator and spectators.
Should I check the tracking
on my Solo Prop?- Top
Yes, a propeller with poor
tracking will result in rough engine operation
and poor performance. Check that the tracking is
within +/- 1/16” while installed on the
airplane. If the tracking is only slightly out,
try applying pressure in the applicable
direction while tightening the hub bolts.
Possible causes of poor tracking may be a bent
crankshaft, defective propeller mounting flange,
or damaged blades.
Why is there a gap between my
hub halves?- Top
In order to provide proper
grip on the prop root, there must be a space
between the hub halves. Do not torque the bolts
to a point where the gap disappears. This is
extremely important. Tighten the prop nut only
to the specified torque . Over-tightening will
result in damaged propeller blades that have the
potential to fail.
Can I replace just one blade
on any Solo propeller?- Top
Yes, as long as the propeller
is less than two years old, we can ship a
replacement blade that matches your balance code
found at the end of the blade root. If the
propeller is more than two years old, it is
necessary to ship us your current blade(s) to
balance the propeller precisely.
My prop is vibrating at
certain speeds, how do I stop it?- Top
This could be caused by
several problems but start by double checking
your tracking (tolerance of +/-1/16”). Next,
check the pitch of your prop (variance from
blade to blade should not be more than ½
degree). If you have altered your propeller in
anyway, it is necessary to recheck the balancing.
If no problems are found, the vibrations are
most likely a result of an engine and/or
reduction drive imbalance. In this case,
installing a three blade propeller may help to
dampen the vibrations.
Do the letters on the root of my blades mean
anything? - Top
The letter(s) on the root of
your blades are balancing reference codes. They
enable NRG Research to ship you a new SOLO blade
that is already balanced to match your existing
blades. If your propeller is more than two years
old, it is necessary to return all the blades to
match them precisely. Do not use a propeller
with different balance codes on any of the
blades.
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