Has anyone else observed how tiny prop pitch adjustments make a major difference in engine performance? I’m running a Sensenich 3-blade ground adjustable in front of a 912 UL.
I’ve developed a protocol for pitching the prop which utilizes a digital level accurate to 0.05 degrees and a spring clamp to hold it in place on the prop. (Would be happy to write up and share if there is interest.) After setting pitch angles and torquing the bolts I measure the pitch of each blade three times to confirm.
The data:
Pitch (hub = 0°) WOT Oil temp (°F) OAT (°F) knots in 500fpm climb
10.7..................5500..........242................80................30-35
10.4................>5700..........194................76................35-40
My next trick is to up the pitch to 10.55 degrees, but I was just wondering if my observations are consistent with those of others. I now find it difficult to believe that one could nail the perfect pitch using the prop pitch pins alone. I am also really impressed by how such small change in pitch angle causes such dramatic results.
Thanks for your comments.
I’ve developed a protocol for pitching the prop which utilizes a digital level accurate to 0.05 degrees and a spring clamp to hold it in place on the prop. (Would be happy to write up and share if there is interest.) After setting pitch angles and torquing the bolts I measure the pitch of each blade three times to confirm.
The data:
Pitch (hub = 0°) WOT Oil temp (°F) OAT (°F) knots in 500fpm climb
10.7..................5500..........242................80................30-35
10.4................>5700..........194................76................35-40
My next trick is to up the pitch to 10.55 degrees, but I was just wondering if my observations are consistent with those of others. I now find it difficult to believe that one could nail the perfect pitch using the prop pitch pins alone. I am also really impressed by how such small change in pitch angle causes such dramatic results.
Thanks for your comments.
