Exercising Props
- Thread starter beasly
- Start date
Cessnaflyer
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Depending on the airplane I do it 3 times looking for RPM drop, MP rise and oil pressure fluctuation.
Hammertime
Well-Known Member
Yep. It should give some guidance on how far to let it drop, but you are checking for proper indications, and getting warm oil up to the prop hubs as well. Should also be done occasionally in cruise if it is particularly cold.
Dan208B
Well-Known Member
I've heard numerous thoughts from different pilots and mechanics on this as well. Minimal drop is good, rise in MP is expected due to the nature of what you're doing but may be hard to see and doesn't really matter. Several people have said 3 or 4 short cycles are good to get oil flowing. Others have said that any more than 1 is unnecessary and does more damage long-term than good. Do some research, talk to different folks, and come up with an opinion of your own. People tend to get very adamant about these things too...
CoffeeIcePapers
Well-Hung Member
+1
I have had the same experience. Most mechanics I have spoken to have said once is enough (for the day) and that it is really hard on the engine, but I have heard some whoppers from said mechanics, as well.
CFI A&P
Exploring the world one toilet at a time.
Enough to make sure that they'll feather. If the props don't cycle enough and often enough the oil in the propeller cylinder will break down into a paraffin like wax. If that wax builds up, it can prevent the piston in the propeller cylinder from traveling, which in turn means it won't feather.
Hammertime
Well-Known Member
^^ This is correct. However, the feather check is done separately, and at a lower power setting...