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  #1  
Old 08-07-2017, 10:18 AM
Jbon Jbon is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: DFW
Posts: 55
Default Questions about converting to constant speed propeller

I'm getting ready to began a total overhaul of my RV6-A panel and electrical system. While I'm at it, I'm wanting to convert my fixed pitch prop to constant speed. My engine is an O-360-A1A, which is supposed to have a hollow crank. It has a governor pad on the back. For space, I've got about 8" from the pad base to the firewall, or about 11.5" if you measure into the firewall recess.

Are all -A1A engines hollow crank?

Is the Hartzel package from Van's the best bang for the buck?

My Sensenich has a Saber prop extension. Will I keep this, or does the Hartzel not require an extension?

Is there any chance I can keep/modify my spinner? Mine is aluminum and about 15" long.

I know that I'll need to remove the forward crankshaft plug, and add one to the rear, behind the oil tube. Having never done it, this is the part of the job that has my attention. Does anyone know someone who has done this, and who lives in the DFW area?
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  #2  
Old 08-08-2017, 03:08 PM
Jbon Jbon is offline
 
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Anyone. . . Anyone. . . Bueller?
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  #3  
Old 08-08-2017, 03:24 PM
David-aviator David-aviator is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chesterfield, Missouri
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jbon View Post
Anyone. . . Anyone. . . Bueller?
I have IA friend, he has never done it.

Where did you get your engine maybe they can be of assistance. I got mine from BPE and Allen knows how to do it. It will take a special punch to seat the aft plug without damaging the oil pipe.
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  #4  
Old 08-08-2017, 03:26 PM
David-aviator David-aviator is offline
 
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If you build the airplane and bought kits from Vans, it is best deal for blended airfoil prop, one time purchase.

If not, I don't know where is best deal.
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  #5  
Old 08-08-2017, 03:51 PM
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pazmanyflyer pazmanyflyer is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Litchfield Park, AZ
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Here is what I know. For those that know better than me, please correct me if I'm off somewhere.

Are all -A1A engines hollow crank?
A: As far as I can find by designation yes, unless it was OH and solid crank installed and not logged (unlikely). Look at front of crank. If there is a plug installed (hammered in) then it is hollow.

Is the Hartzel package from Van's the best bang for the buck?
A: I do not currently have one but I think this is subjective and personal preference. There maybe space challenges with the longer prop gov's.

My Sensenich has a Saber prop extension. Will I keep this, or does the Hartzel not require an extension?
A: Not required with CS prop.

Is there any chance I can keep/modify my spinner? Mine is aluminum and about 15" long.
A: The cutout for the prop hub, front and backplates are different and will require modification/replacement.

Sheet C4 (ALL RV's)


Full write by Brantel of doing this is here: http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=101425
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Last edited by pazmanyflyer : 08-08-2017 at 04:09 PM.
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  #6  
Old 08-08-2017, 05:36 PM
Jbon Jbon is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: DFW
Posts: 55
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David-aviator View Post
If you build the airplane and bought kits from Vans, it is best deal for blended airfoil prop, one time purchase.

If not, I don't know where is best deal.
Probably a call to Van's is in order, but am I correct in my understanding that as long as the A/C's serial number has never had a Hartzel prop from Van's associated with it, I can get the deal. I don't have to be the builder?

John
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  #7  
Old 08-08-2017, 05:42 PM
Jbon Jbon is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: DFW
Posts: 55
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pazmanyflyer View Post
Here is what I know. For those that know better than me, please correct me if I'm off somewhere.

Are all -A1A engines hollow crank?
A: As far as I can find by designation yes, unless it was OH and solid crank installed and not logged (unlikely). Look at front of crank. If there is a plug installed (hammered in) then it is hollow.

Is the Hartzel package from Van's the best bang for the buck?
A: I do not currently have one but I think this is subjective and personal preference. There maybe space challenges with the longer prop gov's.

My Sensenich has a Saber prop extension. Will I keep this, or does the Hartzel not require an extension?
A: Not required with CS prop.

Is there any chance I can keep/modify my spinner? Mine is aluminum and about 15" long.
A: The cutout for the prop hub, front and backplates are different and will require modification/replacement.

Sheet C4 (ALL RV's)


Full write by Brantel of doing this is here: http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=101425
So, if governor length is an issue, I assume I can go with a different manufacture, correct? Seems odd that space would be an issue. Aren't there lots of 6's flying with the Hartzel?

So, the prop extension is not required. I assume then that everything regarding the cowling will line up. I'm hoping the prop spinner will fit. Modifying, or replacing the bulkheads seems pretty doable.

Your link is just the information I was looking for. I seem to remember seeing this, but could not find it on the forum. THANKS!
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  #8  
Old 08-09-2017, 08:54 AM
RVTOY RVTOY is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Corona , Ca
Posts: 139
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You will need the prop governor adapter gear which you should find unsed somewhere, like this site, and hartzel governor and you will still have room to spare in front of firewall. You will also need bracket attachment to governor from Vans for cable attachment.
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  #9  
Old 08-09-2017, 09:05 AM
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rvator51 rvator51 is offline
 
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Location: Peoria, AZ
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I would suspect your aluminum fixed pitch spinner might not work for the C/S. The openings for the blades are quite a bit different as the C/S blades rotate and you need enough room for their movement.

There is enough variance in the installation of the cowlings that you will just have to fix the C/S and see if there is interference or not or too big a gap between the cowling and the spinner.
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  #10  
Old 08-09-2017, 09:11 AM
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Mel Mel is online now
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dallas area
Posts: 10,768
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Early RV-6s had 2 different cowlings for C/S vs. F/P. I don't remember which cowling John used. If your prop extension is 2.25" you shouldn't have a problem. If you present extension is 4", you may need a new cowling.
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