Dynamic Prop Balancing

Webb · #1 05-02-2009, 09:44 AM

I thought mine was smooth....until after I had it dynamically balanced ....... oohhh what a difference.

Heard the best explaination from the Jim Jeffries that did it.....It's like buying a new set of tires and not balancing them. Anytime you marry a prop to an engine, it should be done...... And he's right.

He took it from a 0.5 to a 0.025 - check out the graph.

erich weaver · #2 05-02-2009, 12:11 PM

would you mind sharing with us what the service cost?

thanks
erich

Webb · #3 05-02-2009, 07:00 PM

$300 - The guy lives in Brandon MS and covers a pretty large area.

Most impressive were as the awesome planes he has balanced.

Kenny Gene · #4 05-02-2009, 08:42 PM

Do you recall the name of the system used? I had my Whirlwind RV200 balanced after I installed and the name of the equipment was Chadwick Helmuth Vibrex 2000. I was just curious if this is still considered the "lastest" and very reliable equipment to balance props.
Thanks
Kenny Gene

Bob Axsom · #5 05-03-2009, 12:32 AM

Did it go any faster?

Bob Axsom

lancef53 · #6 05-03-2009, 06:22 AM

Does anybody have any experience with the Dynavibe units? I see they are listed for $1495, it seems like it might be a good investment for a couple of owners. It seems like a pretty simple process, with lots of benefits.

Webb · #7 05-03-2009, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Axsom

Did it go any faster?

Bob Axsom

Haven't notice in major changes in speed but higher rpm's are definately smoother.

yakdriver · #8 05-03-2009, 11:06 PM

I also thought I had a real smooth engine until I had my prop balanced. Very noticeable difference. Cost me $180 well worth it. I don't know about getting a balancer and doing it yourself as there is an art to it as well as the machine. Don

Webb · #9 05-04-2009, 05:24 AM

For those that are wondering how it is done.

A vibration sensor is bolted to top of the engine. Reflective tape placed on each prop blade in strategic locations. Now comes the part you can't do by yourself. YOU sit in the plane and do a static runnup to 2,400 rpm while the technician uses a strobe light in front of the plane.

You then shut it down, and the tech using bolts and washers adds weight to the starter ring.

Repeat until balanced.

brianwallis · #10 05-04-2009, 10:06 AM

The surprise benefit to having a smooth running airplane is that you can greatly reduce your mx costs due to instruments zoning out... and cracks in sheet metal not to mention all the rivets that will have a longer life. I cannot vouch for this enough! I may go ahead and buy one since I send all my customers to another airport to get it done.....

Best
Brian Wallis

ps... track affects balance but balance does not affect track.