Problem with Van's CS Spinner Kit

[Gerd Strassburg]

I have an almost new Hartzell HC-C2YR-4CF1FC7666A-2 prop I would like to use for my RV-8 project. The blades are counterweighted and do not fit the Standard Van´s 13" CS Spinner Kit. Van´s support answered that this prop has never been used or recommended by them and they do only have one spinner kit and if it does not fit I have to look elsewhere. What are your thoughts? Is this prop suitable for the -8? Is there an alternative for the Van´s spinner?

Thanks
Gerd

[HIIFLY]

I have an RV-8 that I just installed a " Non counter weighted Hartzell propeller" and my weight and balance is at 77.62" with 170 lb. pilot and 42 gal fuel. And it feels nose heavy but very flyable and safe . I am 225 lbs. so it is even better when I fly it . Passengers are a Plus ! for c/g . Adding MORE weight to the Prop area with the counter weights on the prop may hinder your c/g unless you load the tail up with weight to balance the plane . . As far as the Vans 13" spinner , There is a Skybolt here in (BVI) who has that spinner kit on his biplane with a Hartzell counter weighted prop on it , he has the spinner cut out so the weights are visiable and can move with out hitting the spinner cone. Not the Prettiest but it will work .

[Andy Hill]

Hi Gerd

As you've seen. the C/W prop does not fit in the Vans spinner. Clearly you could make or buy elsewhere a spinner to fit, but then the cowlings will need extensive re-modelling so that the area matching the spinner is the right shape.

The C/W prop will also need the correct governor I think? i.e. not the ones Vans sell.

The C/W prop is really designed for aerobatic aircraft doing frequent sustained zero / negative 'g' manoeuvres / transitions. A non C/W prop, with an inverted oil system, will handle negative 'g' fine - it's the undefined areas where Oil Pressure is lost where the C/W prop decreases RPM, and the more typical RV prop increases RPM. This sort of flying is not typical "RV", but specialist aerobatic machines e.g. Pitts / Extras.

Summary to your:

Is this prop suitable for the -8?

IMHO it is "suitable" if you go to the cost and effort to make it work / fit. Is it ideal? Probably not, unless your planned use for the RV-8 differs from most owners... for whom it is unnecessary complexity, weight and cost.

As an aside, we do 30+ aerobatic displays a year, for me including negative 'g', and I would not even consider a C/W prop.

[Mike Redd]

I have the same prop and used Vans spinner. Just cut the spinner to allow full travel then get some molders clay and bulid it out based on measurements, then fiberglass over the clay. Dig out clay with a spoon and finish with micro balloons that you use on wind screen joint. Pretty easy and lots cheaper than getting a different prop. I did mine 10 years and 1000 hrs ago. I have a 7 and my friend has an 8 with the same setup. Also gets some questions at flyins. If you want a picture or two, let me know. Works great. Mike Redd

[Gerd Strassburg]

Thank you for your comments. I think the counterweighted prop is not that much havier than the newer BA Version. So w&b should not be a big issue with battery and lots of other stuff in the back.
Andy: I bought the prop in combination with the engine so the mounted governor should work. I was just thinking to use this propeller because it came with the engine. It is probably the better way to go with the BA version but that will get another 7K - 8K out of the budget.
Mike: I would really be interested in having a Picture of your installation.
Please be so kind to e-mail to gerd(dot)strassburg(at)gmx.de
Thanks
Gerd