Ivoprops?

[RWoodard]

I hadn't searched this forum for IVO information recently, but came across this thread tonight.

I sent IVO a message Saturday night asking a few questions re: their Magnum prop for my Continental O-200 I'm going to install on my Midget Mustang.

Not only did they NOT tell me not to install their prop on a direct drive engine, they offered to sell me the wiring harness for $36 so I can pre-wire my airplane.

I specifically asked for referral information... I wanted to talk to people using the IVO prop on an O-200. They responded that they "didn't give out their customers' private information" as if I was asking for credit card numbers or something.

The other deal-killer (as if there isn't enough in the above postings) is that the dreaded Service Bulletin #1 applies. It requires the installation of stainless tape and inspection of said tape (at the hub) prior to each flight.

There's no way in heck I'm going to remove my spinner prior to each flight.

My airplane came with a Bernie Warneke "almost constant speed" prop. I'll probably test fly the engine re-build with the old prop and then go from there for a more appropriately sized and pitched prop. Unless the engine rebuild changes things dramatically, I'll probably sell the Warneke prop. It's 64x83 and not really appropriate for a 100hp plane. Maybe it would work for somebody's really lightweight 0320 RV-4 or -3.

Best regards,

Rod Woodard
KFNL
#81964 wings on hold pending completion of Midget Mustang Project
Midget Mustang--Who knew an engine overhaul could lead to this? :-)
www.mustangflyer.com

[rv6ejguy]

Thanks for this information. This sort of thing would not seem to be in IVO's or the customers best interest. A company confident in their products for a given application will usually have a few enthusiastic customers who are willing to be contacted for testimonials. This would not inspire new customer confidence.

As a happy IVO customer (Subaru), I think that the modern design does the job on many auto engine conversions but is unproven in my view on direct drive aircraft engines. If someone from IVO can supply information to the contrary, we'd be happy to look it over. In the meantime, IMHO, I wouldn't bolt an IVO to a conventional aircraft engine.

I agree, checking the tape is easier than checking bolt torque but rather inconvenient unless you had holes in your spinner to inspect it.

[RWoodard]

I received a follow-up e-mail from IVO today. I wrote them last night saying thanks for the info, but I don't think I'll be a customer. I didn't want to get into a mud-slinging contest so I told them my biggest issue was inspecting the stainless tape before each flight.

The response was that the suggested 1/4" gap between the hub and the spinner was enough to allow inspection of the stainless tape prior to each flight. Other than that, I'd only have to remove the spinner to re-torque the bolts every 10 hours.

I'm still not willing to remove the spinner every 10 hours.

After reading some very positive comments on this board and others, I'm now planning on a Catto prop. I think the 3-blade looks cool, but I hear it's not quite as fast/efficient as a 2-blade. On the other hand, it'd be nice to have a little better clearance... 3 shorter blades vs. 2 longer blades. Who knows...

Best regards,

Rod
KFNL
Loveland, Colorado

[rv6ejguy]

Once the bolts take no more torque after 2-3 times usually, there is no need to check this anymore except at annuals if the tape is intact. Mine are always tight after 200 hours of running time.

I think you will be happy with the Catto if you can get one, Craig is swamped it seems. It might not have the takeoff or climb performance of the IVO but there are no moving parts and cruise should be good by all accounts.

Did IVO still not mention anything about not using their props on direct drive engines?

[RWoodard]

No. Ron from IVO never said anything about not using the prop on a direct-drive engine. I clearly stated in every e-mail I sent that I intended to use the prop on a Continental O-200.

His last e-mail said that I could inspect the tape through the spinner gap near the root of the blade. He also specifically said that I'd need to remove the spinner every 10 hours to check the bolt torque. I'm not interested in that.

I e-mailed Mr. Catto last night. He responded today. I then spoke with him on the telephone this afternoon. I'm ordering a Catto 3-bladed prop. He's backed up for 6 months on the 3-bladed props. Oh well. Given my slow progress the thing will probably still have time to collect some dust!

Best regards,

Rod

[sj_pilot]

Hi,

does anbody have some news on these IVOPROPS?
or does nobody uses them anymore on RV's with direct driven engines?

Regards
Uli

[rv6ejguy]

Originally Posted by sj_pilot

Hi,

does anbody have some news on these IVOPROPS?
or does nobody uses them anymore on RV's with direct driven engines?

Regards
Uli

Nobody uses these on direct drive Lycomings.