Prop Balancing (did you do it) AND SB-00088 Radiator Mounting Mod RV-12iS

[jackking123]

RV-12iS builder operators: 3 Questions

1. Did you get prop balanced, and did you buy your own balancer($$$), hire someone, cost?
2. Did you do the SB (snip below)? Did you do it proactively or when you had a crack?
3. Did NOT do SB and have no issues and how many hours?

SB-00088 Rev 2 (April 2024): Radiator Attachment Modification: Addresses fatigue cracks in the RV-12iS radiator by modifying the mounting hardware, as the radiator is susceptible to contacting the cowling, especially if the propeller is not properly balanced.

 

[G JWTP]

I borrowed a dynamic balancer from a friend and we did it ourselves.
iS engine with the 3 blade Snsenich prop which we managed without much fuss to get it down to 0.03 ips. Well within UK LAA reccomendations
Haven't bothered with the radiator SB yet as there have been no issues.
250 hrs flown.
Generally cruise at 5000 RPM, for my comfort, approx 105Kts or there abouts and use unleaded fuels 95% of the time with up to 5% ethanol content. Gas isn't exactly cheap in Europe at present!!

Hope this helps.

John.

 

[jsalley]

Borrowed a DynaVibe from an EAA chapter member and did it myself, ended up with 0.04 ips. I had been waiting nearly a year for the backordered previous-style radiator, and finally bit the bullet and purchased the cowling-mount radiator and oil cooler, which were in stock. Actually received the original radiator a couple months later - have it on the shelf if anyone ever needs a replacement.

 

[jackking123]

Borrowed a DynaVibe from an EAA chapter member and did it myself, ended up with 0.04 ips. I had been waiting nearly a year for the backordered previous-style radiator, and finally bit the bullet and purchased the cowling-mount radiator and oil cooler, which were in stock. Actually received the original radiator a couple months later - have it on the shelf if anyone ever needs a replacement.

Did you have a crack in the original radiator?
Did you install the cowl mounted radiator/oil cooler yet and If yes does that make removing lower cowl significantly more difficult?

 

[jsalley]

Did you have a crack in the original radiator?
Did you install the cowl mounted radiator/oil cooler yet and If yes does that make removing lower cowl significantly more difficult?

I never installed the original radiator, because I didn’t have it - it was backordered for almost a year. Van’s finally sent it (it was already paid for as part of the powerplant kit), but I had already purchased and installed the cowl mount radiator and oil cooler, so now have the new and unopened original on the shelf. Removing the lower cowl isn’t difficult with the new design, but reinstalling it is a challenge, made worse by my 3 blade prop.

 

[jackking123]

Did you have a crack in the original radiator?
Did you install the cowl mounted radiator/oil cooler yet and If yes does that make removing lower cowl significantly more difficult?

No and No. We are in middle of condition inspection and there is the ever so slight interference radiator to cowl top aircraft left corner, a smidgen.
No leaks. The radiator seems to have good shock movement. So I am not doing the SB to cut brackets and slot rubber isolation mounts.

Already set up to do PROP balance in a week or two... I have researched it, made brackets for a ACES 1015 Sport, understand the instructions.
My degree is mechanical engineer. One of my favorite courses was "VIBRATIONS". Fascinating field of study, design and analysis.

I CAN NOT OVERSTATE the reduction in vibration due to PROP imbalance will reduce wear, tear, fatigue, cracks, fretting, rubbing, providing dividends that far outweigh the cost, time and effort to minimize vibrations. With that said I am (the owner is) saving $200 by me doing it with rented (good top shelf) equipment. He is a friend so he will OWE ME.. Ha ha. But I enjoy learning. I have had my planes balanced while observing but it has been decades. I will benefit by learning.