Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Wanted: Aluminum used prop for t-18/0-290 7/16 bolts and a pitch of 68-70

I was discussing this post with my wife, who would like a metal prop on "Fiesty".
So I went to the Sensenich site and looked at their offerings.
$3,995 each plus accessories
Nonetheless, they do have a model that caughty my eye:
74DM6 of which I know nothing. However, it can be cut down to 68" , and can be pitched up to 68",
Also, it does not have a note about a 2600 RPM limit like the O-320 prop they sell for RV's.
This prop is intended for Citabrias and some pipers, and has a top reccomented range of 170 MPH.
I wonder? It's intended for O-290 and O-320, 125 to 165 HP;
http://www.sensenich.com/products/item/42

_________________
Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE

NO!!!! NO!!! NO!!! read your SDRs!!!!!

Cutdown Metal Propellers- If your airplane has a cutdown metal prop, especially an M74, replace it immediately. The M74 will fail (every time ), usually with a low number of hours. The M76 is supposedly "safe" for being cut down, but should also be viewed as a risk, especially if it has not been thoroughly tested by a qualified prop shop. Newsletter 79 has a lot of data on these props. If you are looking to buy a new metal prop, check with Eklund Engineering, Inc at thorpt18@jps.net or phone (209) 727-0318. You can also go to the www.Sensenich.com web pages for new props that are designed for T-18/S-18 engines and flight speeds. Also see NL 47. Recommended Sensenich wood props: W66LM for 125-179 hp, W68LY for 180 hp. (Note: These may no longer be readily available.)

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

OK...
I just went to page, looked at their offerings and used thier pull down menus to see what combinations are available.
I appreciate (Lee) that you have such a historical perspective (No I did not just call you OLD) and willingly share it.
I just wouldn't think Sensenich's RV- O-320 offering (with 2600 RPM redline) is suitable for a 135 HP O-290 T-18, which has a 2800 RPM red line.

_________________
Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE

Scott,
Pretty sure the "new" prop Sensenich offers for the Thorp 70CM6S16-0-73 (0-320 climb prop) would work for an 0-290. If it were me I'd stick with wood .. but that's just me.

Take a look at this ...

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Yes, Thanks Lee;
We just flew "Feisty" again today (I work 7 days on, 7 days off) today was the maintenance interlude (oil change, check lube & carb screens & spark plugs) After a week of 'no T-18' the timing for the flair is a little off....but still good.
About your preference for wood props;
Can't complain about the performance. The Wood 68 x 68 idles well to less than 700 RPM when warm, and gives good all around performance for NW mountain flying and cruising to 10K feet.
I was forced early to learn prop repair and finishing on this bird. Now I'm not afraid to work on it, and maybe the wife is more favorable to wood now that I showed her the price of metal. I did learn that slowing to 2300 RPM in rain wasn't enough. 2000 RPM is slow enough to prevent prop damage with an epoxy leading edge, and still gives 117 MPH which is satisfactory.
At first I wanted to upgrade the engine, but this O-290 runs like it's brand new. I can't justify changing it.
I do shop for parts tho- I eventually would like to bore the O-290G block for the bigger cylinders, maybe O-480 angle valve cylinders.... well, we can always dream.

_________________
Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE