Here I am, all ready to balance my perfectly built and covered LT-40, and I go to perform the last operation, install the prop and spinner. I have a few 10x6 props (Masterscrew) that I picked up for my .46FX, so I go to put it on... No dice. Now what, I have to buy a prop reamer? Also, in any of my literatire (Lt-40 Book, Flight Manual, or OS Engine Manual, does it depict the correct way to install the prop with that ring thing and the nut and spinner...

Most of my props will be a little tight when I first get them. I'll screw them onto the engine shaft then use the nut to tighten them up the rest of the way. It only takes a couple times and the props go on and off with no problems.

I do think that the 10x6 prop is a bit on the small side for the 46FX. I use 11x6 APC sport props on my 46FX and it pulls pretty nice. The engine may rev a little high with a 10x6 prop. Although, if it's on your first trainer, it'll work for now. Try a 10x7 or the 11x6 on it though. I think you'll like it better.

I use a drill bit to make mine bigger then balance

the spinner back plate goes on first, Install the spacer ring and then the back plate , the prop, I agree with the selection of props made in the previous post , if it does not fit , then some reeming maybe required , install the thrust washer and nut , it is helpful to check the clearence of the spinner before completely tightening the prop nut ,the prop should not touch the spinner anywhere , if clearance is good finish tightening the prop nut and install the spinner ,tighten it down pretty good ,

happy flying

Highlander

I wouldn't recommend using a drill bit to enlarge the prop hole. It's just not that accurate. Too much margin for error. A prop reamer does the best job because it assures you have the hole centered perfectly. If you must use a drill bit make sure you use a drill press instead of a hand held drill. That will increase your accuracy a bit.

Actually, using a drill is perfectly ok. A drill bit is precision ground to it's outside dimension. Where a drill can become inaccurate is when drilling a new hole (as opposed to enlarging an existing hole) because the tip pressing against the material can cause the drill to wobble which can make the hole slightly larger (although in most cases, it will only be 4 or 5 thousandths of an inch larger). But when enlarging an existing hole, the drill will follow the hole and stay within .002" (or about the diameter of a human hair).

I thought the danger of using a drill bit is the fact that the bit can cause the hole to be off center. A prop reamer is held in the center of the hole while reaming.

I ruined two, 16-6 MA props using a drill press. A lot of it was my fault, but this IS something else that can happen when using a drill. I relaxed my pressure on the prop as I was bringing the drill up/out, of the newly drilled hole. It grabbed the prop and it "rode up" the drill bit .... on an angle. This happened last fall when I bought my new engine. I forgot what happened over the winter... and did it again this spring when I bought an extra prop. My bad memory!! I ended up buying a 10-12mm Fox reamer for about $13. ..... the cost of the 2 props I ruined!!......lownslo....

I was just speaking from personal experience. Using a drill caused the holes to be off center slightly. The finally hole was the correct diameter, but they just weren't centered. I bought a Fox reamer and it was the best $10 purchase I ever made. I could cut a hole in a prop in 15 seconds without having to bother fiddling around with a drill. Every prop I've ever cut with the reamer has turned out perfectly. I'm sure if you are careful and have really good equipment than a drillpress will work (although I still believe it will not have a near 100% succes rate like a reamer would). Testing a drill press a $2.50 10x6 prop is really not a big deal, but when you start cutting $12-$40 props you want to be sure you'll get good results.

Excuse me!!

I should have mentioned not to try it by hand!

(and if you're using a drill press, hold on to the prop <wink>)