Spinner Issue

[RollingHarrier]

Hey Guys,
In the last month I have lost 2 spinners (brand not mentioned on purpose) which resulted in me losing 2 very expensive 3 blade props as well as the spinners. This setup was on my 40% extra.
Luckily the ‘plane kept flying and I landed it with out incident. This is the first time I have used a lightened back-plate. The first time this happened I figured it was something I did, like over tighten the spinner adapter. So I purchased a new prop, a spinner cone (since I already had the back-plate) and a new adapter for the spinner. Everything was great for about 5 flights then someone noticed the spinner was missing. And yes I did check all of the bolts to make sure they were tight after the first flight.
Now I‘ve been flying giant scale for years and I have never lost a spinner. So my question is has anyone had the same problem? If so then maybe a word to the wise about using a lightened back-plates.
Please don't start a brand war, my thought here is to find out if this is a common occurance.
Jim

[Kevin Y]

lefty loosy righty tighty!!!

[Kevin Y]

just kidding!

Does that mean you lost the 29x12n? I have run lightened backplates on almost all of our planes and have never had a problem. I always try to check my prop bolts and spinner every five or so flights because I have seen them loosen a bit. I find it a bit strange that you have lost two in such a short span though. You have not noticed any increased vibration lately? Maybe something is out of balance.

For peace of mind you may want to send the engine in and have it checked out.

[rc4flying]

I don't know what spinner you have that is causing your problem, but if you tried to save money on some brand spinners, that could be the problem. To me , I have seen some brand spinners, where the "lip" on the back plate and cone are not good enough to take the rpm's. They look good, but something is amiss with them.

A few years back, I had a few friends say that they would not buy brand "X" spinner because they were twice the cost of what they were going to and did buy. 3 spinners later , on the same plane, for the one guy, He was still thinking he got the better deal. I still could not convince him to buy brand 'X" over brand "Y". Go Figure ?

I use and buy brand "X" and never had a single issue. Knock on Wood.

Just my opinion.

[bdawg]

You don't say exactly what is happening. Is the bolt breaking or just coming out?. Is the adapter coming loose and coming off? What type of engine and prop are you using? If you are having any vibration issues with your plane or engine set up, that can cause havoc on the best spinner application. If this list can't find an obvious problem, like it or not you you will need to mention the brand to see if you are doing things per their likings.

Allan

[Temptation]

	Quote: Originally Posted by rc4flying
	I don't know what spinner you have that is causing your problem, but if you tried to save money on some brand spinners, that could be the problem. To me , I have seen some brand spinners, where the "lip" on the back plate and cone are not good enough to take the rpm's. They look good, but something is amiss with them. A few years back, I had a few friends say that they would not buy brand "X" spinner because they were twice the cost of what they were going to and did buy. 3 spinners later , on the same plane, for the one guy, He was still thinking he got the better deal. I still could not convince him to buy brand 'X" over brand "Y". Go Figure ? I use and buy brand "X" and never had a single issue. Knock on Wood. Just my opinion.

I fly brand "TT" and have never had an issue.

[WangoTango]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Temptation
	I fly brand "TT" and have never had an issue.

Jim & Mike,
I just took a head count on spinners here at the stately WangoTango mansion....... Six of them "TT" brand spinners are in use and five "DB" brand are used as well. I don't use the carbon spinners because I threw one of them a while back. I also don't use cast spinners. I had one of them blow up one time. When you consider how good a spinner makes your plane look and how dangerous one could be flying off your plane at the wrong time, spend a bit more and get a good one. Also: Nothing like a little elbow grease to polish one of them up and make it shiney!
WT

[Scott Gerber]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Temptation
	I fly brand "TT" and have never had an issue.

1+ on "TT"


Scott

[Fixed Wing]

Last month I had a 5" TT spinner come off during flight that went through a 3 blade Mejzlik (ruined). Luckily it didn't hit my airframe. This spinner doesn't use an adapter, just a long aluminum bolt supplied by TT. The back plate was the lightened version and still in good shape when I landed. It's possible the bolt fatigued and broke, however, there wasn't a stud remaining in the motor shaft. In any event the bolt backed out somehow or broke first and then backed out when I slammed the throttle to idle when it happened. Never did figure out the real cause and its the first time I've had it happen. It cost about $300 to replace the prop and spinner!

[WangoTango]

Wow! I've never had a bolt come out of the adapter but I do use some Locktite blue goo on that long bolt. I heard someone say to check the two screws that hold the hall sensor on the front shaft of your motor. (This makes sure the timing is not off.) The rough running, backfiring, detonation, etc. can loosen prop bolts as well as spinner bolts. Just a thought.
WT

[Scott Gerber]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Fixed Wing
	Last month I had a 5" TT spinner come off during flight that went through a 3 blade Mejzlik (ruined). Luckily it didn't hit my airframe. This spinner doesn't use an adapter, just a long aluminum bolt supplied by TT. The back plate was the lightened version and still in good shape when I landed. It's possible the bolt fatigued and broke, however, there wasn't a stud remaining in the motor shaft. In any event the bolt backed out somehow or broke first and then backed out when I slammed the throttle to idle when it happened. Never did figure out the real cause and its the first time I've had it happen. It cost about $300 to replace the prop and spinner!

Aluminum bolt...??? A phone call just made to "TT" confirms Stainless Steel is the material used for their center bolt...


Scott

[Fixed Wing]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Scott Gerber
	Aluminum bolt...??? A phone call just made to "TT" confirms Stainless Steel is the material used for their center bolt... Scott

You're absolutely right! I don't know why I typed "aluminum" I just wasn't thinking. The bolt was the one supplied by TT and it is a special 10-32 Hex socket cap screw that is heat treated and plated. These bolts can not be purchased at Home Depot, etc. They are special to TT.

Again, you are correct - don't crucify me. This is the 1st mistake I've ever made - HONEST!

[Scott Gerber]

N. P. ....


Scott

[WangoTango]

[This is the 1st mistake I've ever made - HONEST![/quote]

Man-O-Man!!!! I'm going flying with you, dude! I need to fly with somebody that's made only ONE mistake and then maybe I won't crash any more!! LOL!
WT

[RollingHarrier]

Hey Guys thanks for the replys.

	Quote: Originally Posted by Kevin Y
	just kidding! Does that mean you lost the 29x12n? I have run lightened backplates on almost all of our planes and have never had a problem. I always try to check my prop bolts and spinner every five or so flights because I have seen them loosen a bit. I find it a bit strange that you have lost two in such a short span though. You have not noticed any increased vibration lately? Maybe something is out of balance. For peace of mind you may want to send the engine in and have it checked out.

Yepper the last one was the Mezjlik 29X12N I too test the bolts periodically. But I really don't think it was the bolt holding the spinner to the adapter. The adapter went with the spinner. All of the prop bolts were still tight.

	Quote: Originally Posted by bdawg
	You don't say exactly what is happening. Is the bolt breaking or just coming out?. Is the adapter coming loose and coming off? What type of engine and prop are you using? If you are having any vibration issues with your plane or engine set up, that can cause havoc on the best spinner application. If this list can't find an obvious problem, like it or not you you will need to mention the brand to see if you are doing things per their likings. Allan

I'm running ZDZ 160 Champ. Newly rebuilt and running great. Very low vibration especially with the 3 blade prop on there. Nothing seemed to make any vibration sound in flight, and with cannisters and a 3 blade you hear everything. The props were Mezjlik. The spinner is not the cheapy brand but it is aluminum and is held in place by a bolt thru the center and into an adapter that was purchased from the same company that supplied the spinner. The adapter was lost with the spinner and there was a piece of the adapter bolt left in the engine, so I can only assume it was not the bollt from the spinner to the adapter that loosened up. I have an email into the company and I'm waiting for a reply to see if others have reported this kind of problem.

Again I have used this brand of spinner for years as well as others and I've never lost a spinner until I went to the lightened back-plate. I know when I get my next 3 blade I'll be running without a spinner! LOL