Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #66275
From: Charles Brown <browncc1@verizon.net>
Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Potential Problem-Engine Vibration
Date: Thu, 25 Jul 2013 09:54:03 -0400
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
Here's the ticket for a stock Legacy prop, it's 70 inches as shown by the serial number (73 minus 3).  Rickard's LIV prop appears to be 76 inches, from the serial number.

I too have a vibration in my Legacy IO-550 and have had dynamic balance check out perfect.  It's around 20Hz, I'd guess, and the visible amplitude at the wingtips is about 1/4 inch.  Most passengers don't notice it; I normally cruise at 2300 rpm; it seems a little smoother at higher rpm.  I have a hard time believing that all Hartzell 3-blade props on all Lancair 550s, regardless of diameter and horsepower, have the same problem; but now I wonder.  

Just before Placerville I let the USAF's chief F-16 test pilot fly my Legacy and he commented immediately on the vibration.  I figured that's because he flies jets and gliders, neither of which ever vibrate...  but my friend's 2-blade RV-6 / O-320 doesn't have this vibration either...

Has anyone definitely flown a vibration-free IO-550 Lancair (or TSIO-550) with *any* propeller?  And by vibration-free, I mean it is free of low-frequency 10-20Hz stuff, not the normal noise of flying.  What I'm wondering is...  is it the 550, making such vibration with *any* propeller?

Charley Brown
Legacy RG  280hr



On Jul 23, 2013, at 6:37 AM, Steve Colwell wrote:

We have been chasing a vibration from the first few hours on our Legacy IO-550 with stock compression and a Hartzell 3 blade.  I don’t have easy access to the prop model but it is the standard Hartzell supplied by Lancair for the IO-550. 
Our vibration varies in magnitude with power setting and air speed.  It is most noticeable with control stick shake but also could be felt on the dust cover.   I went thru an exhaustive series of finding engine/cowl contact points, questioning gear doors, rechecking control surfaces, two prop balances and an engine rebuild (cracked case).  I thought it was almost fixed several times since it was not easily replicated.  Then it would come back, sometimes very slightly, other times worse. 
Actually, this is a relief to know what the likely problem is after 5 years and 400 hours of chasing a fix.  We just booked a Southwest round trip to OSH.  I really don’t want to be the next statistic.  Thanks Bob and Ed.
 
Steve
 

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