I just sent my prop in for a reseal. It was manufactured in '95 and has 886 hours on it and has never been in the shop. When the prop shop opened the hub they found that some alien material had been assembled between the preload plate and one of the blades. This piece of junk had scored the preload plate beyond repair but the blade can be salvaged. Whatever had been between the two pieces was not to be found, may have been ground down to nothing or just missed in the search through the grease that was extracted.

I called Hartzell and told them that I feel it is their fault that the damage occurred since it is certain that the alien material was introduced at assembly. So far their position is that I'm the 3rd owner and even though the log books don't show any previous repair to the prop, they cant be certain that it has never been opened. They also state that it is beyond the 6 year recommended overhaul period, like that would have made a difference. My position is that it is obvious when the material was introduced and that they should foot the bill for the extra cost in servicing the prop ($525 for parts and repair).

Has anybody else had luck dealing with Hartzell and if so what might you recommend to get them to see it from my perspective?

Thanks.

Mr. Ed

I have had several run ins with them and never got any satisfaction from them. Nothing is ever their fault and they left out a lot of very expensive information when I had to buy a new prop from them.

In my opinion, run from hartzell, dont walk. I got some tired of getting ADs on 2 different props for expensive work. Seems like to me they get a bit slow on business, then tuck it to all of us with their junk. I know, many of you have great success and service from their props, but not me. Replacing prop hubs that are in perfect shape is wack. Oh, trade in that hub under our trade in program for cheap money, you will just have to wait 6 months for a new one, sorry. I bought a MT and havent looked back. Those Germans were happy to take my money.

Jim

I agree with scouter, call larry at flight resource 715-924-4410 you will be treated much better and have a much improved wind maker on the front of your plane! the MT weighs somthing like 23lbs less than the hartsell has a lifetime hub and makes way more thrust.