Hi all,

Considering two options to replace my McCauley propeller on my '59 C182. The quote was for an older model and the newest as follows:

2A34C66/S90AT-8. 82" for 4900.00 - an older C66 (threaded) style

2A34C203/90DCA-8 82" for 6400.00 (the newest style propeller available)

I haven't researched propeller replacements for several decades, so hoping to hear some oppinion and comments from those in the know. Is the newer model worth $1,500 more?

They also offered me a $500 core value for my old prop - have no idea if this is what i should expect or not.

Thanks!

Besides model, "good price" would be predicated on hours in service / time since overhaul.
I would be inclined toward the newer-design C203.
FWIW I was looking for a used C203 seaplane prop a few years ago--
couldn't find one so I ended up buying a run-out C201 for $1K.
Took it in for an overhaul, also a mandatory conversion to oil-filled hub-- total cost was about $4K.

Those prices seem a little high, especially for a propeller that people are wanting to remove from their airplane. Many 180 owners remove the exact 82" prop you're looking for in order to get the seaplane 88" prop. So the props are out there. I did this 2 years ago and I know of others too. I was able to find an 88" 900hr C203 for $4000 on BCP that included a spinner, sell the spinner for $1000, then sell my oil filled low time 82" C29 for $2500. I feel that all 3 parties involved with that got a good deal.

I would post a Want-To-Buy for the prop you're looking for which may convince a C180 owner to upgrade from 82" to 88". Many are unwilling to spring for the longer prop without knowing they can sell their current one. In my case I rolled the dice and it worked out, sold my old one on eBay a week later.

Like hotrod said, I would prefer a C203 because it's not an obsolete prop, but when I was looking at 88", I was willing to accept an older model so long as it was oil filled, all AD's complied with, low blade time (not filed down a ton), etc. Once it's bolted on and working fine, you'll forget what numbers on on the model number I bet.

Good advice and appreciated

Most overhaul shops cannot work on the C66 anymore due to lack of part availability. I say this from experience here in California. I had one rejected from Santa Monica Propeller a few years ago and recently from Amercian Propeller in Redding, Ca.

I personally think you should go with the newer version in the event of needing future work on it.

Rich

I to have a 56 C182. If were in the market for a prop I think I would go for an MT. Or at least consider it. Mine was overhauled 550 hrs ago. It is the one with the blunt spinner.