PROPELLER LUBRICATION

AJI JATMIKA ATMAWIJAYA

RECIPROCATING ENGINE
LUBRICATION DISTRIBUTION

 The lubricating oil is distributed to the various moving parts of a typical

internal combustion engine by one of the three following methods:
 pressure
 splash, or
 a combination of pressure and splash.
 "Splash lubrication" is the oil splashed up into the liner by the rotating
crankshaft.
 Splash lubrication may be used in addition to pressure lubrication on
aircraft engines, but it is never used by itself; aircraft-engine lubrication
systems are always either the pressure type or the combination pressure
and splash type, usually the latter.
Cont’d…

 The pressure lubrication system is the principal method of lubricating

aircraft engines.
 The advantages of pressure lubrication are:
1. Positive introduction of oil to the bearings.
2. Cooling effect caused by the large quantities of oil that can be pumped, or
circulated, through a bearing.
3. Satisfactory lubrication in various attitudes of flight.
Oil System – Distribution

 Oil flowing from the pump is forced along internal passageways, drilling
and pipes to the areas needing lubrication.
 Oil escaping from the plain bearings ‘splash-lubricates’ the ball and roller
bearings, gear teeth, piston rings, cylinder walls and other moving parts,
and then drains to the sump or well at the bottom of the crankcase.
 More specific lubrication may be supplied by jets of oil directed on to the
particular contacting faces from holes drilled in a nearby duct.
Typical Oil System – Bearing Lubrication
INTRODUCTION TO PROPELLER LUBRICATION

 Hydromatic propellers operated with engine oil and some sealed

propellers do not require lubrication.
 Electric propellers require oils and greases for hub lubricants and pitch
change drive mechanisms.
 Proper propeller lubrication procedures, with oil and grease specifications,
are usually published in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Hydromatic Propellers
Basic Operation Principles of
Hydromatic Propellers

 The pitch changing mechanism of hydromatic propeller is a mechanical-

hydraulic system in which hydraulic forces acting upon a piston are
transformed into mechanical forces acting upon the blades.
 Piston movement causes rotation of cam which incorporates a bevel gear
(Hamilton Standard Propeller) .
 The oil forces which act upon the piston are controled by the governor
CORROSION ON PROPELLERS

 Experience indicates that water sometimes gets into the propeller blade
bearing assembly on some models of propellers.
 For this reason, the propeller manufacturer’s greasing schedule must be
followed to ensure proper lubrication of moving parts and protection from
corrosion.
 Observe overhaul periods because most defects in propellers are not
external, but unseen internal corrosion.
 Dissimilar metals in the prop and hub create an environment ripe for
corrosion, and the only way to properly inspect many of these areas is
through a teardown.
Cont’d…

 Extensive corrosion can dramatically reduce the strength of the blades or

hub.
 Even seemingly minor corrosion may cause a blade or hub to fail an
inspection.
 Because of the safety implications (blade loss), this is clearly an area in
which close monitoring is needed.
 One example of the lubrication requirements and procedures is detailed
here for illustration purposes only.
LUBRICATION INTERVAL

 Lubrication intervals are important to adhere to because of corrosion

implications.
 The propeller must be lubricated at intervals not to exceed 100 hours or at
12 calendar months, whichever occurs first.
 If annual operation is significantly less than 100 hours, calendar lubrication
intervals should be reduced to 6 months.
 If the aircraft is operated or stored under adverse atmospheric conditions,
such as high humidity, salt air, calendar lubrication intervals should be
reduced to 6 months.
Cont’d…

 Hartzell recommends that new or newly overhauled propellers be

lubricated after the first 1 or 2 hours of operation because centrifugal
loads pack and redistribute grease, which may result in a propeller
imbalance.
 Redistribution of grease may also result in voids in the blade bearing area
where moisture can collect.
Lubricating propeller bearings.
Cont’d…

 Remove the lubrication fitting from the cylinder-side hub half installed in
the engine-side hub half.
 Pump 1 fluid ounce (30 milliliters (ml)) grease into the fitting located
nearest the leading edge of the blade on a tractor installation, or nearest
the trailing edge on a pusher installation, until grease emerges from the
hole where the fitting was removed, whichever occurs first.
Note

 1 fluid ounce (30 ml) is approximately six pumps with a hand-operated

grease gun.
 Reinstall the removed lubrication fittings. Tighten the fittings until snug.
 Make sure that the ball of each lubrication fitting is properly seated.
 Reinstall a lubrication fitting cap on each lubrication fitting.
 Perform grease replacement through attached pressure fittings (zerks) in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
REFERENCE

 Flight Standards Service. "Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook–Powerplant,

Volume 2". FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, U.S. Department of Transportation. 2012
 http://www.thaitechnics.com/propeller/prop_control_3.html, accessed on Dec 9, 2016
at 14:49.
 http://www.thaitechnics.com/propeller/tg8/hydromatic.jpg, accessed on Dec 9, 2016 at
14:50.
 http://www.marinediesels.info/Basics/lubrication_system.htm accessed on Dec 13, 2016
at 09:45
 http://www.sandy-aircadets.org.uk/resources/senior/piston/CHAPTER%204%20NOTES.pdf,
accessed on Dec 13, 2016 at 09:51
 http://www.sandy-aircadets.org.uk/resources/senior/piston/CHAPTER%204%20Oil.pdf,
accessed on Dec 13, 2016 at 09:51