Hartzell "diaphragm" prop on Continental E engines

[KRyan]

Hartzell Propeller has discovered that some B-119-2 diaphragms, installed on Hartzell propeller models HC-12(X or V)20-7, HC-12(X or V)20-8, HC-D2(X, V or MV)20-7 or HC-D2(X, V or MV)20-8 propellers may fail in operation. These propeller models are commonly known as “diaphragm props” and are installed primarily on Continental E-185, E-205 and E-225 engines.

Failure of this part can result in complete loss of engine oil, rapid engine shutdown, and cause oil to cover the windscreen, significantly reducing visibility.

Hartzell Propeller has written an Alert Service Bulletin addressing this issue. It is available on our website at http://www.hartzellprop.com/service_support.php?id=80 Click on HC-ASB-61-338 at the bottom of the list. We believe FAA is considering publication of an Airworthiness Directive that will support the Service Bulletin.

If you have any additional questions, you may contact Hartzell Product Support at techsupport@hartzellprop.com or by phone at 800-942-7767.

Please note that per the Service Bulletin, Hartzell Propeller Inc. will provide one replacement B-119-2 diaphragm and labor coverage of 4 man hours at $75.00 per hour for replacement of an affected B-119-2 diaphragm.

 

[flyingron]

Anybody who has one of these props (I flew behind a HC 12 X 20 for over a decade), new to replace the diaphram about every 24 months. They were spec'd for what 36 months? When they start to go they're a nuisance but it's unlikely you're going to lose a whole lot of engine oil (oil is like blood, a little looks like a lot).

The last thing we need is yet another pain-in-the-ass AD on these X series props. Especially not on this nuisance that people have for 60+ years these props have been in existance have not had any problem following the original manufacturer guidance (or more conservative).

 

[KRyan]

Right now, it just looks like it was a bad batch of diaphrams, but since there is no way to tell what batch may be currently installed, we want to replace them all. The new batch has a "tab" on it with the cure date, so if something like this would happen in the future, we can designate the affected batch.

Several emergency landings have been reported to us as a result of this failure.

 

[docmirror]

This applies to the upgraded MV prop which was sold as a 'solution' to the X and V series props that Hartzell stamped unserviceable for blade clamp issues. At least they will pay for the inspection or replacement this time.