One member shared that they had taken their prop in on a warranty claim due to massive corrosion on the blades. The first question the shop asked was, “What have you been cleaning your prop with?”
The shop replaced all three blades (aluminum) and stressed that only approved cleaners should be used.
Read the entire member’s question and story here – it’s a good one: forums.cessnaowner.org/discussion/2988
Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Prop Blades
McCauley recommends a mild soap and water solution to remove all residue from your prop.
mccauley.txtav.com
Do not use solvents to clean the blades.
Follow these rules:
- Do not power-wash, as water may be forced past the O-rings. Water inside the hub will cause corrosion and may lead to propeller failure.
- Make sure the blade you are cleaning is pointing down.
- Do not spray the blade retention area because water may be forced into the hub
Hartzell recommends using water soluble cleaners for surface cleaning.
www.hartzellprop.com
Follow these criteria for cleaners:
- Must have an alkaline pH.
- Contains no chlorine or corrosive agents.
- Is non-abrasive.
- Leaves no residue when rinsed.
- Cleans surface with no breaks in the water when rinsing.
- Does not harm the base material.
- Do not use steam cleaning for an aluminum part.
Sensenich (www.sensenich.com) recommends that you wipe your propeller frequently with an oily rag. The oily wipe will remove corrosive substances, and the oily residue will repel water and corrosives. They also suggest that the same practices as used for cleaning your aircraft in general can be used for the propeller itself.
Propellers are made from various materials. Before following the above guidelines, which apply to aluminum propellers, verify the material of your propeller. If you’re unsure about the appropriate cleaning method, consult the propeller manufacturer.
