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Thread: PIREP: Sensenich composite ground-adjustable propeller

  1. #1
    Senior Member Pilawt's Avatar
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    Default PIREP: Sensenich composite ground-adjustable propeller

    I was at the factory in Yakima last week to have the throttle cable mod done. While there I had conversations with Jim, Becky, Pete and Stan about switching from the original wood prop to the Sensenich composite. They talked me into it, and they just happened to have one in stock.

    The verdict: WOW!!!

    I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen the difference myself.

    On my way from home to Yakima Thursday morning, with the original wood prop, I took a photo of my panel. I was set up in cruise at 7,500', 50 deg. F OAT, and 2630 rpm. Indicated airspeed was 86 mph, and the Garmin 496 showed true airspeed of 85 KNOTS.

    The next morning with the new prop, I set up in cruise again at 7,500', 52 deg. F OAT, and 2600 rpm, and took another panel photo. This time the indicated airspeed was 95 mph, and TAS as calculated by the Garmin 496 was 95 KNOTS -- an increase of 10 knots TAS on 30 less rpm. I'll take that!

    An unexpected benefit was the noticeably reduced vibration compared to the wood prop. The long trip this weekend (from Yakima to Mackay Bar ID, to Minam River Ranch OR, to Vancouver WA) was much smoother and more comfortable than it woul have been with the wood prop. Over that nine hours of flying, mostly around 2500-2600 rpm, fuel consumption averaged 5.8 gph. That extra speed was a great help on the westward trip home against a 20+ knot headwind.

    I'm very happy with the new prop.

    Side note: The factory also swapped out the original oil cooler plenum for the new, larger plenum. Pete said it should reduce oil temps by ten degrees, and it did exactly that. Nice!
    Jeff Jacobs
    Vancouver WA / KVUO
    C-172N-180


  2. #2
    Member Pokette's Avatar
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    Default Re: PIREP: Sensenich composite ground-adjustable propeller

    got pictures Jeff? sounds like a great trip!

    What are your oil temps?

  3. #3
    Senior Member Pilawt's Avatar
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    Default Re: PIREP: Sensenich composite ground-adjustable propeller

    Quote Originally Posted by Pokette View Post
    got pictures Jeff? sounds like a great trip!
    Photos here: http://picasaweb.google.com/Pilawt/Idaho2010#

    What are your oil temps?
    In level flight at 7500' MSL, 50 deg.F OAT (8900' density altitude), 2600 rpm, oil temp was indicating 185-190 deg.

    The day previous in exactly the same conditions, before the new oil cooler plenum was installed, oil temp was ten degrees higher.
    Jeff Jacobs
    Vancouver WA / KVUO
    C-172N-180


  4. #4
    Member Pokette's Avatar
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    Default Re: PIREP: Sensenich composite ground-adjustable propeller

    Outstanding pictures!!
    Next time head through St. Louis and I will join the gaggle.

    Wish I had your oil temps - sounds perfect

  5. #5
    Senior Member Pilawt's Avatar
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    Default Re: PIREP: Sensenich composite ground-adjustable propeller

    Quote Originally Posted by Pokette View Post
    Next time head through St. Louis and I will join the gaggle.
    Diana, just a thought: How 'bout next summer we get a bunch of Sport Cubs together at your place, and retrace Lewis & Clark's journey to the Pacific. Along the way we can visit Ralph in Montana, the factory in Yakima, and wind up here.

    Hm? Hm?
    Jeff Jacobs
    Vancouver WA / KVUO
    C-172N-180


  6. #6
    Member Pokette's Avatar
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    Default Re: PIREP: Sensenich composite ground-adjustable propeller

    excellent idea. I would LOVE to do that.

    I have 2 minors still living at home - so might have to wait one more year - I will leave one home alone but not two!!

  7. #7
    Senior Member couleeone's Avatar
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    Default Re: PIREP: Sensenich composite ground-adjustable propeller

    Quote Originally Posted by Pilawt View Post
    Diana, just a thought: How 'bout next summer we get a bunch of Sport Cubs together at your place, and retrace Lewis & Clark's journey to the Pacific. Along the way we can visit Ralph in Montana, the factory in Yakima, and wind up here.

    Hm? Hm?
    Count me in, that trip, the Lewis and Clark out and come back oregon trail is on my bucket list!

  8. #8
    Member Pokette's Avatar
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    Default Re: PIREP: Sensenich composite ground-adjustable propeller

    Lets see how many S2's we can get together - what a photo opp as well!

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