propeller governors

hharney · #1 10-01-18, 12:24 PM

Governor and/or prop. Could be some restriction in the journal through the crank too. I went from McCauley to MT's back in 2002. Kept the same governors, but always noticed that the feather on the rear was always more responsive than the front. Rear engine had been replaced and governor OVH'd more recent than the front. Looking at my logs not sure the front governor had ever been done. Replaced the front engine in 2015 and had the front governor OVH'd and SHAZAM the front now is just as responsive as the rear. Rear governor was OVH'd the next year due to some issues with the prop hub and prop was OVH'd so Rear continues to be consistent. When the rear prop was removed 2 years ago there was quite a bit of sludge in the journal. Not to the point it would restrict but sizable amount, I thought.

How long and how many hours on the governors? I have some photos of the sludge if you happen to pull your prop to inspect.

cessnadriver · #2 10-01-18, 03:44 PM

Thanks Herb.
I'm not sure on the governors times. Since I have another 1965 C337 in my garage I took the rear governor off it, which by the way, DOES NOT HAVE THE ACCUMULATOR ATTACHMENT, I cleaned it with diesel fuel to HOPEFULLY clean out any sludge. Installed the governor did a run up and the propeller cycle was about the same. The maintenance manual says to install a governor that you are sure is functional, but my other airplane is the same age with missing logs so who know what condition it really is?? Anyways I called a governor shop here in Pennsylvania, he told me it would be about $1400 to overhaul mine. He also said that they had new governors for about $2500. My governors are all Woodward and according to the shop they are usually more expensive to overhaul due to the fact they are much older model that say McClauley. I know that the TCDS lists McClauley governor as an alternative. Maybe I can change to a McClauley for about the same price as an overhauled Woodward?? Another question. When you do the prop cycle do you cycle both props at the same time? A friend of mine says he cycle the props together and that the two governor should cycle at the same rate?? I've read and re-read the AFM (Owners manual) about cycling the props and it doesn't say anything about doing the cycle together? Your thoughts?
Regards, BILLS

kilr4d · #3 10-01-18, 06:44 PM

Hi Bill,

Recently my rear governor was starting to act up....less responsive than the front; not always able to pull takeoff rpm, losing rpm in the climb, gaining rpm in the descent. Time for an overhaul.

I have the McCauley unit with prop synchrophaser. I just sent mine to H&S Propeller in Michigan since they're right across the border from me. We're hoping for 5 day turnaround. I'm anticipating $900 for the o/h.

If you look at McCauley application guide the Cessna 337 starts on page B-244

Guide here: https://mccauley.txtav.com/-/media/m...files/mag.ashx

There are various changeups on the part numbers, but Quality Aircraft Accessories seems to carry the McCauley governor for $1395 exchange + a $500 core charge. They will overhaul a McCauley starting at $695

Here's the page: https://www.qaa.com/products/aircraf...auley-governor

To answer your question I cycle my props one at a time...I like to watch RPM, oil pressure and manifold pressure while I'm cycling the props.