I've owned my Skybolt for a couple of years and have put about 100 hours on her. When I first began flying her, I became accustomed to what sounds, etc were normal. Its running a Lycoming 0-360 180hp and a Catto 3 blade prop.
I had a baffle retaining bolt come loose on year one that put a gouge in the back side of one prop blade. The prop was returned to Catto for inspection and repair. They repaired the damage and refinished it. While she was down waiting on the prop to return, I replaced the exhaust with a nice stainless crossover version from Custom Aircraft Parts. Now at full power during climbs at about 100 mph I hear and feel a vibration that wasn't there before. I feel it must be the prop or perhaps an exhaust resonance at that RPM, speed and pitch attitude. The vibration seems to go away at a lower pitch attitude or at reduced power settings. I don't like new vibrations that I can't explain and do not want something to come apart at a bad time. Anyone have some thoughts or advice on what my next steps should be? Thanks for listening.
I had a baffle retaining bolt come loose on year one that put a gouge in the back side of one prop blade. The prop was returned to Catto for inspection and repair. They repaired the damage and refinished it. While she was down waiting on the prop to return, I replaced the exhaust with a nice stainless crossover version from Custom Aircraft Parts. Now at full power during climbs at about 100 mph I hear and feel a vibration that wasn't there before. I feel it must be the prop or perhaps an exhaust resonance at that RPM, speed and pitch attitude. The vibration seems to go away at a lower pitch attitude or at reduced power settings. I don't like new vibrations that I can't explain and do not want something to come apart at a bad time. Anyone have some thoughts or advice on what my next steps should be? Thanks for listening.
