Pitting on small-eared chopper

**CHICKENHAWK** · 08-02-2017, 05:26 PM

Can pitting on a small-eared chopper be repaired or is it junk?

I have a 'pit' on the face of one ear about 5/8" from the leading edge and little less than halfway from its base. There are also some pits on the backside of the same ear.

The second photo is the pit on the face.

**FMP** · 08-02-2017, 05:59 PM

You mean is it weak?

**CHICKENHAWK** · 08-02-2017, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by FMP

You mean is it weak?

Yes, I guess that's what I'm asking.

Is there a higher probability of cracking and/or throwing an ear?

**FMP** · 08-02-2017, 06:38 PM

Could porosity be elsewhere and not visible? I guess it's possible it's weaker but....? I read recently here someone broke a blade, not sure if they figured why?

**transomstand** · 08-02-2017, 06:46 PM

With the different color metal, it looks like it's been welded.

**CHICKENHAWK** · 08-02-2017, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by FMP

Could porosity be elsewhere and not visible? I guess it's possible it's weaker but....? I read recently here someone broke a blade, not sure if they figured why?

That was me. I think there was a hairline crack on one of the ears possibly from hauling a boatload of people and full fuel. I think I over stressed the prop.

**CHICKENHAWK** · 08-02-2017, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by transomstand

With the different color metal, it looks like it's been welded.

If you're referring to the second photo that's a shadow.

**phillnjack** · 08-05-2017, 08:17 AM

that tiny little hole is nothing to worry about, loads of props have this, its from brand new and just a casting flaw.
its not all the way through just a tiny dimple.
most people lose this when they thin the blades and re-polish.

lots of omc props that came painted are like this. loads of merc props too.

its nothing to worry about, but if you realy are fussy then just spot weld onto them then rub it down.

if it was a small line then a very different story, lines mean cracks.

**CHICKENHAWK** · 08-05-2017, 01:26 PM

Thank you.

**phillnjack** · 08-05-2017, 06:54 PM

I just checked 5 of my stainkless props, on one prop I counted 7 little pits, on the srx I counted 3
and on 1 sst prop I counted 4 on 1 blade and 2 on the other 2 blades.
my old original 19 pitch has loads of them, all in near the hub where its realy thick.
that was a Teflon coated prop and under the Teflon it was terrible finish, tons of grinding marks because they knew it would be coated.