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Propeller leaking red oil
1. Certain models of McCauley propellers have "oil-filled" hubs which contain
engine oil colored with red dye. This oil is contained in the hub cavity
and is independent of engine oil. The oil serves the purpose of an internal
lubricating medium for the pitch-changing mechanism as well as providing
a visible means of crack detection. If red oil is determined to be coming
from sealant at the blade/ferrule joint (at blade shank where aluminum
blade meets steel ferrule), leakage could be the result of a cracked blade
and must not be assumed to be a sealant problem.
The presence of red oil
on the propeller, windshield, cowl, or spinner indicates a leak which may
originate from a fatigue crack in either the propeller blade or hub. The
aircraft should be grounded and inspection performed prior to further flight.
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