General FWF Q&A

[Bcone1381]

When I ordered my prop, I also ordered the Hartzell governor and understood the possibility that space between the firewall and the flare might require I dish out the firewall.

I have about 4.5 inches between the Firewall and the accessory case mount for the prop governor. Well, it turns out the Hartzell dimensions are 6 inches from the pad to the aft arm. The prop push-pull cable to the governor control arm will be inside the dish.

The last photo shows I think the PCU 5000X (not a Hatzell) governor is used in the Patrol. I'm reconsidering my governor choice and looking for feedback from those have experience building, modifying and using them.

(To resolve some folks curiosity, My engine is mounted temporarily to a wood firewall on an engine stand.)

Brooks
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[Rollie]

I set my firewall back three inches in the area between the diagonal tubes on the front of the fuselage. Gave me room for the prop governor and made it easier to change the oil filter. Another idea I considered for the oil filter was to put an access door in the firewall but I didn't like the idea of working under the panel to remove and install oil filters.

[Rollie]

I wouldn't take it down as low as I did, that was to make room for something else that is gone now. It would have been easier to run the lines from the brake master cylinders if the recessed area didn't go down so far.

[svyolo]

I just measure my PCU. From the mounting flange on the engine, to the nut plus 1 thread on the bolt holding the actuating arm is 5 3/16". That is with the actuating terminal on the cable on the INSIDE of the arm (between the governor and the arm). If you had to put it on the outside, the total length would be 5.5-5.75, depending on what you used for the terminal. I have a bearing.

[svyolo]

If you used a clevis and clevis pin you might be able to shave a 1/16 - 1/8 off that. Maybe. Or form an indentation into the firewall.

[Battson]

I have only been impressed by my PCU5000X.

It came with everything I needed to install it, it was easy to adjust during flight testing, and I have never had to touch it since.

Operationally, the prop RPM is steady in flight throughout flight phases. I never have to fiddle with the blue control. It has the rapid response needed to control a carbon prop during an emergency full power application or other rapid throttle movements without over-speeding the prop.

They seem a little smaller and lighter than many other brands, having not done a full market cross-section.

[zkelley2]

Since we're experimental, instead of going with the PCU5000, I reccomend buying the johistroj straight from CZ. The PCU5000 is just a rebranded jihostroj for more money.

For that matter, so are the older MT governors.

[Steve W]

Brooks, there are several brackets available that bring the cable/rod end attachment back towards the engine. It bolts on to the gov arm. I think it was used on some 185's on floats, not sure why the float aspect would have anything to do with that. I will try and find some pics but don't have a good complete view of the arm itself. You will have to make a cable support that aims the solid wire at the rod end. My EDO gov goes a long way into my firewall but the cable and support are just in front of the firewall. The 5000 gov is a good unit and shorter. If the distance is 1- 2", you can use a long bolt. Head of the bolt pinched against the arm and the rod end connected at the threads. You can also move the arm assembly anywhere you want by removing the screws that are normally lock wired and pivot the assembly around where it works best.



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[zkelley2]

Are there two mount lengths for the 360 as well? It seems really weird to me there would be firewall fitment issues with the 360, having seen one, there's loads of room, and thinking if I had 2 less cylinders how much room I'd have.

[Mark Goldberg]

This is a Patrol Zach. Mark

[zkelley2]

Ah! Somehow I missed that.

Thanks.

[Bdflies]

Brooks, I used the PCU unit and had no fitment issues. Pics below show it during the fit / evaluation process and the finished product. I can’t say for sure, but Ithink there was at least an inch of clearance.

Bill

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[Battson]

Since we're experimental, instead of going with the PCU5000, I reccomend buying the johistroj straight from CZ. The PCU5000 is just a rebranded jihostroj for more money.

For that matter, so are the older MT governors.

Is there any difference in warranty or organisational support / backing for the product?
I can hardly spell Johistroj let alone pronounce it.

[zkelley2]

It comes with a 1 year warranty, not sure if the PCU people extend that. If you look at their website, they even list the PCU people as a dealer.

http://www.propellergovernor.com/sales-and-service/

It was $1375 brand new last year, last I checked the PCU was over 2k for the same thing with a sticker on it.

[spinningwrench]

i was planning on using a front mounted governor as in Citabrias. Has anyone had problems with fitting in that position?

[Bcone1381]

Rollie, I never thought about a firewall mod like that. Thinking outside the box like that....I wish I were better at that.

Steve, Thanks for your photo. That really helps me see how the Hartzell governor will look with what I first considered as a fix.

Bill, Great to hear from you!! You installation is simple and seems to me like it should be my new target. Simple is good. Some may be curious.... I just found these dimensions on the PCU5000/johistroj unit.
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[svyolo]

Yep that is it. It just doesn't include the actuating terminal and or the pin or bolt/nut on the end.