Hi David;
If you’re convinced it’s the prop, I suggest you contact the prop shop your mechanic uses and tell the shop that your prop is leaking slightly. Ask them about the cost for a re seal. As I understand it, in a reseal the prop shop will open up your prop and, if the leak is the only problem, will put in new seals.
However, if the shop finds that there are “issues” after they open it up, they will advise you as to the cost to fix the issues versus the cost of an overhaul. Issues that mandate an overhaul are blades out of spec, and internal corrosion of the internal parts.
When you send a prop in asking for an overhaul, the shop adheres to the prop manufacturer’s overhaul protocol. You many not need a complete overhaul.
The prop shop will urge you to get the full overhaul since the last overhaul was way past the manufacturer’s recommended 12 year overhaul window. That recommendation is not mandatory. However, some prop shops may insist that the prop be overhauled.
Overhaul costs start at around $2800-$3500 according to a post by (https://aircraftaccessoriesofok.com/aircraft-propeller-overhaul-cost). Costs vary by location.
As an aside, It looks like there’s evidence of oil on the prop blades? I ask because the oil may be coming out past the crankshaft prop seal at the front of the engine. One quick way to determine if it’s the prop shaft seal is to clean the area around the seal; then spray a light coat of dye penetrant developer on the area. Fly the airplane. If you see oil on the developer–its a white powder like coating–then I would change the prop seal before I pulled the prop.
Please update me on what you decide and how it turns out.
Steve
