My plane currently has a 3-blade Hartzell that is also used on a PA-32-300. It only has 350 hours, but is 12 years old and has developed a 1-per shake along with inability to hold the set Rpm above 210 knots indicated. Above 210 knots the prop will increase in rpm regardless of the setting of prop lever.

So, the prop, at the minimum, will need overhauled. Depending on the cost to overhaul it might make sense to replace it with a more modern prop. Anyone have any experience with either a better Hartzell prop or whirlwind?

Todd I don't have an answer to you question but I have a friend who will have your answer. Call Jimmy Gaither at South Coast propeller in Bessmer AL. He is a great guy and is a strieght shooter.

Not sure it needs an overhaul. Repair/reseal might do the job fine.

Are the RPM changes above 210 new? I could imagine that a PA32 prop might hit the stops by that speed.

Does Glasair have an opinion about the best prop?

That is a good point. It may be hitting the stops since a 32 would have a VNE about 30 knots slower than my descent speed.

The plane is new to me and the pilot that delivered it to me experienced the same thing.

Either way, I want it correct. Hartzell is just a stone throw away and I appreciate the other recommendation also.

Glasair is not much help. I called them during business hours and got a recording. I wanted to order a part from them and left my name. They never called me back.

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Holding RPM constant is the job of the governor, the prop varies the pitch by function of the governor. Nor sure why you think its the prop.
I think on Conti the governor is up front and easy to remove and check first. Only after it checks okay go for the prop which is expensive and harder to remove.

The governor appears to be working fine. It holds your selected rpm perfect until 210 knots indicated and then it slowly increases rpm until it over speeds usually around 245 knots indicated. The pilot the flew it to me was a 30k hour Hartzell test pilot. He claims the prop has a problem with high rpm prop stop.

Man if you are that close to Hartzell I would make a appointment and take the bird in and have them reset the high pitch stop. Don't take my word on it but I think they might be able to do it with out pulling the prop.

Also take a look on line for Glassair Race39 Reno this year lap speed of 409+ MPH. lap running a Hartzell Super Scimitar prop.

I think that confirms that you are hitting the stops, if your not looking to spend top dollar find one off a twin that has a similar speed envelope. Aerostar?

More speed would be nice. I would be willing to upgrade. I'm going to call Hartzell and see what they think.

The original Glasair III prop available thru Glasair, was a 80" dia Hartzell like the one off a 300HP Piper Saratoga that had special twists in the blades to accomodate the higher speed range of the GIII. Sounds like the prop you have is hitting the high pitch stops and essentially turns into a fixed pitch at speeds above that point. Hartzell should be able to help you either by adjusting the stops/blade angle on your current prop or recommending another prop for your speed range. The 80" Glasair 2 blade prop is real efficient at cruise speeds. However, it does lack the appeal on the ramp of the 3 blader.

Right on Nathan. The standard prop is a 2-blade, but mine has the 3-blade. I like it not only for ramp appeal, but also for it's ability to slow the plane down when landing, less noise, and the 500' less of runway needed for takeoff.