As you say, Puritan the engine surges and possibly backfires and it is not a kind thing to do to a piston engine if you don't have to. You had the answer.
A similar cycling can occur on an engine fitted with auto feather such as a Dart as the prop alternately coarsens and fines off during the process. No need to be spring loaded just gently and positively apply rudder when a definite effect is evident.