Engine Pre-heat

[Mark Deepe]

I am looking for a lower cost solution as my engine is higher time and I don't want to put in a Tanis or Reif in until I get the engine overhauled. What do you use? recommend? Thanks.

[William Mattson]

I don't know the price spread, but I use the Aero-therm heater. I hanger my plane and leave the heater set at 70. I turn it up before preflight. I have had great results. Just few a couple weeks ago in -17F. I have the engine covered well and no wind been using it for 2 years.

Bill

[MULEFLY]

Mark... there is no reason that the cylinder bands of the Reiff cannot be reinstalled after an overhaul... the pad I agree altho, my shop reglued my Reiff pad when it became lose.
Jim

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/e ... ckkey=3507

Works great as long as you have an outlet and an extension cord. Throw a blanket over the cowl, and plug the air inlet and your engine will be 60 degrees through and through when you start it, even in below zero ambient temps!
-Zach

[Mark Deepe]

I have looked at both the Aero-Therm and the E-Z Heat and the E-Z Heat seems to be the least expensive but I do wonder about the pad coming off in flight and getting caught up in the gear. Am I being paranoid Zach?

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

...yes! Are you worked about other parts of the engine coming off and fouling the gear? If you properly install the heat pad, it is not going to come off, accidentally or on purpose!

Zach

[Mark Deepe]

Thanks. I appreciate all the responses.

[Joshua Dickson]

I would echo that Reiff is the way to. You can install it yourself and if gets the heater all the way around the cylinders. Reiff, cowl cover, and plugs here in Maine work great. When you are away from electricity this is also a good addition:

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-EF2000iS-4 ... B002RWK9N2

I also have a little 40,000btu propane torpedo heater that I use when I am leaving from my hangar. Its very light and It heats up the engine in about 10 minutes. Just as good an an FBO preheater.

http://www.amazon.com/000-BTU-Propane-F ... edo+heater

Reiff will sell you a cell switch at cost, but if the airport has WiFi you can get one of these and turn on the heater whenever you are getting ready to fly.

http://www.amazon.com/Control-Electroni ... emo+switch

Hope that helps!