Engine Pre-heaters

MickYoumans

MickYoumans

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Jan 26, 2012
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2J5 / KBXG - Georgia
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MickYoumans
Even though I live in the southeast where the winters are mild, I am thinking of getting an engine preheater. I had my engine overhauled last spring and my mechanic said a preheater was good to use in the winter so you are not starting the engine with cold thick oil. I have no experience with preheaters and would appreciate any feedback you guys have.

At what temperature point do you usually start using a heater?

I looked at the Aircraft Spruce website and found this heater:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/eppages/symtecpreheat.php?clickkey=49664
Does anyone have any experience with this particular heater?

Is there something different you would recommend for a Lycoming 0-320?

Keep in mind that I live in an area that rarely drops below 25F during the night and is usually in the upper 30's to mid 40's in Jan-Feb. Thanks!
 
I live in Atlanta and have a Tanis on my 182. Since my airplane is hangared 200 feet from my house, I go down and hook it up the night before a flight anytime the temp is less than 50F. Makes a big difference on ease of starting.
 
I use an oil pan pre heater. They work great
 
I've been reading about these since our tie down happens to be 10ft from an electrical outlet. I was also going to tie in a quality battery maintainer. Cold weather takes a toll on the battery, both chemically and due to the increased electrical demand to crank the motor.

I get the impression the best practice is to only use an oil heater prior to a planned flight. For example, plugging it in 12-16 hours before you plan to depart. Leaving it plugged in 24/7 has a tendency to create condensation inside the engine, which is not a good thing. So either go up there the day before, or get the switchbox to control it from your cell phone.

I too would love to hear people's thoughts on this.
 
I usually plug my Tanis heater in 16-24 hours before the planned flight. The temp may factor in on how long. There are those that report no issues leaving it on all the time. I also try to take it easy on the hangar owner's electric bill.

I plug my battery maintainer in about once every month or two for a 24 hour stretch. My maintainer gives a 'green light' when up to full charge.

I don't worry about it much, but there was just that hangar fire the other week caused by electrical wiring/cords in some way or another. I'd rather not leave stuff plugged in if there is no need. YMMV
 
Pedals2Paddles said:
I've been reading about these since our tie down happens to be 10ft from an electrical outlet. I was also going to tie in a quality battery maintainer. Cold weather takes a toll on the battery, both chemically and due to the increased electrical demand to crank the motor.

I get the impression the best practice is to only use an oil heater prior to a planned flight. For example, plugging it in 12-16 hours before you plan to depart. Leaving it plugged in 24/7 has a tendency to create condensation inside the engine, which is not a good thing. So either go up there the day before, or get the switchbox to control it from your cell phone.

I too would love to hear people's thoughts on this.
Click to expand...

This topic comes up about every year and my answer is....

I plug in my plane Oct 1 and unplug it June 1 every year...... It never cools down.... Water stays at 120f and the oil stays at 140 f while in the hangar... 10 years and so far, not even the slightest sign of rust, corrosion and any other issues inside the motor.. YMMV...
 
I have used. An oil pan heater and a tanis heater on several airplane in New England. They all work ,if given enough time . I liked to use the tanis and a propane. Heater to be sure.
 
Make your own. This one costs $30 and lasts for about 10 years.

Preheater__Medium_.jpg
 
N801BH said:
This topic comes up about every year and my answer is....

I plug in my plane Oct 1 and unplug it June 1 every year...... It never cools down.... Water stays at 120f and the oil stays at 140 f while in the hangar... 10 years and so far, not even the slightest sign of rust, corrosion and any other issues inside the motor.. YMMV...
Click to expand...

:yes:

24/7 below 40f.
 
I used to just make my own, ain't rocket surgery.

My new planes also have oil dilution which I might try if I get stuck out somewhere.
 
That little electric space heater is super. In a hangar!
 
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