Times for preheating in the Northeast?

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Cavusteve

Filing Flight Plan
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Cavusteve
Does anyone know the typical times for preheating single engine using electric pre heaters vs propane type pre heaters?
 
Regardless of OAT if it doesn’t run off the stick don’t start the engine.
 
Cavusteve said:
Does anyone know the typical times for preheating single engine using electric pre heaters vs propane type pre heaters?
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I have a REIFF preheat system - oil pan + cylinders. If the temperature is 20-32F I generally preheat for at least 1.5 hours, which is enough for the CHTs to read above freezing. Below 20F I'd heat longer (2+ hours) but then again flying ceases to be fun (IMHO) at those temperatures. I'm not a fan of the big propane heaters that FBO's use. They heat the oil and the crankcase but the cylinders will still be cold soaked, and I worry about engine life starting in that condition.
 
I'm in the Boston MA area. Below 40F I used my Red Dragon preheater for 15 to 20 minutes. I like how much easier the cherokee 140 was to start (wasn't sluggish, the prop spun nicely). Way below freezing? If it was really cold, I usually didn't fly (I fly for enjoyment, not to freeze my butt off).
 
Use electric with band and sump heaters. Plug in night before use. Covers if outside. Much more even heat than a few minutes with a propane heater IMHO. Northwoods experience down to -20F, after which, who cares, ain't going.
 
Just upgraded my Cherokee with the Reiff heater and installed a Switcheon remote switch. It's almost magical to be able to turn it on the night before from the comfort of my home and have a toasty engine in the morning, even in a freezing unheated hangar.
 
I don’t remember where I read it, but I have in my notes:

Preheat for 1 hour for every 10° below 50°

I think that can be tweaked depending on how good/bad your preheated is.
 
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