Engine pre-heaters

[No longer active on TMGA]

Is anyone using pre-heaters on their 912s? I'll have my Phoenix in about a month, when we can still have some sub-40 F days, but I'd still like to go flying. Any suggestions about using one, and which one?

[chasers03]

Have been researching a heater option for my 912UL 80HP in my Lambada and have concluded that the REIFF is the best value & easiest to install vs E-Z Heat, Tanis, & Safe Heat. After reading extensively on the Reiff website http://www.reiffpreheat.com/HotStrip%20details.htm and talking with Bob the owner I am ordering the Hot Strip version $189, which entails glueing the two 4"x1 1/2" pads and a thermostat to the engine sump at the bottom. I will start by installing both but only plugging one in as in SC we seldom get below zero. The Hotband Heater option was a problem on my Lambada as the bottom half of the tank is in a fiberglass enclosure and the band might burn the fiberglass if it were too close. Mounting it higher away meant the oil might be below the band at times. Read the FAQ portion of the Reiff website http://www.reiffpreheat.com/FAQ.htm

Let us know what you decide......Steve Chase will see you in Sedona with your new Phoenix and my newly painted Lambada.

[edwalker]

Eric -

I have to admit that this is something that has not come up for me since our Puget Sound temps are quite moderate. Nevertheless, you are likely to experience lower temps where you live. The manual says nothing about preheat, and recommends starting temperatures between -13 F and 120 F. The lowest temp at which I ever attempted a start was 25 degrees, and it lit immediately. I regularly start in the low to mid 30s in the winter without any problems.

We had a brief cold snap a few weeks ago so I thought about this, and I could not find any definitive answers to your question for 912 engines except the temps above in the manual. I found that surprising, actually. The other problem, though, is being sure you have the cranking capacity since the ignition needs a threshold RPM to function.

[No longer active on TMGA]

It's nice to know it will start easily in the 30's, and even mid-20s, a much more likely range for my winter flying than 20s and lower. Jim Lee, the dealer, sent this link:

http://www.rotax-owner.com/rotax-forum/4-general-discussion/4725-pre-heating-engine-cold-weather-start

Since most of the flights I'd likely make in sub-freezing weather would be from my home airport, the Home Depot fan option would be easy and cheap. Since winter will be mostly over by the time I get the glider home, I think postpone the choice until next fall, when I'll know more about heaters and my needs. Currently, the Reiff crankcase/oil tank heater seems like a good choice if you want to have the heater with you when you travel, with it's moderate cost, easy and non-invasive installation.