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  1. #1
    Junior Member
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    Nov 2013
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    Alpine, WY
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    Default Engine pre-heating

    I've got a CarbonCub and alternate between Wyoming and Seattle. How far down in temp does a engine pre-heater become a good idea? Any products you suggest?

  2. #2
    Senior Member randylervold's Avatar
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    Default Re: Engine pre-heating

    Rob, with anything below freezing (32° F or 0° C) preheat is good idea. You'll need to consider sump and cylinder heating elements, the colder it is the more both are important. Give Stan a call at CCS for more info if you like.
    Randy Lervold

  3. #3
    Senior Member cityrancher's Avatar
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    Default Re: Engine pre-heating

    I have the same set up as Dan L. The cowl cover is a VERY important part of efficient preheating. The wattage is fairly low so you need to trap the heat to work well. It is bulky but I consider it cold weather survival gear as well.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Engine pre-heating

    I have a Red Dragon pre heater which is 40 years old. 15 to 20 minutes, with a blanket over the cowl in the coldest temperatures, will lift the oil temperature needle off the pin. The output air temperature can be adjusted. I always make sure that I can hold my hand in the stream where it enters the lower cowl. As a side note, about ten years ago the pressure regulator bothered. I called the factory to get a regulator number. They requested that I send the unit back for a rebuild at no charge, and then paid the return freight. DON'T forget to turn the blower on before lighting the burner. That is the one way that I know of to cook the unit. Jake

  5. #5
    Senior Member Dan L's Avatar
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    Montana
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    Default Re: Engine pre-heating

    I don’t remember the wattage now either, but a Honda 1000 generator will run it just fine.

    518AD530-509A-4266-87FC-5628EC1C1233.jpg
    Flying Carbon Cub EX #11 since 2011

  6. #6
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    The Dalles Oregon
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    Default Re: Engine pre-heating

    I can give you a low cost alternative that has been working great for me. I put a shop light on a bucket and shine it up into the exhaust stacks. I cut two pieces of foam and put them in the front openings of the cowl. It wont make the engine as warm as a "real" heater but the needle is always off the peg on the oil temp gauge even when its 15 degrees outside. Better than nothing I figure. Total cost is roughly $20. I also put mine on a timer.
    Rich

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Engine pre-heating

    http://store.cubcrafters.com/Reiff-E...pt_p_1221.html

    We have this kit available for the Carbon Cub. It is what services installs and include the element for the oil cooler.
    We will also have some insulated cowling cover arriving this week. They hold the heat in while you are preheating, and they will keep the engine warmer during stop overs.

    I also have the Wolverine elements in stock. They are a simple stick on element and are great for smaller engines. CCS uses them on our O-200 powered aircraft.

    Updating these products with pictures and more info is on the list, stay tuned.

    David

  8. #8
    Member stroutmail's Avatar
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    Default Re: Engine pre-heating

    20181208_143535.jpg

    PA is not that cold..I built this for use in the hangar..works well to increase CHT and Oil Temp by 40 deg F in about an hour. Two 900 watt Zerostart (Philips Temro) Little Buddy Cab electric heaters inside repurposed propane heater (using only the fan and housing from the old heater.) The heaters are CSA listed and work very well. I can change CFM and Delta Temp for various conditions. (I added a three speed Vornado fan for more CFM options..you need extra CFM to keep the air temp in the ideal range.) I found 100 deg F outlet air with about 100 CFM to be optimal for 35 deg F ambient.

    (This "project" was fun, as I enjoy the process, but in hind-sight, I could have made it simpler and smaller by not using the propane heater "core". The three speed "off the shelf" fan with the Cab heaters inside an 8" HVAC duct would have been just as good. 4" Neoprene (350 def F rated) flex hose would have been easier to use but more expensive and mating/holding the outlet to the rear engine cowling outlet would have been a bit challenging.)

    I liked the Aerotherm but found my Sport Cub needed heated air input thru exhaust outlet part of cowling..gets oil temp up and warms the carb and gascolator..starts first crank.

    I put heat into front first to raise CHT, then move to the back.20181208_143514.jpg20181208_130615.jpg20181130_183725.jpg

    If I traveled to another airport with a layover, I would carry and use the little Hornet heater with an engine cover to maintain the engine heat.

    If I wanted just one unit, the I would buy the Aerotherm Deuce with extra long hoses and fab a way to connect to the rear cowling opening.

    I think if I had to leave my plane outside in really cold places like Maine, Minnesota or Alaska, the electric resistance heaters are very efficient and convenient. For my flying, I preferred not to add parts to my plane and prefer heating via air convection (more uniform).
    Last edited by stroutmail; 12-28-2018 at 12:06 PM.

  9. #9
    Senior Member cityrancher's Avatar
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    Default Re: Engine pre-heating

    If my memory is any good (???) I believe the wattage is 650 with my setup. I did put the larger silicone heating pad on the oil sump with a Reiff heat band on each cylinder.

  10. #10
    Administrator Pete D's Avatar
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    Default Re: Engine pre-heating

    We have the Reiff system on our company EX. I have rolled it in the hanger covered in snow from OATs in the teens and the Reiff system has had the whole engine up to operating temp in an hour or two. The nice thing about that system vs a simple (automotive) wolverine pad on the sump is that there are thermostats that go on the sump as well and keeps the heater from overheating the oil and burning it.

    Works great to plug the engine in a 30 minutes before you do an oil change too. Warms the oil up so it drains much quicker.
    Pete Dougherty
    Customer Support Manager
    Cub Crafters Inc

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