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-   -   Cold flying (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=144870)

RFSchaller 12-25-2016 10:31 PM

I took my 12 up today in the frigid 49F of PHX. The engine ran rough until 122F oil temp at run up. At altitude OAT was 22F with oil temp at 166F and CHT about 175F. I don't have a thermostat in either the oil or coolant system. The heater was pretty much useless at 22F OAT, and I saw no change in CHT with cabin heat applied or secure. Just posting to add a data point.

Rich

LettersFromFlyoverCountry 12-26-2016 08:13 AM

I had the Reiff on my RV-7A and I intend to install it on the RV-12 at the appropriate time. I couldn't be happier with it.

I usually just plug it in the night before. On the 7's last flight, the outside air temp was -20. The oil was a toasty 100. Be sure to order the heater for the sump AND the cylinders.

And old sleeping bag slung over the top completes the look.

Propane and kerosene heaters aimed at the plane? Not for me.

Driftdown 12-26-2016 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.sun (Post 1136072)
I wanted to fly the other day when it was cold and clear. After researching posts here, I put this together out of stuff at the hangar. The blocks of wood support the axles during tire maintenance, the orange heater gets used during annuals and the galvanized sheet metal is a clean drip pan for under the engine. It worked great. Would never leave it un-attended, though and the heater control was left at the lowest setting. Checked belly for warmth and stayed cool enough to hold my hand on it. Air coming out the inlet nostrils was cold at first, then warmed up nicely after preflight and opening the doors and talking to my neighbor. Engine started and sounded nice. RV climbed like a scalded ape in the cold dense air with only me aboard.

That's a wonderful setup. Gonna' have to try that.

Jamesey 12-26-2016 03:36 PM

Hello???
 
Sorry but looks like total madness to me.

Phantom30 12-26-2016 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driftdown (Post 1136859)
That's a wonderful setup. Gonna' have to try that.

I do believe you would have a real problem putting in an insurance claim for a burnt up plane using this method.

Probably wouldn't happen in 100 uses....but would be a total loss not only to plane...also hangar (and other planes in shared hangar).

Piper J3 12-26-2016 04:06 PM

Also, I suspect the airport manager might have something to say...

mcems 12-27-2016 09:11 AM

Been using a 1800 watt hair dryer for preheat for years. Easy to use and light(15 oz) to carry along with you in the plane . Even set on low it has things ready to go in about 30 minutes. [IMG][/IMG]



Brad Stiefvater
Salem SD

Mich48041 01-08-2017 04:08 PM

Anything that makes a spark can ignite gasoline. If a hair dryer or heater has a motor with brushes, there are sparks. The on-off switch will also make a spark. So an open flame heater might not be any more dangerous than a hair dryer. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air. So the higher the ignition source is off from the floor, the safer it is. An ignition source sitting on the floor is in an area with the highest concentration of gasoline vapors.

rk2436 01-08-2017 07:24 PM

Spend the money people!! Get the Tanis and be done with it,it works awesome.

JBPILOT 01-09-2017 09:23 AM

A good word about REIFF - -
 
I installed the REIFF system. Think it was $220 a few years ago. I leave it plugged in all winter. If you cover the engine also, all 5 of the temp sensors are within a degree or two of each other. Can't improve on that. Very happy so far.


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