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-   -   How to preheat my engine when away from home? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=155797)

Guy Prevost 12-05-2017 08:54 AM

How to preheat my engine when away from home?
 
Since I only have about 20 hours on the Barrett engine rebuild I'm extra sensitive about preheating right now. It's no problem at home, but traveling seems to be a different story.

A few weeks ago, we flew into Telluride. The FBO happily preheated me for a fee. As I was preflighting I noticed outlets on the ramp--it turns out I could have plugged in there for free--it didn't even occur to me to ask.

This weekend I'm headed to Denver Centennial (KAPA). The lady on the phone at Jet Center didn't think they could preheat a piston airplane. That seems surprising to me, but it's not supposed to be that cold on Sunday afternoon so no big deal.

What do you guys do?

rleffler 12-05-2017 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guy Prevost (Post 1223438)
Since I only have about 20 hours on the Barrett engine rebuild I'm extra sensitive about preheating right now. It's no problem at home, but traveling seems to be a different story.

A few weeks ago, we flew into Telluride. The FBO happily preheated me for a fee. As I was preflighting I noticed outlets on the ramp--it turns out I could have plugged in there for free--it didn't even occur to me to ask.

This weekend I'm headed to Denver Centennial (KAPA). The lady on the phone at Jet Center didn't think they could preheat a piston airplane. That seems surprising to me, but it's not supposed to be that cold on Sunday afternoon so no big deal.

What do you guys do?

I always carry an extension cord with me. I have a Reiff system installed. You can usually find a plug if you look hard enough.

F1R 12-05-2017 10:40 AM

How remote ?
 
If you are really out there( On a frozen lake) build a wood fire a good safe distance from your RV. After you have an ember bed with no flames, pull the RV ahead and let the hot air rise through the cowl exit. A large blanket helps.

Not recommended at an FBO

Or if you want to spend some money, there are large foldable solar panel units like a large blanket(s) you can lay out on your wings, with enough watts to power a ceramic 12V "HORNET" heater. Aircraft Spruce used to sell a wide array of Hornet Heaters in various voltage and outputs. They have a safe high temp limit.

bret 12-05-2017 11:28 AM

Wait....is this the same theory that you can throw a lit cigarette into a bowl of gasoline and it will not ignite?.......most of the time? :eek:

snopercod 12-05-2017 12:43 PM

I have a 120V oil pan heater on my plane and would carry a 100' extension cord with me if I were flying somewhere cold. I've seen people use an electric hair dryer, too.

crabandy 12-05-2017 01:19 PM

Long Extension cord, blanket for cowling (and survival) and a paint removing heat gun.

Raymo 12-05-2017 01:41 PM

I just installed a sump heater for cold mornings in south Georgia. Most days, it is not needed but when I travel to visit family in PA, it will be plugged in a couple hours ahead of my crank-up time.

< $32, at the moment.

When at home base, it will be turned on remotely via this power strip that can be controlled with a phone app over the internet. Each outlet is individually controllable.

larrynew 12-05-2017 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rleffler (Post 1223446)
I always carry an extension cord with me. I have a Reiff system installed. You can usually find a plug if you look hard enough.

+1. 100' extension cord worked at FBOs in Lawrence, KS and Angel Fire, NM. My only cold weather experience to date.

snopercod 12-05-2017 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raymo (Post 1223495)
I just installed a sump heater for cold mornings in south Georgia.

Those things are great but, be aware that different sumps require different heaters. Mine has a cutout so as to miss the sump drain. I glued it on with J-B Weld.


Guy Prevost 12-05-2017 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raymo (Post 1223495)
I just installed a sump heater for cold mornings in south Georgia. Most days, it is not needed but when I travel to visit family in PA, it will be plugged in a couple hours ahead of my crank-up time.

< $32, at the moment.

When at home base, it will be turned on remotely via this power strip that can be controlled with a phone app over the internet. Each outlet is individually controllable.

I have a Reiff sump heater and a remote device at home. Power on the road is the issue. I've even considered one of the goal zero power packs, but don't want to spend $1000 on it.


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