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Engine oil heater question
Last year I installed a Reiff Oil Heater on my IO-360. Of course the winter this year is warmer than normal it seems. However my question is the same. Should the sump heater be left plugged in when left in the hangar using the Reiff thermostat to regulate oil temperature? What are the pros and cons?
I?ve discussed this question with several pilots at my airport and their responses go both ways. I?ve noticed when it?s left plugged in with full time power the oil is consistently warm (not hot) and the engine compartment feels around 60 to 65 degrees. When I use a wall plug purchased from Ace Hardware that activates only when ambient temperatures drops below 35 degrees, I?ve noticed the oil temperature is significantly lower and the engine compartment reflects ambient temperatures. I assume the temperature controlled wall plug results in more temperature cycles than just leaving it powered full time (therefore I assume greater potential for moisture from condensation). Wifi activated control is not an option. No cellular access in hangar areas and very poor access at airport. |
Do a search, there should be some lengthy discussions on this topic.
I would never leave sump heaters on, with or without a remote temperature controller. The heaters do exactly what they say, heat the sump. The now warm oil will give off whatever moisture it may have and that moisture will plate out on the cold engine parts, like your cam. If you don?t soon run the engine the moisture will do what it does. Not what you want. If you also have the ring cylinder heating elements this problem is mitigated somewhat, but not enough for me. The standard process is to get to the hangar a little early, plug in the heaters, do all the stuff you need, go get a cup of coffee, then come back and fly. Carl |
Crazy simple and cheap
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As long as you're using multi-grade oil and it's not Minnesota cold out, you shouldn't have a problem with the oil flowing well at start up. IMO, the issue is more of a cylinder temp issue because of the potential of scuffing at start up. I'd hypothesize that you could leave cylinder band heaters on full time (with no sump heat on) and address much of the cold start issue while avoiding the condensation problem. Just a hypothesis though.
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Think of a cold glass of water on a warm summer day. Moisture collects on the outside of the cold glass.
Dis-similar temps will result in the engine when you plug in your engine heater. Warmer temps will be near the heat source, colder temps will exist further out. If the heat is left on all winter, then places where the temp/dew point match in the engine are susceptible to collecting moisture like your glass of water all winter long and rust. A metal prop is a cold sink and will cause the front of the crank to be cold. A constant speed prop may get moisture collecting in its hub. So these are problems to over come or turn it on before flight. There are solutions to turn on the pre-heater via a cell phone connection before going to the airport. |
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I spoke to Allen Barrett about leaving an engine heater on all the time and he absolutely not. As pointed out above, they cause condensation, which causes internal rust.
Can you get to the hangar early, turn on your heater, and go for breakfast while your engine warms up? See this Lycoming document for cold weather operations. That Lycoming document states: Quote:
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I'll plug mine in the night before sometimes, but don't just leave it on all the time.
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Consensus
Okay. I?ll unplug!
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My sump heater runs 24/7 four months of the year, CHT and oil temps above 80*F all the time....the RV thinks it is in Florida for the winter. Nineteen years since overhaul on the heater, no signs of rust.
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