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  #1  
Old 12-05-2017, 08:54 AM
Guy Prevost's Avatar
Guy Prevost Guy Prevost is offline
 
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Location: albuquerque, nm
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Default 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?
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  #2  
Old 12-05-2017, 09:26 AM
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Guy Prevost View Post
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.
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  #3  
Old 12-05-2017, 10:40 AM
F1R F1R is offline
 
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Default 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.
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  #4  
Old 12-05-2017, 11:28 AM
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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?
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  #5  
Old 12-05-2017, 12:43 PM
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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.
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  #6  
Old 12-05-2017, 01:19 PM
crabandy crabandy is offline
 
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Long Extension cord, blanket for cowling (and survival) and a paint removing heat gun.
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  #7  
Old 12-05-2017, 01:41 PM
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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.
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Last edited by Raymo : 12-05-2017 at 01:51 PM.
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  #8  
Old 12-05-2017, 01:45 PM
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larrynew larrynew is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rleffler View Post
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.
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  #9  
Old 12-05-2017, 02:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Raymo View Post
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.

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  #10  
Old 12-05-2017, 02:29 PM
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Guy Prevost Guy Prevost is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Raymo View Post
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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Albuquerque, NM
RV-8a Built, Enjoyed, Sold
Two Kids: Built, Enjoying
RV-10, Bought, Rebuilt, Enjoying
Build / First Flight Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f9HXzZT1dE
Build Log: http://websites.expercraft.com/geprevo/

Arguing on the internet is like having a competition to see who can hit a brick wall the hardest. You may win, but you're still an idiot.
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