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  #1  
Old 10-20-2011, 06:17 PM
IFly2Low's Avatar
IFly2Low IFly2Low is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Gaspe, Quebec
Posts: 7
Default Cold weather prep - any suggestions ?

Getting pretty cold up here in Quebec... It's gona be my first winter flying the 6 and I was wondering if you guys have any suggestions as far as preping the aircraft for winter flying?

Any engine setup or tuning needed?
Particular things to check?

I'd like you guys to share you engine pre-heating ideas... the best I've found so far is the 24/7 100w bulb inside the enclosure which aparently work like a charm and is very economical...
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  #2  
Old 10-20-2011, 11:51 PM
Darin Watson Darin Watson is offline
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 147
Default Couple ideas

This will be my first winter with a -7 as well. So far I installed an EZ Heet (had same on pervious 2 certifieds) and tuck a small car warmer between the exhaust pipes. 300W and 900W respectively and in 2 hrs last weekend at -3C the oil temp was 100F with warm to the touch cylinder heads at start up.

As this is a lot of power, I have a GSM-auto switch to "call ahead" to warm.

Oil cooler is mounted on left baffle and have a winter plate to go in the front to cut the area to about 40%.

I have a slider canopy that I did a couple things with to seal up (no draft on the neck), but we will have to see how the rest goes as it really gets cold.
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C-GULF RV-7 located in Calgary, AB
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  #3  
Old 10-21-2011, 04:44 AM
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pierre smith pierre smith is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Louisville, Ga
Posts: 7,840
Default Reiff pre-heat.

Google Reiff pre-heat and for $200 + you can install the two credit-card sized sump heaters with the supplied glue and be set to go.

I have a timer and set it to midnight and by 8:00 a.m., the oil is at 80 F in a 30 degree morning.

Best,
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  #4  
Old 10-21-2011, 08:22 AM
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bhassel bhassel is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 963
Default

Remeber - those heat generating light bulbs will go away soon...

Bob
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  #5  
Old 11-08-2011, 02:05 PM
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lockeed lockeed is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Gaspe, Qc
Posts: 139
Default

Any of you guys modify to the cowling opening, or the baffles? I'm just concerned about the engine temperature if I fly during the winter... again, I'm in Quebec...

I won't go and fly on a -30 degree celius day... but in temperatures between -15 and 0 degrees celcius... I'll fly often... Any mods or things I should do to keep and engine from running cold?

I ordered an E-Z Heat system for my O-360 along with a remote control switch which work over cel phone signal... if any of you have any experience with the E-Z heat pads, I'd like to hear what you think!

Thx

Last edited by lockeed : 11-08-2011 at 02:15 PM.
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  #6  
Old 11-08-2011, 03:57 PM
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Rick_A Rick_A is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Highland Village, TX
Posts: 1,520
Default Cold weather prep - any suggestions ?

Move South
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Jacksonville, FL
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  #7  
Old 11-08-2011, 04:39 PM
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FORANE FORANE is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: East TN
Posts: 564
Default

I have one of the stick on oil pan heaters and found it to be a poor heater. Much better is a little home made heater consisting of a small cube shape space heater, a reducing duct riveted to the front of that heater, and flexible heater duct hose directed up into the cowling. I set a timer and the motor starts as if the ambient temp is 80 degrees.

For me, I have found heated glove liners marketed to motorcycle riders such as these:
http://www.warmnsafe.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=279
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  #8  
Old 11-25-2011, 06:05 PM
lockeed's Avatar
lockeed lockeed is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Gaspe, Qc
Posts: 139
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Any of you blocking a part of the cooling system to get better temperature when flying in cold weather?
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  #9  
Old 11-25-2011, 06:24 PM
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Vlad Vlad is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,151
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by lockeed View Post
Any of you blocking a part of the cooling system to get better temperature when flying in cold weather?
I do. I have very efficient cooling I would say it's too efficient. Bigger cooler and plenum. Oil was always at the beginning of green arc.

I started from this







And ended with this. Two thirds blocked. I may add 1" more after Xmas.






Now oil temp is in comfort green zone.
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Last edited by Vlad : 11-25-2011 at 06:27 PM.
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  #10  
Old 11-25-2011, 06:30 PM
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L.Adamson L.Adamson is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: KSLC
Posts: 4,021
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vlad View Post
I do. I have very efficient cooling I would say it's too efficient. Bigger cooler and plenum. Oil was always at the beginning of green arc.

I started from this
.......
Now oil temp is in comfort green zone.
You might want to look into the Van's oil cooler slider. It's worked very well in my 6, as well as a friends 9. Both summer and winter. It just beats pulling the cowl off, which I used to do, to.

L.Adamson
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