Engine Pre-Heaters/Preheating Techniques

[Bob Cook]

The Tannis or glue on sump heaters work great as long as you give them time to work and the AC is out of the wind.

I carry a small honda kw generator and plug them in on the ramp to keep the ac warm. works great if you do not have a plane full of passengers.

If you store the AC outside then you need blankets and "bungs" to keep the heat load down. If really cold then you need prop covers since the prop will "wick" the heat.

I have a pager interface that will turn the tannis heaters on for 6 hrs when I ring the pager. You do not want to leave the heaters on indefinately.

Also you can wire up a electrical box and a switch to put both heaters in series. This way you can leave them on.

Some heaters can "burn" the oil if you are not careful and create condensation at the oil filler neck if the OAT is cold.

I will always preheat one way or another if the OAT is less than 40 deg F. I won't start the engine if below 20 deg F without some form of heat.

Depends where you are located.

Fyi

Bob