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Re: Winter Engine Covers...
I made this cover last year. Complete with a carrying bag. I have contemplated making and selling them...
Re: Winter Engine Covers...
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Re: Winter Engine Covers...
So here is my solution (thanks to a very generous Santa Wife), not cheap but very effective. The heater is the Aerotherm Deuce with the cell activated switch. I can call the plane at any time and the heater will turn on, by the time I get there all is warm and toasty. The cover is a moving blanket purchased at Harbor Freight for $8 (a little velcro on the front seam is forthcoming). The red felt on the seats is to close out the back of the plane which keeps the cold air off my neck.
Re: Winter Engine Covers...
Thanks for the responses. I am looking for something a little more high tech. Those work great at home when prepping for a flight, but I am looking for something that would work when camping overnight in really cold temps. I currently have a nice packing blanket for prep at home and that is great but now I am looking for waterproof, wind proof, etc, etc.
There are quite a few companies that make covers like this. Tanis and Kennon are two names, but I want one that is easy to put on and fits well. I was looking a satisfied customer to recommend one.
One thing to always keep in mind is quilting loses a lot of heat. The heat escapes right through the stitching. Its crazy.
A good engine cover by itself should hold a good starting temperature for 5 hours. We found that if you use blade covers on metal blades that time will go to 8 hours. That now means you can sleep through the night without having to get up at restart the engine and warm it up. The propeller is like a heatsync attached to the crankshaft at the middle of the heat. Our carbon props attached to a gearbox should not mean as much. All these little details mean a lot if your days are short and you can save the hour plus it takes to preheat in cold temps.
I know, I know, I am CRAZY. But I did warn you I am picky about covers. I get that way from exploring in really remote locations.
Thanks again,
Kelly
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Re: Winter Engine Covers...
Here is the cover my wife and I put togeather for my Avid. I had a big sleeping bag that I never use anymore that was sacrificed for a "greater good". I preheat the engine (Jabiru) with a heat gun on a stand through the cowl opening below the prop, that's why that part of the cover is open. 1/2 hr heating at +15 F and it's ready to run. Velcro keeps it in place. It works good so far. Take care,
Jim Chuk
Avid MK IV (flying)
Kitfox 4 (building)
northern Mn
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Jim,
Thanks so much. You guys did a great job!!!
That is the plan that my wife and I are working towards. I just thought if there was an off the shelf option that we'd go that way. I might run down to Wal-Mart and see what they have in their lower temp bags. It seems the sales are already running pretty low. Thanks again.
Kelly
Re: Winter Engine Covers...
Jim and Larry,
Nice looking covers, kinda shaming me into doing a bit of fitting on my planes ugly dress . Using a form fit low temp sleeping bag seems brilliant for holding onto the heat as long as possible. Kelly, please post what you come up with.
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Re: Winter Engine Covers...
Here's my preheat setup, with a detail of the heater itself.
I keep the battery on a tender to keep it "hot" too.