Engine Preheaters

[TahoeTim]

Tanis or reiff system are the two "mobile" systems I know of. I went with the Tanis on my Jabiru so I will have heat at my destination.

[kmach]

Does anybody have suggestions for a more mobile solution? I know there are block heaters for the 912 but I am not planning on putting a 912 in my plane and I need something since I plan on flying below -20 at several different airports.

It depends on the support at the airport you land at , or the "mission" you are flying.
What I mean is if you stay overnight at an airport with a heated transient hangar your needs would be very different than if you are on a frozen lake at a remote cabin that has no power etc.

For outside at -20 C , a good insulated engine cover, insulated spinner /prop cover that seals off the cowling and is totally wind proof is a start.

Is there access to a portable power generator ? Then all your electrically powered heaters, blockheater pad/elements may work . and you can keep the battery charged and warm

If no power, then an Alaskan type multi-fuel stove and plenium system may fit the bill. I think if you google engine preheater or alaskan engine heater you'll get the idea behind the stove / pipe into the lower cowl opening setup.

I am in the research stage of the alaskan type stove heater, mostly for ice fishing trips.

If I could find a small/light enough 800-1000 watt inverter or generator that is my other option I'm looking at. this would definitely weigh more but no open flame! FF Kev

[SWeidemann]

Tanis is the only heater I've used. I just bought a Vixen with the 912 ULS and am considering a Tanis for this as well. I have installed the Tanis on two Continental 4 cylinders, a Lycoming 4 and a HKS 700E. With any engine however, part of the complete pre-heat package is having a good & efficient insulated engine cover. If you don't have the cover, there is a lot of heat loss that does no good. So...in my case, if I open the door to the best pre-heater kit, I need to follow up with a good cover as well. My opinion is Tanis is the best but the most expensive. My two cents. Skot

[n85ae]

MSR Whisperlite Backpacking stove blasting into an aluminum funnel into
dryer duct tubing works as a good emergency heater. I have NOT actually ever
needed to use mine, but I have tested it and it works great. I use the milkhouse
heater solution on mine and typically leave it plugged in and running on low in
the hangar. This works great down to and below 0 degree temps here in
Chicagoland.

Regards,
Jeff