Engine Preheat Systems

[whee]

Just offering a data point. Currently using two 75W incandescent lightbulbs in the engine compartment and an insulated engine blanket. I leave the lights on 24/7.

Overnight temps got down to -3F. I use multi-viscosity oil and while I’d prefer warmer engine temperatures I’m comfortable starting my engine at 40F and higher.
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[arborite]

I also used to use the lightbulb heater method, but got frustrated with the short life and fragility of the bulbs. Several times i arrived at the hangar to a cold airplane. i replaced the bulbs with these cheap stick on heaters. people use them for reptile cage warmers and such. i think i paid $25 for mine. below is an example. stick them on anything metal, like the inside of a drop light or a plate of steel, and hang them where you need them. they have never failed ( yet).

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[Nev]

I've installed the Antisplat Oil Sump heater the last few days. It was very straight forward to install - around an hour total. I made a small aluminum bracket to attach the 3 pin plug to the engine mount, and the electric extension cord is attached through the lower air exit. It's remotely activated by mobile phone using a GSM plug attachment from Aliexpress (NZ$45).

Yesterday I tested the setup, although it's summertime here so the results are slightly academic. I activated the heater, drove to the hangar, and 2.5 hours after starting the heater I disconnected it and went flying. The oil temperature sensor is not located in the sump so it reads ambient until after engine start. Yesterday, ambient was about 20°c (68°f), and 2 minutes after start the oil temp was reading 33°c (91°f) once circulating. Very interested to see how it performs in the cold but first indications are that it should work well.

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[svyolo]

I was still using 100W breakin oil, and needed to preheat as it was getting down to 30-40 degrees. I wanted to use one of the oil drain plugs but can't get the plug out (too scared to try). I just used cheap heater and 6" duct hose off amazon, hooked that up to a cheap timer switch Works pretty good. +50F over ambient within 90 minutes on the cylinders. I do have plugs for the cowl intakes, and put an old sleeping bag over the cowl for insulation.

No matter what I use for a heater, I do want to use a cellular switch. Haven't found one yet in the US that I like

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