Which engine Preheater

I have a device which bolts under the oil pan and has a series of elements which heat up. This was from another aircraft (my mechanic had it) so I do not know the name or if they are still available. I also block the holes in the cowl and throw some blankets "over the hood" to help keep the heat in.

The problems with this design are several. First, it only heats the oil, so it does not address the issue of "tightness" of components higher up in the block. It would provide some warmth up higher I suppose if left plugged in for an extended period. Also, there are "diapers" that you can strap on the oil pan to keep the oil from cooling during flight. I cannot use these with my heater...the diaper will get oil on it and would present a fire risk.

I have seen others use a ceramic brick heater rigged up to blow warm air into the engine bay. Sort of a mini Herman Nelson heater. This would be better to heat the metal in the block, but I don't feel comfortable leaving a rig like that unattended.

The other thing to consider is oil temp in flight. This is my biggest problem as I have the Kenney fibreglass nosebowl and no blockoff plates for it. So my oil won't stay warm enough at my usual altitudes when ground temps dip below -5*C. It just air cools too effectively. And truthfully, MY old frame gets a bit chilly below that anyway. I use a sheepskin over my lap and a stuffed toy or two to block any drafts. Always dress as though you will be stuck in the plane after an unexpected off field landing. It would suck to survive an incident and then get frostbite (or worse).

Winter does offer beautiful still air and clear crisp sunshine, so it is well worth the effort. Just beware of warm fronts, they are evil in the cold months. I get to enjoy lake effect and skating rink landing strips, but at least they state the friction index here. Curling stones are best left in the rink...not something I want to become in my coupe!

Cathy, crazy Coupe chick from the banana belt of Canada (Niagara)

sorry duplicate post

I am going to buy an engine preheater. I am wondering what the opinion is of the group is for which is the best. I plan to fly into small northern Minnesota airports that have no FBO to do things like go ice fishing with my friend who lives up there. The airports typically have an electrical plugin that you can use. My friend will let me use an extension cord so I will not need to bring one with . Someday I might even buy a little Honda generator that I could bring with. My coupe is a 1947 415CD with a C-85. FYI The further north you live the more credibility will radiate from your words of wisdom. =|;o)