All (on the northern hemisphere)!
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Butcher" <europa@triton.net>
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 3:40 AM
Subject: Europa-List: Re: Pre-heating a Rotax?
>
> Talked to Andy about winter operations the other day. He suggested that the
> Rotax is built with tolerances similar to an automobile engine and therefore
> really doesn't need preheated. After all, do you preheat your car?
>
Yes I really do! Always when below 0C. Also cockpit.
Main factors:
1) preheated engine gives instantly heat for cockpit
- safe: windows are immediately clean of ice and snow and no fog on them
- comfort: +20C leather feels better than -20C leather and less clothing
- health: no back injury for example
2) engine health: oil works immediately after start
3) fuel consumption: preheated car saves money
- thumb of rule: cold engine takes extra fuel 2 dl
or more in every cold start
4) pollution: less fuel - less pollution
- catalysator did not work until the engine is warm
5) time tables: preheated car starts "always" like under the palm tree
- if cold, have you enough el-power to start the stiff engine?
- you can drive immediately, no warm-upp moms
Sophisticated Engine Preheat Systems:
- electric resistance element in water w thermostat connected to mains
(typically 500W and 2 hrs pre-heating is enough for -20C)
- programable and radio remote controlled heating system,
burns petrol or diesel (Webasto, Ebersbacher...)
(typically 2-5kW and 20 minutes is enough, needs also electric 50W)
- also integrated battery pre-heating and charging systems
- heated car garage, if possible (!)
I have installed electric preheating system in my Rotax.
I will keep it on ALWAYS when below +10C (in or out).
It keeps also cockpit warm and dry (good for electronic bits).
I have also water thermostat and heat exchanger in oil system.
Cannot comment how they work - engine has not fire upp yet.
Regards, Raimo
===========
Raimo M W Toivio
OH-XRT #417 XS Mono, building hrs 1400 so far
OH-CVK C172 Skyhawk
OH-BLL Beech C45
37500 Lempaala
Finland
tel + 358 3 3753 777
fax + 358 3 3753 100
gsm + 358 40 590 1450
raimo.toivio@rwm.fi
www.rwm.fi
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