Hold on Teimo - much of that I'd agree with, but not the bit on the
catalyst.
The catalytic converter does not work until it gets up to temperature (in
the hundreds of degrees), regardless of the initial temperature of the
engine. Preheating the engine will not reduce pollution by making the cat
work sooner - but it will reduce pollution some by reducing the length of
time the engine is running rich ("on choke").
Regards,
Jeremy
Jeremy Davey
Europa Monowheel 537M G-EZZA
Europa Club Vice-Chairman, Webmaster, PFA NC Representative
PFA EC Member
"If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, then it is
possible you haven't grasped the severity of the situation."
Tail done
Standard XS wings with mods underway
CM installed in fuse (with airbrakes fittings)
1430 build hours to date, build currently stalled due to house moves and
lack of workshop
Intended fit:
Rotax 914 turbo, Airmaster CS fully-feathering prop
Lots of lights, buttons, switches, gizmos, and alarms
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Raimo Toivio
Sent: 26 January 2006 15:57
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Re: Pre-heating a Rotax?
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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