Engine heaters.

[NunavutPA-12]

I'm sure the Tanis is a good system. Personally I prefer the Reiff because the cylinder heaters do not occupy the port for the cylinder head temperature probes.

It's a fallacy that heating the engine electrically will add moisture. It can't, and won't. In fact it will make the air under the cowling (and even inside the engine) drier, not wetter.

At -30C, my engine (Lycoming O-320) is toasty warm after 3 hours. I run it from a 1,000-watt Yamaha generator when out in the bush ...with a good insulated engine cover of course.

[valleyboy]

One word of caution -- buddy heaters, car warmers and any unapproved heater would likely void or at the very least get you into a real pissing match with your insurance provider if your aircraft caught fire, especially in this day of anal retentive reality. I say go with an approved system even if it means saving the money by cutting down on flying a little to offset the cost and obviously invest in a good well insulated engine cover.

[cgzro]

I use this simple technique. Its just a 1500w heater with some ducting to blow hot air in from below.
Blankets over the top. Takes about 2 hours to get things very toasty in a cold hangar but i'd not use it outside or anywhere wet. Instant oil pressure .. love it.

[photofly]

One word of caution -- buddy heaters, car warmers and any unapproved heater would likely void or at the very least get you into a real pissing match with your insurance provider if your aircraft caught fire, especially in this day of anal retentive reality. I say go with an approved system even if it means saving the money by cutting down on flying a little to offset the cost and obviously invest in a good well insulated engine cover.

Have you ever *actually* heard of an insurance company refusing a claim on that basis?

[valleyboy]

Have you ever *actually* heard of an insurance company refusing a claim on that basis?

Not a claim but a threat to cancel insurance coverage if the "car warmers" were not removed and not used and engines were only continuously heated for aircraft parking with an approved system. Needless to say the request from the insurance company was complied with.