Cold Starts

On Sun, 15 Feb 2004 13:18:35 GMT, "Viperdoc"
wrote:

Is it worth lugging long extension cords to plug in the Tanis heaters for my
Baron if it's going to sit outside at 12 degrees for two to three hours
after a flight?

I have cowl plugs which may help a little, but is it really a problem? The
oil will be well circulated, and the battery is in good shape to crank the
engines.

On my Lyc IO360, I would put on a cowl cover if I'm going to be parked in
sub 20°F weather for more than an hour. If I did not, and if the engine
were not warm to the touch when I returned, I would preheat.


Also, the POH says to keep the cowl flaps open during taxi and take off, but
when it's so cold outside does this still make sense? As long as the CHTs
remain within a reasonable range what difference should it make?

CHT's only measure temperature in one area of the cylinder. When the
engine is running and the airplane is flying, if the baffling is intact
this gives a representative number for the engine.

However, when not flying, air flow over the engine will be different, so
some areas may overheat if the POH directions are modified depending on OAT
(unless it's been tested).


Thanks from Wisconsin, where its 2 degrees and clear.


And we're up to 6° now, on the coast.


Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)