Kitfox Aircraft Stick and Rudder Stein Air Grove Aircraft TCW Technologies Dynon Avionics AeroLED MGL Avionics Leading Edge Airfoils Desser EarthX Batteries Garmin G3X Touch
Page 1 of 7 12345 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 69

Thread: Cold Weather Ops

  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Winchester, KY
    Posts
    299

    Default Cold Weather Ops

    Ok all you 912ULS operators, I need some info. This is my first cold weather to be operating my 912ULS SuperSport in and need some info on how you operate yours for start up. Mine seems to be so cold natured that it will not run without being constantly choked for three to four minutes or more. Try to give it some throttle and it wants to die. Back off the throttle and keep the choke full out and it runs fine (2000 rpm or better). Is this normal (I hope not)?? Eventually it will get warm enough to accept some throttle and let the choke be released.
    Let me know how your start process goes.

    Thanks,
    Dick B

  2. #2
    Senior Member SkySteve's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Huntsville, UT
    Posts
    1,054

    Default Re: Cold Weather Ops

    I live in Utah. Yes, it gets mighty cold here at times. Here is what works best for me. First, I've added a primer to my system. Before I added the primer cold weather starts were difficult, as you have stated. Preheating the engine is a good place to start. You can add all kinds of on-engine engine warmers, you can blow hot air into the cowling, you can have a heated hanger. The best (read cheapest, easiest) way for me is to throw an old sleeping bag over the cowling, then hang a trouble light below the cowling, turn it on and go home. Or, just leave the sleeping bag and trouble light on all winter, you're not going to break the bank running one lightbulb. The next morning my engine is warm enough to start fairly easily. I first turn the engine over with the key for about 2 to 3 seconds with the mags OFF. Next, I close the throttle all the way and pump 4 pumps on the primer. Throttle still closed, choke on full, mags on, start. Open the throttle and run until warm (about 120 degrees oil temp) at 2,000 rpm. Works for me. I also block off the front of the oil cooler (the part that is exposed at the front cowl opening) with the silver metalic duct type tape.
    Steve Wilson
    Huntsville, UT
    Kitfox 85DD
    912A / 3 Blade Taper Tip Warp Drive
    Convertible Nosewheel & Tailwheel
    SkySteve's SPOT Page
    SkySteve's You Tube Videos

  3. #3
    Senior Member Dave S's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    St Paul, MN
    Posts
    1,833

    Default Re: Cold Weather Ops

    Hi Dick,

    Like to think I am pretty good at freezing my tochous off trying to start things with gasoline engines up here

    So here goes.

    First off, I don't know that everyone has the same concept of "cold"

    1) Anything down to 32-35 degrees F I do not preheat......a) do the rotax burp, b) close the throttle to the stops and then open it approximately 1/4 turn on the vernier (not much at all in case you are not using a vernier throttle....in any case, just enough to get it off the stops) c) Pull the choke & crank till it starts....usually starts right up within 2 -3 seconds. d) Modulate the choke for a few seconds, usually no more than 5 seconds when the temp is near freezing......if 50 or better, pretty much get off the choke right away e) adjust the throttle for 2000-2200 rpm to warm up.

    2) Anthing colder than 32-35 F....I use a 1500 watt milk parlor electric heater rigged up with a plenum and 4" convoluted duct and plug that into the cowl below the prop. blanket on top of the cowl. Plug the side holes on each side of the prop and let that run for an hour +/- (if it's zero - runs an hour, if its 20-30 F run it half an hour to 45 minutes. After the preheat it starts like it would if 40-50 F outside).

    I like to preheat when it is near freezing or colder just to be kind to the engine in the first place.

    I have started the engine W/O preheat down to 15-20 F but it behaves much like you indicated (although I don't know what temp you are experiencing)

    Any need to keep the choke out for quite a while after startup is not characteristic of my engine unless it is down to 15-20 F. With the preheat or warmer than freezing with no preheat...the choke does not need to be kept on hardly at all once it starts.

    FYI - I have the rotax induction plenum installed with the air pickup in the NACA vent in front of the radiator - don't know if the induction plenum makes any difference on starting ot not....the airvalve provides an alternate air intake behind the engine but I start it on the normal cold air filtered intake in the NACA vent.

    Sincerely,

    Dave S
    KF7 TRigear
    912ULS, Warp Drive

  4. #4
    Senior Member Slyfox's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    felts field, spokane
    Posts
    1,327

    Default Re: Cold Weather Ops

    this is what I have on mine. now I don't know what wattage I have, been to long. but I keep mine plugged in all the time. I go to fly, I unplug, fires right off. now the other day I didn't have it plugged in. was a little cold, like in the 30's and it farted and banged and broke my right side carb socket, oh and the throttle cable on the left side. learned my leason to keep it plugged in. it has a thermostate to shut it off when to a certain temp. you just need to read all the stuff. anyway this is what I have. I'm pretty sure I have the 150 watt.

    http://www.reiffpreheat.com/Rotax912.htm

  5. #5
    Administrator DesertFox4's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Arizona
    Posts
    3,563

    Default Re: Cold Weather Ops

    The Reiff system is what John uses on the factory birds when pre-heating is needed.
    My Arizona acclimated 912ULS does not enjoy starting much below 50 degrees. I do have the old style starter though and the newer high torque/speed starters might improve this.
    There are days here that pre-heat on my particular engine would be beneficial. The Reiff system would be perfect. Problem at my over regulated airport is we can not leave anything plugged in and operating while not in the hangar. No heaters, appliances, tools, battery chargers ect.
    Just the fridge.


    DesertFox4
    Admin.
    7 Super Sport
    912 ULS Tri-gear


  6. #6
    Senior Member Dorsal's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Central, MA
    Posts
    1,511

    Default Re: Cold Weather Ops

    Love my call ahead Aerotherm, call my plane a couple of hours before I fly and my oil temp is 90 at start.
    Dorsal ~~^~~
    Series 7 - Tri-Gear
    912 ULS Warp Drive

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Winchester, KY
    Posts
    299

    Default Re: Cold Weather Ops

    Thanks for the replies, one and all. Seems like I'm going to have to get use to a cold natured engine and it's idiosyncrities, plus maybe install a heat system. By the way, my engine performs like this at any temp below about 65 degrees, must have something to do with the Kentucky air around here.

    Dick B

  8. #8

    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Green River UTAH
    Posts
    140

    Default Re: Cold Weather Ops

    Maybe give it a shot of Evan Williams.

  9. #9
    Senior Member SkyPirate's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Edgar Springs MO
    Posts
    1,841

    Default Re: Cold Weather Ops

    Hey Dick my engine starts really well in cold weather trade ya lol
    Chase
    Model 5 OutBack
    912 UL

  10. #10
    Senior Member kmach's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    Cupar, SK, Canada CLC4 Loon Creek Airfield
    Posts
    641

    Default Re: Cold Weather Ops

    Hi,

    I use this method to start my 912 uls.

    Throttle full off, choke/starting carb activated,engine fires up I disengage choke while advancing throttle to keep rpms at 2100 range.

    This process changes little from summer to winter. I do preheat starting at around 50 F or less and the coldest I fly is around the - 5 F (- 15 C) .

    The preheat is with a Reiff 150 watt system , and add an insulated cowl cover when the temp lowers .

    I am a firm believer of preheating for engine longevity .
    Kevin,

    Kitfox Outback
    912 ULS
    Airmaster AP332CTFH-WWR70W
    Summit Aircraft Wheel Skis
    C-FOXW

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •