ThermoBob

[Maverick]

Does anyone out there use this:
https://watt-man.com/new-shop/thermo-bob-1-kit-1-inch-fittings/

I had a hard time getting my engine temps to come up while flying through the winter. I did the tape over the oil cooler thing and it helped although it was still slow to bring the temps up. This is a coolant devise and it seems like it might help get the temps up quicker.
Maverick

[DesertFox4]

Not very familiar with “Bob’s” unit Fred. Lots of folks been installing similar units and more often, oil thermostats for years with good results.
L.E.A.F., one of our site sponsors, carries this one https://www.leadingedgeairfoils.com/remote-oil-cooler-thermostat-kit.html.


Also California Power Systems, another TeamKitfox.com sponsor, carries 2 vesions of this solution to speed up warm ups on cold mornings. https://www.cps-parts.com/catalog/eppages/xcomthermostat.php?clickkey=3179252

https://www.cps-parts.com/catalog/eppages/oil_15-05849.php?clickkey=3179252

I may be adding one of the above thermostat kits to my Rotax this fall and likely one of these also.https://www.cps-parts.com/catalog/eppages/sumpheaters.php?clickkey=3179252

The issue with these pre-heaters is I can’t leave it plugged in at my hangar due to City of Phoenix hangar rules.

There are also coolant thermostats like Bob’s available. I have a friend running both on his 912 uls turbo powered Highlander.
His run ups take about the same time as a Continental or Lycoming powered aircraft does which is 10 to 15 minutes less than my 912 uls takes with no pre-heat or any thermostats installed.

[avidflyer]

I have one of those thermo bobs on my Kitfox 4 with 912 in northern Mn. Worked good for me this last winter. Without it, I don't think I would have had much cabin heat. JImChuk

[109JB]

Not thermo-bob, but I have a similar install on my 912, and it had a different one beofre i got it. Another 912 Kitfox driver I know has a similar setup as well. Reports are it is needed and works well. Here is the one I have

https://www.amazon.com/Ice-Crusher-MaxStat-Thermostat-Radiator/dp/B082YGYS1B/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ice+crusher+utv&qid=1624658982&sr=8-1

[Maverick]

DesertFox4, I can understand the reluctance for the oil tank warmer due to the regulations Phoenix has. I would have the same issue at Glendale.

My initial consideration for the water thermostat (ThermoBob) was based on what JG wrote at at https://www.stolspeed.com/thermostat-for-912 .
He makes a compelling argument for the water thermostat and not so much for the oil thermostat. Based on his experience and logic it seems like the oil thermostat is not as useful. The cooling of the engine is more based on water cooling and air cooling and so the oil is not as much a part of the engine cooling/warming equation. It would seem therefore that holding up the water circulation will help with warming the engine more so than restricting oil flow. Also, with 10/40 oil, it would seem that oil circulation would be sufficient for lubricating the engine in most cases where I live. 10W-40 is recommended for ambient temperatures of +5 F to +122 F, neither of which I'm ever going to exceed. Thoughts?