Canadian winters & anti-freeze

[Medhat]

In my Kitfox II I have a Rotax 532 water cooled engine. This will be the first winter that it will not be in a heated hanger. My question is what type of anti-freeze should I use to protect the engine from freeze up. Thanks to all who can help.

Larry

[924549]

I use Prestone pre-mix. Just go down to your local NAPA or Lordco and buy a good quality pre-mixed anti-freeze. I've had my Kitfox IV 582 out in -45 with no issues. If you plan to fly during cold weather I recomend you pre heat before starting. Pre heating is good for both engine and gear box.

Pieter

[akflyer]

MAKE SURE that you use silica free anti-freeze! I think that just about all the "extended life" anti freezes are silica free but you can read the bottle to make sure. I normally mix mine 70/30, but make sure that it is good down to -30F. I kept mine tied down at the airport all last winter and never had any issues. Was nice not to have to mess with the preheat either as opposed to the conventional planes. I do have a Mr. Buddy to put in the cockpit while the engine is warming up to knock the chill off though.