Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #11790
From: Steve & Claudette Colwell <colwell@innercite.com>
Subject: Re: PreHeat
Date: Sat, 8 Dec 2001 16:06:31 -0800
To: <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
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 So, how important is it to have a pre-heated engine during the coldest
months?  As long as the
engine starts and is warmed up at the lowest possible rpm, is there any
compelling reason to preheat?

According to John Schwaner, author of Sky Ranch Engineering Manual,
http://www.sacskyranch.com/emframe.htm an engine should be at 1100 to 1200
RPM ASAP on starting to allow splash lubrication of the cylinder walls,
pistons, rings, cam and cam followers.  He also says the inertia of the
valve train lowers the loads on the cam followers (lifters and camshaft
lobes) during this critical first few seconds when the most wear and maybe
damage occurs.  Ever notice your automobile starts at about 1200 rpm and
slowly reduces its idle speed depending on how cold it is?  Engine Starting
and Idle is 4 pages worth including preheat, oils, differences between Lyc
and Cont etc..  This is the definitive book on Aircraft Engine Operation,
Failure and Repair in my opinion.  John is a local and has spoken at EAA
events on many occasions, has been quoted in Light Plane Maintenance, TBO
Advisor, etc..

Steve Colwell   Legacy 2K  Placerville,CA   (530) 621-3408




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