I'm running Bruce's indoor engine cover in the hangar when I preheat, I'm not sure how critical it is indoors without any sort of wind, but I like the idea of more evenly heating the engine because I'm concerned about condensation. I went with the big dog Rieff heater on this plane for the same reason, I wanted to heat the engine thoroughly and fast.

The prop seems to be an awfully big heat sink. Is there any common wisdom for my circumstances? Should a prop cover also be used or is that just overkill?

I think it's overkill if you are preheating indoors. Could always throw a pair of sweat pants on the blades if you're 2-bladed.

unless its like -20C or colder I couldn't bother.. plug in your Reiff and use a cowl cover to help trim the E bill down a bit..

cover the prop to prevent Ice outside tho. thats what we do when Ski flying in Canada

Actually, your concerns are well founded, except that an aluminum propeller blade is a large "radiator" not a heat sink....semantics, though.

But the concern which suggests insulated prop blade covers is to increase the rate of pre heating the engine vitals....ie: The crankshaft, to which, of course, the propeller is connected. So, with prop blades uncovered during cold temps, that propeller is actually reducing the effectiveness of your engine pre-heat system.

If I were you, I would purchase a three or four piece insulated engine cover (three piece=two prop blade covers and one hub/spinner cover) and use it ANY time pre-heat is being used. Doing so will speed the pre-heat.

I wouldn't worry about moisture in the process. Moisture MAY be a problem when you pre-heat, then do NOT start the engine, as in weather precludes departure, etc. Otherwise, any moisture that precipitates during the pre heat process will be eliminated or put into solution once the engine starts.

I am an advocate of insulated prop covers, but understand that I come from a background of operating in fairly extreme cold conditions.

That said, I see no down side to always using a prop cover while pre-heating, inside or out.

MTV

I only use my prop cover in extreme cold. In my hangar on a normal winter day the engine stays plenty warm with the tanis and cowling blanket.

A few years ago it was -40 and I couldn't figure out why the engine was still frozen despite the tanis plugged in and the cowling blanket on. It was explained to me that the prop was sucking heat out of the engine faster than the heater could put it in.

Prop covers for me are about frost/ and other contaminants as well as preserving wood props and composite

If it’s cold enough that the prop temp is a factor I’m not flying, just isn’t fun anymore and it hard on both man and machine

Work plane that’s not really a factor

For preheat just follow the manufactures SEL, both conti & lyc have a simple manual on it, seeing how they designed these engines figure listen to them

All great input, thanks guys.

Anyone ever used these?

https://bladesox.com/

CParker wrote:All great input, thanks guys.

Anyone ever used these?

https://bladesox.com/

Those are for lookin fancy. If you're set on getting them, get the real deal for cheaper:

https://alaskawingcovers.com/aircraft-p ... er-covers/

CParker wrote:All great input, thanks guys.

Anyone ever used these?

https://bladesox.com/

They look a little tight and thin, if used outside in weather, or if they got wet, would be worried about them sticking to the prop

Possible silly question: for preheating/heat retention purposes, you don't need prop covers with a wood or composite prop, right? The problem is the heat conductivity of the aluminum?

Zzz wrote:Possible silly question: for preheating/heat retention purposes, you don't need prop covers with a wood or composite prop, right? The problem is the heat conductivity of the aluminum?

Correct....

MTV

Coyote pelts work perfectly. You can tuck the tails in the engine cover around the spinner improving the seal. I think it is important enough that I put a blanket over the coyotes as well.