Thread: Tanis engine preheater

Just installed a Tanis engine preheater. Nice clean unit. It says to allow 3 hours for the install. 1.5 hrs. works just fine. You do need to let the heating element on the oil tank sit and cure for 8 hours, but everything else is plug and play.
A tip for those who install this. The radiator is in the way of the bottom screw. Just remove the two large bolts on both ends of the coolers and the radiator will drop down far enough to get that bolt in the case.


P.S.
Sandpiper,
I have a prop to do next Monday. It's stopwatch time. I feel a dinner bet coming on. (:
The guys that have seen me do theirs say they will run the watch.

Roger,

So, the bet is 40 minutes? On a 3 blade Neuform? Includes adjustment to all 3 blades. R&R the cowl, spinner and 4 plugs w/paste? All solo work.

You're on. I'm probably gonna loose but I probably owe you dinner anyway for all the free advice you've given me!

How about a nice pouch cooked tri-tip roast from Costco? MMMMMM

Bob in Kentucky doesn't get any. (:

I just heard from a new Tanis engine preheat customer. Looks like it is a big thumbs up. The temps were in the teens and he had it on a timer and it came on during the early morning hours. When he turned the key the oil and CHT temps were 85F and the start up was very easy.

If you live in cold weather this looks like a great must have for your engine. I will install another one in 2 days. We'll see if his feed back is the same. Can't believe it would be any different.

We did ours last year, works awesome. Did notice during a recent inspection that we must have let a little air pocket under the block heater pad because it looks like it got real hot in one spot. I have been told it will probably burn up prematurely because of the hot spot/air pocket. It was a little tough to get the goo and the pad up in place and hold it there while it cured.

Texwis,

Sounds like you have a Reiff's preheater.

Are these heaters to be plugged in and left on all the time? If not, how much time does it take to warm the system?

You only need to run the Tanis about 5-6 hours before your flight. Put it on a timer. It doesn't need to be and probably shouldn't be left on 24/7.

Hi All,

Just an update about the Tanis engine preheat system. I have been getting some feed back from Tanis users. I looks alike a big double thumbs up. When the OAT temps are zero to single digits the engine is in the high 70F's for starting. Cranks right up just like it was summer time. For all of you that live in cold country this is a must have if you fly in the deep freezer winter months. The Reiff system doesn't measure up to the Tanis at all. The Tanis warms the entire engine and oil. The Reiff does the oil tank and a little patch on the bottom of the crank. That bottom patch is glued on and Tanis is a screw into the crankcase. Tanis is by far the best system for you cold weather users.

Hi all,

if you don't mind spending less the Reiff system works like a champ. No issues with our cold weather. Cranks and starts like summer time. My 2 cents.