How cold can you fly

How cold can you fly (Full Version)

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TomM -> How cold can you fly (9/22/2002 7:02:34 AM)
Thinking ahead- I hope I can fly for another 2-3 months, but just in case the cold spell starts.... How does glow fuel hold up in the 30's. Any tips for starting a cold engine with cold fuel. Tom

*460** -> How cold can you fly (9/22/2002 7:33:15 AM)
We fly at 10 deg. F and even colder so 30 F shouldn't be a problem. With a starter the engine should start. We fly of skis every winter.

TomM -> How cold can you fly (9/22/2002 7:51:46 AM)
Excellent news.Thanks I'll be able to fly off of the frozen lakes at that temp.

MECHANIC -> COLD WEATHER FLYING (9/22/2002 8:16:14 PM)
I have found that lighter fluid is good for loosening up cold engines. A few drops in the intake will get a cold engine freed up. It sometimes helps to add a couple of ounces of lighter fluid to a gallon of fuel. Coleman fuel is the same stuff and is a lot cheaper. It is basically naptha and will mix with the fuel OK. Clarence Lee has tried putting a metal shield around the cylinder fins of the engine. This reduces the cylinder cooling from the cold air blasting thru the fins. he seems to think that it works. Batteries don't do well in the cold, either. I recommend the large NiCad starter with 4000 MAH rating and keep it in your pocket so it stays a little warmer until you need it on the engine. Regards, Duane

Ernie Misner -> Cold? (9/23/2002 2:51:36 AM)
From what I have read the main problem will be keeping the glow plug lit, such as at idle, in cold conditions. Starting could be a problem also. The usual recommendations in cold weather is to increase the nitro content and perhaps use less shims in the head. A hot type glow plug may help also. The real answer if you like to fly in the winter is probably a glow driver. Ernie (rpm14k@aol.com)

Dave Harmon -> How cold can you fly (10/12/2002 3:00:55 AM)
The answer to the cold starting problems etc. is propylene oxide. In years past, that stuff was added to mfg fuel but these days I am pretty sure it is not used because of it's cost. You can add 2oz per gallon of fuel and I guarantee that will get you started. I usually pay $5 a pint at your friendly drag race shops that sell nitro etc. It has a unique, pleasant and undescribable smell that you won't forget.

rsieminski -> How cold can you fly (10/12/2002 9:27:19 AM)
Acetone, up to 5%, will make for easier starts, and keep the glow plug going, and is cheaper and easier to get than propylene oxide.

bdtsr -> How cold can you fly (10/25/2002 6:59:11 PM)
Put the plane on the front seat of the car and direct a vent to the engine for a couple of minutes before flying. This will bring the temp up enough for easy starting. As mechanic stated the lighter fluid works very well. With a good electric starter and 15% fuel, I don't have any problems. For the past 3 years I have been the first to fly in the snow at our club, going for 4 yrs in a row now! Of course we also have a heated building!

J roc -> Cold here in Canada eh? (10/26/2002 8:03:51 AM)
I have flown in below zero weather (dont ask me why) but the hardest part Is starting for the first flight. Best thing Ive found is a small propane torch to warm up the cylinder head. Four cycle engines are much harder to start in the cold. Battery capacity of course will be less.

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