Bill3558 Posted November 22, 2022 Report Share Posted November 22, 2022 Is it just me or are these engines cranky to start in old weather? Last two mornings about 25 degrees. Engine starts but lane lights won’t go out. I let it warm up some and shut it down for a restart. Restart and now only one light is on . Let it warm up more and restart again. All good , both lights go out. What’s going on here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duane Jefts Posted November 22, 2022 Report Share Posted November 22, 2022 30 minutes ago, Bill3558 said: Is it just me or are these engines cranky to start in old weather? Last two mornings about 25 degrees. Engine starts but lane lights won’t go out. I let it warm up some and shut it down for a restart. Restart and now only one light is on . Let it warm up more and restart again. All good , both lights go out. What’s going on here? Hook up the dangle thingy and the codes should tell you the reason for the lights. I have had probs with the B light on after start but it goes out with a run up. Just the light, the systems were always working. Have not had the problem your describing. The coldest I have started is around 25 deg and no problems occurred. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrassStripFlyBoy Posted November 22, 2022 Report Share Posted November 22, 2022 If you're at the hanger and willing to give it a bit of time, preheating does wonders. A small room heater blasting into the cowl opening gets it done nice and easy: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anticept Posted November 22, 2022 Report Share Posted November 22, 2022 Reiff preheaters are dirt cheap for what you get. Throw a blanket over the cowling and it stays toasty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Lee Posted November 22, 2022 Report Share Posted November 22, 2022 When temps get that cold an engine pre-heater is best. You can see the difference with and without on the Rotax owner website video. Plus too many 912iS have the idle rpm set too low. I increase them so they do start easier, but 25F can still be a factor. https://www.rotax-owner.com/en/videos-topmenu/product-reviews/149-tanis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingMonkey Posted November 23, 2022 Report Share Posted November 23, 2022 As long as temps are not too cold, you can use a cheap harbor freight heat gun with a high temp SCEET tube on the end. Stuff it in the bottom cowl opening and let it run 30-45min. Use a fairly low setting (mine is 4-5 out of 10) to not burn anything -- heat guns can get super HOT. Lay a blanket over the cowl and wrap around the radiator to keep the heat in. I have been doing this since 2013 when the temps get down around 40°F and it works very well. IIRC I got this idea from Tom Baker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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