Oil Pan Heater - limit to time of use?

[jkadel]

Is there a limit to keeping the oil pan heater "ON" for extended periods of time on my DA20 Continental IO 240B engine? It does not have a temperature controlled Shut off. As colder weather again approaches, I again dread the difficult "Cold Start" without several hours of pre-heat. On a related topic - would a cylinder head heater unit be more efficient and quicker in pre-heating the engine? Yes, they are expensive to purchase. Jim Kadel N161CA

[Pbwears1]

I have been very happy with the "Twin Hornet 22" electric heater for my DA40. It can be left plugged in when the weather cools and left "ON" till spring ......it automatically turns itself on and off....ON when the temp in the engine compartment drops to 70 degrees....on cold mornings, my oil temp at start up is always above 70. Aircraft Spruce...$329...worth every penny

[MarkA]

Peter,

Where do you put the the heater in the DA40? Do you just slide it in above the lower cowling by the Power Flow exhaust?

[DaveS1900]

I have this:

https://switcheon.com/power-switch/

its a remote on/off that you use with an app on your phone. I turn the engine heater on from home, several hours before my flight.

Dave S
Ohio

[mhoran]

I have this:

https://switcheon.com/power-switch/

its a remote on/off that you use with an app on your phone. I turn the engine heater on from home, several hours before my flight.

Dave S
Ohio

We have something similar, along with a solar panel and battery array since we're on the ramp with no power. Works great.

[Pbwears1]

I stick it in the right ( or left) engine intake about half way and move the prop to hold it in