Apply Heat To A Cold Engine - Lycoming IO-360-N1A Installation And Operation Manual

Condition
Engine does not hold rpm during
cruise, climb, or descent
Rapid decrease in cylinder head
temperature
Overheating
(The temperature of the system
components is greater than the
maximum design operating
temperature for the components.)
Overspeed
Low oil pressure (below minimum
specified in Appendix A)/oil
starvation
Volcanic ash/dust-sand particulate
Engine soaked in water

Apply Heat to a Cold Engine

If an engine is in cold weather longer than 2 hours (at temperatures less than 10°F (-12°C)) it can
become "cold soaked." At these extremely low temperatures, oil can become thicker, battery
capacity decreased, and the starter could be operated above capacity. Incorrect cold weather starting
can cause unusual engine wear, decreased performance, shortened time between overhauls, or engine
malfunctions. In the "cold soaked" condition, fuel can vaporize too slowly which could make engine
start difficult.
NOTICE: Pre-heat application will help the engine start during cold weather and is necessary
when the engine has been in sub-freezing temperature + 10º F (12ºC). Do not use small
electric heaters (which install in the cowling opening) to warm up an engine because
they do not apply sufficient heat.
Do not use a heated dipstick to apply heat because heat will be concentrated and not
applied throughout the engine. Concentrated heat can cause damage to non-metal engine
parts. The oil must be warmed to flow to all parts of the engine.
If the engine is not equipped with a commercially available engine pre-heating system:
1. Use a high volume air heater to apply heat.
Engine Conditions
Page 32
IO-360-N1A Engine Installation and Operation Manual
Table 1 (Cont.)
Action for Engine Conditions
Make a safe landing and speak to Maintenance.
To prevent shock cooling, do not decrease cylinder head
temperature at a rate more than 50°F (10°C) per minute.
Make a safe landing as soon as possible, and identify and
correct the cause. Refer to the IO-360-N1A Engine
Maintenance Manual
Refer to the section "Overspeed" in this chapter.
Complete a safe landing as soon as possible. Refer to the
section "Low Oil Pressure During Flight" in this chapter.
Make a safe landing as soon as possible. Refer to the latest
revision of Service Instruction No. SI-1530. Refer to the IO-
360-N1A Engine Maintenance Manual.
Examine the engine. Moisture and unwanted materials can
cause damage to all systems on the engine. Refer to the IO-
360-N1A Engine Maintenance Manual for corrective
action.
© 2016 Avco Corporation. All Rights Reserved
Action
February 2016