Operation At Low Ambient Temperatures - LIMBACH L 2400 EF Operating And Maintenance Manual

8.19 Operation at low ambient Temperatures

In general, engine maintenance should be performed before the beginning of the cold season.
Furthermore, the following hints for operation at extremely low ambient temperatures should
be observed:
Electrical system
At low ambient temperatures, the capacity of the starting battery is reduced. This may
lead to starting problems.
Check all wiring connections in the ignition system and clean as necessary, oxidized
terminals cause voltage drops and thus starting problems.
Crankcase ventilation
At low ambient temperatures and high humidity, saponification of vent dome and breather
line is possible. Make sure by means of special inspections that this cannot happen - a total
lock might cause the engine oil to leak through the sealings due to overpressure.
This would lead to high oil losses and possibly to the destruction of the engine.
Engine oil
For prolonged soaring (with stopped engine) please note that the viscosity of the engine
oil increases extremely with the cooling down of the engine. In extreme cases the viscosity
may have increased so much, that the starter cannot turn the engine anymore.
When planning your flight, consider prolonged soaring and fill engine with appropriate oil.
Eventually you should start the engine in between to warm up the engine oil again.
Coolant
For prolonged soaring (with stopped engine) take care that the coolant does not freeze.
A content up to a maximum of 60% of anti-freeze and corrosion protection is necessary in
any case. Eventually the radiator may have to be masked by suitable means.
Edition: 20.06.2018
Operating Manual
L 2400 EF/DF/ET/DT/DX/DS
Page: 40/53