why preheat?

There are many reasons, but pre-heating your engine before starting in cold conditions is vital for the longevity and reliability of your engine and its components.

There are many types of metal found in aircraft engines: aluminum and steel (various alloys) being most prominent. These metals have dissimilar
temperature-based properties and behaviors but often work hand in hand with each other. For example, your cylinders are typically a steel alloy, but your piston is typically aluminum. These materials do not expand and contract at the same when heated (or cooled). Combine this with already tight tolerances, and you have a recipe for higher friction and greatly increased wear.

These materials must be at a minimum temperature (found in operators manuals, but typically 45F or higher) before starting, or damage may occur.
Additionally, most manufacturers list a minimum operating oil temperature. For example, the Rotax 912ULS has a stated MINIMUM operating temperature of 120F. By pre-heating our engines with a CMF Aero system, we jump-start this heating process and get you and your aircraft in the air sooner!
Aircraft engines are high precision, tight tolerance mechanical marvels that require optimum conditions and temperatures to operate smoothly and safely. Purchase a pre-heat system from CMF Aero Products to give your engine the best chance for a long, happy life!