Air preheat

[William Walter]

On my 38 Tiara with 480 ce engines I have an air preheat system. I have been hesitant to use it because I’ve heard negative remarks about wear on alternators and batteries. I do have some white smoke on start and would consider using it if it’s considered effective.The only information Tiara puts out is to turn on the switch then turn on the port ignition and battery voltage will drop to 11 volts .then after 10 seconds it will return to above 12 .then start engine.im not sure what is happening with the system after engine start.id prefer block heaters or wolverines but have neither.the prep work to put the wolverines on would be next to impossible because of access to starboard oil pan.has anyone been using this system with success and seen a difference in white smoke especially early and late in the season.any input either way appreciated.thx Bill

1 user thanked author for this post.

Brian Elliott

Topic

[Rob Schepis]

James,
Yes pan heaters 24/7/365 will control keep engine room humidity. Search Wolverine and read my posts, I have written on this including real monitoring data. Get yourself a hygrometer that records min and max values and see what kind of high and low swings you’re getting, that all leads to moisture from condensation..

https://www.walmart.com/ip/ThermoPro-TP50-Hygrometer-Indoor-thermometer-Humidity-Monitor-Weather-Station-with-Temperature-Gauge-Humidity-Meter/152850196?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=4063&adid=22222222227067083529&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=170939366317&wl4=aud-310687322322:pla-277097829243&wl5=9004562&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113847074&wl11=online&wl12=152850196&wl13=&veh=sem

[james]

Pan Heaters??

Tony – Would you even use the pan heaters in Florida, where the engine room seldom drops below 80? Also, do you think they would help with engine room humidity. I’ve been thinking about putting a dehumidifier in the engine room, but that gets somewhat complex as I have to add a sump and overboard discharge for the condensate.

[Tony Athens]

IMO, I do not think you will get much positive feed back about using them..In theory, they provide a breath or two on hot air to the to help mitigate white some white smoke during the 1st start-up and maybe a couple of minutes more…….Do they really do that? Maybe, but the negatives about using them need t be balanced with the IFFY benefits..

Install 1 x 250W Wolverine Oil Pan heater on each engine, run them 24-7-365 when at the dock, and the benefits are real and long term.. During hot summer months, you could cycle them with a simple x-mas tree light timer if you feel they are not needed as much.

Tony

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