You all know I'm always looking for a good deal on an as-good or better product counterpart to the aviation brand...engine heaters. I've been researching these things lately, and the Reiff sump heater for $189 has the lead right now (Mike B just installed one). Tanis doesn't sell a sump-only heater, and their complete kits start at about $400. Spruce sells one of their versions for $150 that looks to be about the same as the Reiff system.
With that being said, I decided to look at the automotive sump/block heaters. One company, Kat's, make several versions with wattage similar to the aircraft systems, and silicone pads that attach just like aircraft systems. The difference is in price...$70 straight from Kat's, or anywhere from $40-50 in their eBay store.
Am I missing something here? Why wouldn't I just get the Kat's version that does the same thing as Reiff/Tanis/Spruce for less than half the money?
I know it's not an answer to your question, Chad, but I'm wondering why the best automotive GPS systems are a few hundred dollars, at most, but similar systems for aviation run thousands more. Is the hardware, or the software for that matter, THAT much more costly? I just don't get it. Similar comparisons can be made with everything from engines to spark plugs to tires. I can't believe how expensive all this stuff is. If there was a way to substitute automotive products, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Especially if it's not something your life or the airworthiness of your plane depends on.
The reason I went with the Reiff sump heater was the price wasn't too bad (let's face it, $190 is very little compared to other goodies we have put on our planes) and it is made for airplanes. I have heard of other heaters getting too hot and burning oil on the bottom of the sumps. I am not willing to risk something important like my engine by trying to save $150 or so. I also chose the Reiff system because it is expandable. In the future if I want to add cylinder heating bands, I can just buy them when the time comes. Finally, other people had good things to say about the Reiff system.
Is the Reiff system probably overpriced? As someone who has bought it, yes, for what you get its tough to say it's worth it. I guess I paid a $100 premium for the words "FAA PMA".
Mike Bullock http://www.rvplane.com RV-7 | Superior IO-360 | Whirlwind 200RV Garmin GTN650 | GRT Dual Sport SX EFIS
Status: FLYING!
Yeah, my friend Rob has the full Reiff system on his 7, and he loves it. Like I said, I am in favor of the Reiff system for sure, and will probably end up with it...I just don't see the real difference. And you're right about the $100 premium for the FAA-PMA stamp...
Your install the other day is what got me looking at these again Mike...I think you did the right thing going with an expandable unit. I will more than likely follow!
You made some really good points, Mike. I'm getting an education here. I still think so much of this stuff is awful expensive, but maybe there are good reasons in some cases.
I saw this reply by Sam Buchanan and thought it was pertinent to this thread:
I've been using a Reif sump heater for ten years. The heater runs 24/7 from November to April and no engine damage has occurred. Lots of info on this subject in the archives so I won't elaborate any further in this thread.
Makes me feel better about going with the Reiff system.
Mike Bullock http://www.rvplane.com RV-7 | Superior IO-360 | Whirlwind 200RV Garmin GTN650 | GRT Dual Sport SX EFIS
Status: FLYING!
We have a tanis system on our cherokee, and it has been trouble free. We have a kats(or ez heat) on our champ, and a kats on our 180. The champ goes thru about one a year, and the 180 didn't even make a year.
We usually use a red dragon propane unit, they work fast, and can be used in the cockpit also.
