Insulated Covers for Engine, Prop, & Spinner
Rated #1 by Aviation Consumer
Save 20% off engine cover if purchased with Turbo XP System
Using an engine cover dramatically improves the performance of an engine heater. We recommend an insulated cover over the cowling and air inlets when using any of our preheat systems.
Without sealing the engine compartment and air inlets, much of the heat will escape to the air and be wasted, just like if you try to bake something with the oven door open. A cover will also help retain engine heat for several hours after shutdown, making it unnecessary to preheat on short layovers. Another benefit of a cover is to help the engine preheater heat everything in the engine compartment uniformly, which makes condensation less likely.
If you hangar your aircraft, a custom made cover is not necessary. All you need is what we use... a Queen size bed quilt we bought at a second hand store for $3. We suggest a moving blanket, quilt, sleeping bag, or any thick blanket laid over the top of the cowling and left hanging down the sides, and tucked over the prop blades, hub, and air inlets.
However, if the aircraft is outside in the wind this blanket will need to be secured so the wind won't blow it off. In that case it is best to use a custom fitted cowling cover that is designed for outside use.
The insulated covers we sell are top quality and are custom fitted for most aircraft, and are Rated #1 by Aviation Consumer .
"Don't Squeeze the Charmin ...
or the Engine Cover"
Note that our covers are not quilted as other brands are.
This diamond stitching (shown at right) compresses the insulation and reduces its insulation value, and it also leaves thousands of needle holes for heat to escape through. The purpose of the quilting is to keep the insulation from shifting around, but ours has the insulation bonded to the outer shell to hold it in place without quilting.
Material used in our covers (left) vs. competitors
Actual samples obtained from competitors. Ours is on the far left. On the right are the quilted fabrics used by competitors. Note how quilting compresses the insulation and reduces it's insulation value.
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Our tough UV resistant polyester fabric is stronger and lasts longer than nylon, so you'll get extra years of protection. Thick Dacron insulation layer is sandwiched between a heavy duty polyester outer shell (sample of material available on request). Bungee & ball fastening system makes the cover easy to install, even with gloves or mittens on. |
PROP & SPINNER COVERS: These are made from the same material as the engine covers, and serve two purposes. First, they help prevent loss of heat through the aluminum blades and prop hub, which can be substantial. Think of your prop blades as huge cooling fins. A customer has run tests and reports that the temperature of his preheated engine is 10o warmer with prop and spinner covers than without. Second, without insulating your prop blades and hub the front main bearing probably will not be as warm as the rest of the engine, making it more susceptible to wear and damage from cold starting.
The standard color is black on the inside and outside.
Covers are made to order - allow up to 3 wks (3 day RUSH service available)
PRICES
Small singles (most 2 place) $310 Large singles (most 4-6 place) $350 Most twins $750 Prop covers $35 per blade Spinner cover $60 Exceptions to above:
Cirrus SR20, SR22 $495 Piper Malibu $495 Cessna 207, 208, Caravan $495 DeHavilland Beaver $495 OPTIONS
Non-standard colors - Red, blue, or florescent orange (inside and outside can be different colors) $10 Flaps at air inlet or oil door $15 each RUSH production (3 days) Add 10% to price Save 20% off engine cover price (excluding options) if purchased with Turbo XP System
(may not be combined with other discounts)
Last updated 1/3/08
