Cold Weather Starting

Could someone who is running a Viking 130 please relate their experience with cold weather starting? Mine can be very difficult to start in temperatures around freezing or below. I’m wondering what is normal for this engine when cold. Mine runs fine after the first minute or so. All the ECU parameters look plausible. Anyone else having cold starting issues? Suggestions?

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Permalink Reply by Jan Eggenfellner on December 2, 2024 at 12:39pm

It should not be hard no, how many attempts at starting? 

Permalink Reply by Jan Eggenfellner on December 2, 2024 at 2:26pm

Per our discussion with you - always helpful to remove the alternator and the load on startup when colder temps. Will await your feedback. -Alissa

Permalink Reply by Richard Cooley on December 19, 2024 at 12:06pm

Hi Alissa and Jan,

Usually my plane (Viking 130) starts on the first crank, though sometimes (especially if it's warm/hot) it can take 5 or 6 attempts to get it to fire.  I don't turn on the alternator until after the engine is running.  I keep in a heated hanger at 50f, so never cold, even in winter.

Also, on occasion, it will get a back fire.

Should I be concerned about difficult starting when warm, or back fire?

Thanks, Richard Cooley

Permalink Reply by Jan Eggenfellner on January 7, 2025 at 6:56am

Hey Richard, I'm unsure when the last ECU update you had is? This was purchased through someone else right? 

Permalink Reply by Richard Cooley on January 7, 2025 at 12:50pm

Hi Jan,

My plane is the 130 install you did for Paul Mason,  I believe in 2019.  I haven't changed anything since.

Is there an ECU update I need to perform?

Also, I have two Odyssey Extreme batteries.  On start, my Dynon Skview will shut off then reboot after the engine starts. This didn't used to happen.  What would cause this?

Thanks, Dick Cooley

Permalink Reply by Larry Zepp on January 9, 2025 at 10:13am

Hi Jim,

If you have access to power, you can build an engine pre-heater for your 130. I used a ceramic heater and some galvanized duct to heat my Viking 110. This directs warm air into the bottom of the Viking cowl. In a Michigan hangar with temps from freezing to -20F, the engine stays about 50 F with the electric heater running continuously. With preheat to 50F my 110 starts right up.

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