For those of you "up north" and in need of a quick project I cobbled together a Self Contained  "Solar Heater" for my plane.  To date I have been impressed and have not had to do any pre-heating with the "ole red dragon".

We had some cold (teens) wx a few weeks ago and the thing worked very well OAT 18F, Heater 180F - 205F, (that's right) and cowl temp 100F that's with no fan. I don't see the 100F at the oil temp gauge because of air flows but the oil is consistently in the high 40's for start AND that would include the whole engine.

With a fan you get slightly lower temps in the heater, 160F or so, but higher under cowl temps  because you pull off the hot air with the flow - but you get a more uniform heat. Anyway I go out on a sunny day or even not so sunny day and it's heated and ready to go.

The over-all idea is to hang the heater on a south facing outside wall to capture the free heat from Ole Sol.

Added several things to the normal box and go ideas:

• Used vented soffit for my collector and followed these ideas except I used wood for the box .

            www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/KenSoffitCollector/Main.htm

           My heater wasn't as big so only used 4" duct and that seems to be a good fit. I probably have seventy five bucks in the project.

• Added a "fan" (old computer 12v) for positive flow. actually works well because it isn't big enough to draw down the heat but has air flow. Not necessary but more effective. Wanted it self contained so I purchased a solar panel to provide 12V at 5 watts.
• Used insulated ducting from a HVAC shop in my town. Actually gave me old stuff to use.
• Designed as a closed flow circuit to save heat.
• Insulated cowl with stuff from my local Lowe's Aircraft Supply.

Several pics attached in no order

Have fun and let my know how it works for you.  madriver@gmail.com

Still grinning

Phil Smith

CH 701

Buhl, ID