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FAQ

FAQ

FAQ or frequently-asked-questions page gives answers to common questions that we are asked and gives other useful information.  Click on the question below to see their answers.

YES!!! Current Tanis systems use elements that are compatible with all engine analyzers/monitors. Our standard and STC systems do not use the CHT (Cylinder Head Temperature) thermocouple well. Instead of using the CHT well we use a bolt/screw element that can replace a rocker cover, baffle pad, or intake bolt/screw.  See instruction TN02771 for more information. Legacy (Old) systems and kits may still use CHT well elements.

For cold weather operations, engine preheat is always required. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s recommendation and the POH/AFM specific to your aircraft.

“Preheating is required whenever the engine has been exposed to temperatures at or below 20F/-7C (wind chill factor) for 2 hours or more.”  Continental Service Information Letter No. SIL 03-1  or the Continental Standard Practice Maintenance Manual M-0.

“The use of preheat will ease startup during cold weather and is required when the engine has been allowed to drop to temps below -10F/-12C” Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1505.

Many of our customers preheat when the outside temperature drops below 50F/10C.

Preheat may be used at any temperature to reduce run-up times and starting wear but Tanis does not recommend preheating when the ambient temperatures exceed 100F/38C.

Yes, Tanis preheat systems can be plugged in continuously in ambient temperatures less than 100F/38C.

No, this is not true.  Resistance heat cannot create moisture. Moisture is always present inside your engine and specifically within your oil.  Use of our system will NOT result in corrosion because a Tanis preheat system keeps all of the metal parts that are above the oil level above “dew point” and as a result condensation cannot occur on these parts. Tanis preheat systems are not to be cycled on and off as this could cause the engine to go through “dew point” (timers and thermostats are not to be used).

Tanis preheat systems are designed so you will achieve the maximum benefit from our system within 6 hours of use.  Most of our data logging results show a 40 to 50 degree F° increase (22.2 to 27.7 C°)within the first two hours of use.

Refer to engine/aircraft documentation for minimum temperature required for starting.  The heating follows a “standard reducing curve” for the temperature rise of the engine.

On a GA aircraft once the cowl is removed, it may take 2-5 man hours for completion per engine. Pad heat elements require curing before the aircraft can return to service.

For helicopter and complete aircraft installs the time is variable based on the status of the aircraft and type of aircraft. Contact us for additional help.

All invoices and packing slips include a Certificate of Conformance printed on the lower left hand side of the document.  The copy that is shipped with the order is signed confirming that it has been properly shipped.

At the time of purchase, an 8130-3 form is included at “no charge” upon request for eligible items.

By default we include an export 8130-3 with all international orders for the country that is purchasing the kit for eligible items. If you require the 8130-3 for another country of registration other than the one that is installing it please let us know when ordering.

Due to FAA regulations we cannot send an 8130-3 for an order that has been previously shipped.

If you lose or need another copy of an existing 8130-3 please Contact us.

A Tanis preheat kit can be installed by an appropriately rated individual. Installation of any preheat system requires a log book entry at a minimum. An STC system should have the STC paperwork properly filed per the aircraft’s country of registration.

All piston engine kits include:

  • At least one case/oil sump heating element
  • Cylinder head heating elements
  • Wiring harness that includes fusing
  • A standard free hanging power plug

All helicopter and fixed wing kits include:

  • Heating for engines
  • Heating for gear boxes
  • Heating for fluids reservoirs (as applicable)
  • Heating for required accessories (as applicable)
  • Wiring harness that includes fusing
  • A power plug and indicator light (Flush mount or free hanging depending on kit)
  •   All turbine engine kits include:
  • Heating for engine bearings
  • Heating for control units (as applicable)
  • Heating for fluids reservoirs (as applicable)
  • Wiring harness that includes fusing
  • A power plug and indicator light (Flush mount or free hanging depending on kit)

 All battery heat kits include:

  • Wiring harness that includes controller and fusing (approximately 3 feet in length)
  • Install hardware (including: click bond, cable ties, optional connector kits, sealing caps)

*Purchased separately: Heating element for each battery, power plug [may be included with helicopter/fixed wing kits], Additional cable,

 See individual preheat kit descriptions and documentation for complete descriptions.  

The most current revsion of Documentation for current systems can be found on the individual kit/system’s pages on our website.

Replacement parts and Accessory installation documents can be found on their individual pages on our website.

General install documents including ICA, Pilot guides, and common instructions can be found also on our Technical Data page on our website.

Yes anyone with a valid email address can request an account.  There are 3 steps in this process:

1. You use Register for an account link and enter your information. The more information you provide the easier it is for us to approve your request.

2. An email is sent to you to from [email protected] informing you that your account is active.

3. You can then login and download any document with your account.

        If you have any issues please CONTACT US for additional help.

We do not recommend or sell a single element to heat the oil sump only.  We only sell complete preheat systems. Using a complete multi-point preheat system will “heat soak” the engine as recommended by engine/aircraft manufacturers.

Yes, but a “Letter of Authorization” is required from the aircraft’s manufacturer.

Yes, we have a maintenance manual approved system for the Cessna Skycatcher – TS02884.

Our system is designed to raise the engine temperature 60±10 degrees F° (33.3±5.5 C°) above ambient.

115 volt (104 thru 126 volt, 10%) [USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, excreta…] North American wall outlet voltage:

  • Standard 4 cylinder:       240 watts/ 2.1 amps/ $0.69 per day*
  • Standard 6 cylinder:       460 watts/ 4.0 amps/ $1.32 per day*
    *(Average North American cost per kilo-watt in US Dollars, $0.12)

230 volt (207 thru 253 volts, 10%) [Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, Australia, excreta…] World wall outlet voltage:

  • Standard 4 cylinder:       240 watts/ 1.0 amps/ $1.15 per day*
  • Standard 6 cylinder:       460 watts/ 2.0 amps/ $2.21 per day*
    *(Average world cost per kilo-watt in US Dollars, $0.20)

16+ gauge extension cord is normally adequate for 50 foot runs.

The longer the cord the heavier (lower) the gauge you should use.

A cold weather cord is recommended in cold regions for flexibility and reliability.

See your systems pilot guide for more information. (Example: TPG1000)

This is not an issue because our preheat system uses ground power. It is not used in flight.

PQ2364CE

7MT28 (previously was 1J0B1)

Yes, as long as it has adequate continuous wattage capacity.  It could be in AC or DC even.

Yes, each individual connector set can be replaced per our instruction TN02594.

You can use our bonding sealant TU02788 or reference our instruction TN02788 for alternate bonding sealants.

YES!  To do so follow these steps:

Login or Register for an account as necessary in the “MY ACCOUNT” section.

Click on the “Mag-glass” or”PRODUCT SEARCH” or “DOCUMENT SEARCH” on the upper option bar and type the Item Number in the search and/or navigate to the product page.  The Item number(s) can be found on your invoice or packing slip or packaging.

Scroll to the Downloads section of the page and expand the list.

View/Download all the documents shown that are applicable.

(It is recommend to retain (save/print) a copy for your records)
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