Reiff engine sump heater

[Fred Medlock]

I just purchased a 1998 M20J that had a Reiff oil sump heater installed. I have looked in the cowl flaps for a plug but can’t find one. Before I remove the cowling does anyone have one of these installed and where is the plug in mounted?
 

Thanks

Friendly Skies Fred

[ohdub]

I have a Tannis so it may be different, but my plug is zip tied to the oil filler neck.

[Hank]

1 hour ago, ohdub said:

I have a Tannis so it may be different, but my plug is zip tied to the oil filler neck.

Mine, too. But it's also a Tanis.

[BlueDun]

My Ovation's Reiff plug is next to the oil filler neck as well.

[Buckeyechuck]

My Reiff is zip tied to the top of the engine mount just inside the inspection door for the oil dipstick. 

[hypertech]

The plug could be anywhere but the most common location is by the oil door.  The next time you an oil change look for the wire and follow it.

[cferr59]

Usually it is under the oil door, but if you can't find it, trace the cable coming off the sump heater.  Not sure why anyone would do this, but the system is modular and it is technically possible for someone to disconnect the upper part and leave the heater pads.

[Lance Link]

I had the same problem finally found the thing way to the rear of the oil filler door, it took me 20 minutes to find it with a good flashlight.

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard Fred!

Oil door... (mine)

If not... find the heating pad on the oil sump and follow the wire...   

Best regards,

-a-

[shawnd]

Welcome aboard Fred!

I am planning on getting a Reiff system installed soon. Some people have it installed so its accessible through the air inlets in the front (behind the prop). But most have it available by the oil filler cap. The benefit, some say, is that its easier to have it connected when parked outside while still having your intake covers on and the system in a "closed" state to keep the heat in. See the photo at the bottom of this page: http://www.reiffpreheat.com/product.htm#Turbo System

[rotorman]

Mine was not zip-tied to the filler neck so upon each use I would feel around that area and come up with it. Better if it is fixed to the neck.

[MatthiasArnold]

At my O2 the plug of the Reiff engine heater is accessible via the left hand-side cooling-air inlet of the engine. So you access it from the front of the airplane. See attached image (the little box on the ground is a voltage converter from 230Volts to 115Volts).

Best,

Matthias
 

 

Edited January 14, 2021 by MatthiasArnold

[MooneyAcolyte]

On 1/13/2021 at 11:17 PM, Fred Medlock said:

I just purchased a 1998 M20J that had a Reiff oil sump heater installed. I have looked in the cowl flaps for a plug but can’t find one. Before I remove the cowling does anyone have one of these installed and where is the plug in mounted?
 

Thanks

Friendly Skies Fred

I just fitted my M20J (1984) with a Reiff sump heater in the frame of "standard change" owner-installation. The dipstick tube seems to be the default place to put zip the plug to and so did I. Perhaps you can trace the cables from the heater elements on the sump using the cable layout provided by Reiff (attached). In case your cables have been removed (likely starting with the "Y"), I'm sure you can either remake them yourself or order them from Reiff. 

Edited January 15, 2021 by MooneyRookie