Cockpit Heating

I believe the early Vans RV12's did use coolant for cabin heat.  They found that it took too dang long to get to temperature, and froze everyone.  They recently changed  it to an exhaust pipe heat muff, like on my Rv-12is.  Instant heat, and hotter.

My Rotax powered Sling TSi does indeed use an automotive style coolant heater. That said, newer models have switched to exhaust pipe heat. Presumably because it's simpler, and hotter. 

Hi Timothy/Mike,

You make a good point about the "Instant heat". 

"Hotter" - could be good however heat beyond a certain point would need be turned down. How easy is it to regulate?

Negatives ;

Increasing potential for CO poisoning - very real danger. 

Increased cockpit noise when "open".

Large firewall hot air duct penetration - increase noise, engine fire entering cockpit.

Positives ;

Instant heat 

Light weight.

No fan force/circulation  or electrical power  required - KISS

😈

Pleased to hear the later ones have gone back to a conventional exhaust can jacket heater. The liquid heater core ones under the instrument panel are impossible to bleed the air out as they are highest point of the liquid cooling system, terrible design and prone to getting air trapped.

"The liquid heater core ones under the instrument panel are impossible to bleed the air out as they are highest point of the liquid cooling system, terrible design and prone to getting air trapped."

Impossible? More likly a doable pain in the rear, that only occurs about every 2-5 years - on a par with the 5 year rubber replacement.

If the occasional  bleedings of the system is the only negative, there must be a host of positives - do tell?😈