INSPECTIONS Pilots and owners operating under FAR 91 can perform checks needed to assure proper operation of the heater prior to flight. Ensure that the combustion and ventilating air inlets, fuel drain line, and exhaust outlet, are not damaged and free from obstructions. Adjust the temperature control for a low setting and perform an operational check. (Use a thermometer [0 to 300 F] in the defrost outlet to determine the temperature range from low to high.) After the heater has begun to burn in low, allow it to run a minimum of two minutes to ensure proper operation. Move the heater control to mid-range and verify that the heater produces medium heat. Once mid-range has been verified, move the heat control to high. A high temperature of 200 F in the defrost outlet is reasonable. Set the thermostat to low, allowing the heater to run in this setting for two minutes to purge the combustion chamber prior to shutdown. According to the FAA, time on a combustion heater is based on 50 percent of tach time unless a dedicated heater hour meter is installed. Janitrol S series heaters require overhaul at 500 hours according to Janitrol; it is recommended all of the accessories be overhauled as well. Overhaul costs vary depending on the combustion tube condition. The externally mounted accessories (such as ignition, blower motor, fuel solenoid, fuel pump, etc.) are all additional overhaul costs associated with the S series heater, no ADs, pressure decay test at each 500-hour overhaul. B series Janitrol heaters vary in required overhaul time at either 1,000 or 1,500 hours with an AD requiring mandatory pressure decay test every 100-hour inspection or two years. South Wind heaters, having 2-inch diameter exhaust, require overhaul every 1,000 hours, requiring a pressure decay test at each overhaul according to the AD. South Winds, with a 1 1/2-inch diameter exhaust, require overhaul at 1,000 hours, and thereafter each 500 hours, unless a new combustion tube is installed. Most accessories are included with the overhaul since they are mounted on the unit. The remote fuel regulator/shut off is a separate item. C&D Associates Inc. heaters (FAA/PMA direct replacements for Janitrol and South Wind) call for overhaul at 2,000 hours with no ADs, but there is a recommended pressure decay test each 250 hours after reaching 2,000 hours. Does an AD Affect My Heater? All aircraft with a Janitrol heater of the B series (1 1/2-inch exhaust) have airworthiness directives. There are no ADs at this time on the S series heaters installed in the Baron manufactured prior to 1973 or the Travel Air. It would be prudent, however, for the owners of these airplanes to periodically perform a pressure decay test to check for leakage. What ADs Affect My Aircraft? AD 2004-21-05 affects heaters identified as Janitrol or Jan-Aero Devices of the B series design, installed in most Pipers except early models of Twin Comanche and early Aztec. This AD requires mandatory inspection and a pressure decay test for leakage every 100-hour inspection or two years. The purpose of the pressure decay test is to test for cracks or leaks in the combustion liner. Overhaul even with a new ceramic style combustion tube cannot eliminate the AD from a Janitrol heater. AD 81-09-09 affects most South Wind heaters and mandates 250-hour inspections and overhaul with a pressure decay test at each 1,000 hours.
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 21:10:56 +0000
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