Chris in Milwaukee wrote:I had to start mine up on Friday morning from cold iron at 22F (because I didn't get over to plug it in the night before). Dave's primer technique actually worked pretty well. I had to finesse it a bit, because I wasn't sure how it was going to react. But I did get it started in fewer evolutions than I had in past days when trying to start it cold.

The 180 bucks like a frikkin' bronco until it gets fuel flowing (and igniting) in all cylinders. Must have been running on two cylinders for a bit until things finally caught up.

With this crazy North Carolina weather, its summer one day and winter the next. I haven't gotten another chance to try it cold but I plan to try dave's primer trick. Seems like a good idea.

My 180 bucked like yours, last time I started it cold. After I finally got it to light off, it was really pissed off for what seemed like an eternity before it smoothed out. I thought to myself, "no wonder the daggum exhaust have so many cracks and looseness problems with the engine beating its head against a wall on cold start.

With my plane just coming out of annual, it was found that I had six plugs out of tolerance and mags were out of time by a few degrees. Since new plugs were installed and the mags re-timed, it starts faster and more cleanly than I could have ever imagined. This winter (not that I'm wishing for it in June) should have some fabulous starts now!

Just bought a "standard" Reiff preheater, and leaving the plane plugged in overnight left the engine toasty and happy to start. Recommended !

Now to figure out a way to turn the Reiff on and off from miles away...

In the interest of following up with a final solution over a year later

Solution:

Thanks to GBarrier and Inglewood aviation,

Replaced both slick Mags. Also upgraded to impulse couplings on both mags. Now, the engine fires up beautifully within 2-4 blades no matter what temperature. although I do still pre-heat for oiling and longevity purposes

Lesson 1: I was unaware that slick mags have a SB for inspection at 500hrs (I did not own the A/C at 500hrs)
Lesson 2: Also unaware that slick mags should be rebuilt/replaced at 1000hrs (945hrs when I purchased the A/C)
Lesson 3: I should’ve heeded the advice of Rick (montana maule) and mountain doctor right from the “startâ€￾. (pun intended) thank you fellas!!!!

DonLindsay wrote:Just bought a "standard" Reiff preheater, and leaving the plane plugged in overnight left the engine toasty and happy to start. Recommended !

Now to figure out a way to turn the Reiff on and off from miles away...

Thank you for reminding me about this post so I could follow up.

I now have an E-Z heat oil pan preheater that works fantastic.

There is a prepaid cellphone and relay box option for connecting in your hanger that can be remotely switched on and off. Pretty cool system if you live far from your hangar.