Best practices for cold start

[JayBrd]

Originally Posted by powerpooch

Magnetic heater won't work on the oil pan, a magnet I had laying around wouldn't stick to it so I'm use the heater wouldn't either. Possibly might just have to get a 60 watt bulb and a large blanket to heat the engine I guess. As far as gas without ethanol I'm sure there is no such thing in this area.

Go to a box store or close out store and get a cheap (norm about 9.99) 500W halogen shop light. Make sure the tractor underside is clean and set that right below the motor. That will throw off a good amount of heat. I do this about an hour or so before I start the tractor and it really works good.

[Mooner]

Those halogen lights really put out lots of heat! Regarding ethanol-free gasoline, I'm not aware of any brands around here that don't have it, either. I know that gasoline that contains ethanol is especially bad for boat engines, since most of them have steel or aluminum fuel tanks, causing condensation at a fast rate. I know that our marina has ethanol-free fuel, but not sure where they get it.
As for oils, do you guys have a favorite brand that you use in your Cubs? I've been using NAPA's brand of SAE 30 for summer use. Aviation oil is readily available in SAE10.

[steve59]

I use AMSOIL SAE 30 Synthetic Small Engine Oil in all my small engines with Seafoam in the gas. I've never had any cold start problems with this combination. Tractor Supply also sells a 120 Volt, 80 watt dip stick heater that works great too.

[cmatthew]

bein that most gas has ethanol in it. running the sea foam in your gas helps with the moisture issue.

[edw]

on my 122 it seems to start easier with the sparkplug gapped at .035

[Dave R]

I went through the Ethanol thing with a Stihl chainsaw. Mine got hard to start and couldn't keep it running, so I bought a new one. When I got it the sales people cautioned me about using gasoline with Ethanol. They said they were getting more and more engines in that wouldn't run because of Ethanol. I should try to find a gasoline wiithout Ethanol.

So, I asked my Conoco station if they had any gasoline without Ethanol. They said their 90+ octane DID NOT have any ethanol. So I have been running that in all my small engine since then.

The people that owned the station said they had received many complaints about Ethanol in small engine also. Especially outboard engines. This is of particular importance to them since we live about 3 or 4 miles from Lake Bull Shoals in SW Missouri

Just my 2 cents worth.
Dave in SW Missouri

[Methos]

Originally Posted by edw

on my 122 it seems to start easier with the sparkplug gapped at .035

Ed if you have a electric start it should be gapped at .035. I use the autolite 216 plugs in my 122.

[Mlamar]

A little twist to the subject...since you mentioned the snow thrower. Don't forget to keep it lubed up. I was surprised at how much my chain was drying out from just sitting.

[powerpooch]

Thats just what I came in from, topped off the grease for the whole snow thrower and oiled the chain.

Need more gas for the cub anyway so I will ask if any of the gas doesn't have Ethanol.

I'll probably pick up a 500 watt light later also while getting gas.

[Mooner]

I use motorcycle (motocross) chain lube on the chain of my snowthrower. It's designed to stay on the chain even in the most extreme conditions. Regular oil won't last long in the snow.