Winter Batteries. - Page 3

ol'George · #21 12-21-2010, 02:56 PM

Seems to me you are dancing around a compression release or a starter issue.
as most other things you have checked.

lowlyfzlucky · #22 12-23-2010, 11:32 PM

I tried putting a small space heater under the engine for about 2 hours. Turned the key and it fired right up. Thanks everyone for all their input and suggestions!!

cubs-n-bxrs · #23 12-24-2010, 12:08 AM

Just for curiosity's sake what weight oil are you using? I use Rotella 15w-40 in the winter and a 320cca battery and have not had any trouble starting my cubs. It was 7deg the other morning and they all sit out in an unheated barn. The 124 with the shaved head was a little hard starting but the other 2 started nicely. All of my ground connections are sanded and coated with di-electric grease. Never any corrosion problems. You know the old saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I have never had to use a heat lamp on any cub of mine and it gets blistering cold here in central N.Y. Just a thought.

JaysNJcub127 · #24 12-24-2010, 07:47 AM

how do you tell if your compression release is working correctly?

lowlyfzlucky · #25 12-24-2010, 10:24 AM

I also have Rotella 15-40 in my Cub. I plan on replacing all my battery cables in the spring. It should start with a new battery since it's stored in my garage. Either way, a little heat seemed to do the trick for getting it started for now.

cubs-n-bxrs · #26 12-24-2010, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaysNJcub127

how do you tell if your compression release is working correctly?

You can either take the head off or take off the breather cover and spin the motor over by hand. While doing so watch the exhaust valve on the compression stroke and it should pop up roughly a 1/16th of an inch or so. If it pops up it's working if not the spring could either be broken or have come off the cam weights. Also there is a little tab on the cam that can be bent up a little, never had to adjust one so someone else might be better able to explain that procedure.

william1041200 · #27 12-27-2010, 04:40 PM

if timing is offf.... hard to start even in july or august. mine started today with low battery in 25 degrees temperatures about 2-10 cranks no choke.
i may have a fuel loose carb needing rebuild helping, but since it responds to any choke lever addition, i doubt carb is a help or hinderance. I also still have 10-40 weight oil in engine.