Cold starts?

[kodanja]

How often in the cold winter months should you start your TR?


I usually start mine about every two weeks or so during the winter months..........

I would like to hear your thoughts?

 

[CinneaghTR]

That is about the same for me. Sometimes, I even get to get out and drive!

 

[TR3driver]

IMO, just starting it without driving it is actually worse than just winterizing it and letting it sit. The battery could use an occasional charge (or a good float charger all the time) however.

 

[TR3driver]

BTW, that old steam engine is cool ... where is that? It's not likely I'll be out your way any time soon, but in an infinite universe all things are possible

 

[kodanja]

<span style="font-weight: bold">the steam engine is in Essex Ct </span>


(so you recommend a constant trickle charge in the winter?)


It hard for me to get out and drive because of the snow and salt on the roads, so I usually let it idel till the temp gauge get warm...


I did change the antifreeze & oil prior to the cold weather, the battery seems to hold a good charge from week to week....

 

[Andrew Mace]

I tend to agree with you, Randall, as it's good to "warm up" more than just the engine. IF road conditions permit, I will warm the Herald once a month or so during winter and then go for a drive. Otherwise, I admit that I do start the car and let the engine thoroughly warm up!

 

[kodanja]

In my old 1980 mercedes 240D I had a electric dip stick.

do ya think its a good idea to use that type of device prior to starting a TR?

 

[Andrew Mace]

It's certainly easier on the starter motor! :wink:

 

[TR3driver]

Well, where I live now we don't really have "winter" per se; it's more of something I can go visit when I choose. So you can factor that into what my opinion is worth

But starting the engine and letting it idle doesn't get the oil warm enough to boil off water and contaminants that are put there by starting the engine from cold. The result can be excess sludge and varnish in the crankcase, etc.

So if you know for sure that you can't drive the car for more than say, 3 months, IMO it's better to coat the cylinders walls with oil, drain the float bowls, and let it sit. I have stored other kinds of motors this way (outboard motors, chainsaws, lawnmowers, etc.) and it seems to work well.

But if there is a chance you can drive it, then Andy's method is probably as good as anything.

 

[71MKIV]

You can come visit us in central PA and see live steam engines, and I'll even show you around the shop.

www.strasburgrailroad.com

 

[kodanja]

I really hate to get all that salt on it, the roads wont be clean agin around here till mid march or so....

it seems to start right up.
I did have to spray a little starting fluid into the carbs one time to get it going but once I pumped the fuel pump a couple times I had no problem.

as you all know I'm not a Pureist when it comes to my TR6...(far from original)

 

[tomshobby]

At least once a month.

 

[kodanja]

 

[TR3driver]

In my old 1980 mercedes 240D I had a electric dip stick.

do ya think its a good idea to use that type of device prior to starting a TR?

What oil do you use, and how cold is the engine? If you are getting close to the pour point of your oil (say within 20F), then a heater is almost a requirement. Some of those old diesels used straight-weight oils with pour points not much below 0F.

But if you're using a modern "multi-grade" synthetic, then I doubt a heater would be much benefit. The Synpower 20W50 I use has a pour point of almost -40F, so not likely to be a problem.

 

[tomshobby]

Ha Ha mine is painted!!

 

[TR3driver]

You can come visit us in central PA and see live steam engines, and I'll even show you around the shop.

Wow, thanks for the invite, Steve! The Stasbourg was already on my list of things to do, if I ever make it to PA again, but it will be good having the inside information.

 

[tomshobby]

Couldn't help doing one more.

 

[kodanja]

very kewl trains!!!

I use a 20/50w oil.....So I guess its not really an issue

 

[tomshobby]

The 10 wheeler is at Black River Falls, WI and the Big Boy is in the museum at Green Bay, WI. That is a great place to visit.

 

[kodanja]

Too kewl
If I ever get out that way Id love to check it out