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cold weather help needed

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by dunl, Nov 10, 2013.

  1. Nov 10, 2013
    dunl

    dunl Member

    Sylvan Lake, Alberta
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    Tried starting the CJ6 today, and it is -10 here (14 F for my Yankee brethern down south). The jeep cranks over slowly, but won't start. I need to change over to a winter oil, and I'm looking for recommendations for a good winter oil for here. Some necessary info.....gets down to -40 here (both temp scales).

    Also...what's the correct procedure for starting in cold temps? I've got a basic understanding....is there a SPECIFIC procedure or is it more of a black art, go by the feel of it thing?
     
  2. Nov 10, 2013
    68BuickV6

    68BuickV6 Well-Known Member

    Hesperia, CA.
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    What engine? Carb? What oil do you currently use?

    Have you considered a block heater?
    At negative 40 I'd begin to think it might not be a bad idea.

    Just my .02
     
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2013
  3. Nov 10, 2013
    dunl

    dunl Member

    Sylvan Lake, Alberta
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    Good grief....sorry, what a rookie mistake.

    It's the original F-Head. Everything is original. And yeah, I have an inline coolant heater that might be getting installed soon. :) But at -10, I didn't think I'd need it yet.
     
  4. Nov 10, 2013
    dunl

    dunl Member

    Sylvan Lake, Alberta
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    Found this....apparently it DOES have a specific starting procedure. She cranked up right away when I did this.
     
  5. Nov 10, 2013
    68BuickV6

    68BuickV6 Well-Known Member

    Hesperia, CA.
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    Good!

    I was waiting to see what oil you were using before commenting. But the general guidelines I follow before a real cold winter is as follows.

    1) Inspect starting system/ignition system to insure proper operation
    2) Check that the choke functions properly.
    3) Change oil to a lighter grade for winter if needed.
    4) Attempt to start with no choke.
    5) If starting does not occur with no choke, try about 1/2 choke.
    6) If starting does not occur with 1/2 choke, try full choke while lightly pumping the gas.
    7) Play around with it until it starts, but don't over do it by revving the engine hard before oil pressure is reached.
     
  6. Nov 10, 2013
    bolerpuller

    bolerpuller Member

    Great White North
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    I'm on the West Coast so our temps don't drop as much as yours, but I've been kicking over the block heater idea too. Could you tell me what/where to get one, and if you like yours?
    Thanks!
     
  7. Nov 10, 2013
    Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Châtillon en...
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    In cold places (Siberia) they put a heater below the engine (electric, or oil).
    When I want to start, if some days without going, I use the fuel pump to fill well the carb.
    You can also have the use of a 2nd battery outside to have more power.
    Be sure your carb is clean? my accelerator pump filter was dirty so, problem.
    Do you have a hand accelerator on your dash.

    This is what they use on military Willys.
    I have one, it is very useful, you tear it a little bit.
    Ignition must be clean too, having a powerful fire on the spark plug is important.

    I tear the choke at half, and hand accelerator a little bit.
    I press the starter button. It starts, then I push the choke until it turns well, and I let heat the engine.
    After 2 minutes it is OK, I push the choke.

    I have seen a big difference with the accelerator pump on the carb in good condition. Cleaned.
     
  8. Nov 10, 2013
    dunl

    dunl Member

    Sylvan Lake, Alberta
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    I'm not sure what is in there for oil, as I haven't changed it yet. (yes, I know I should).

    Looking for recommendations for this engine for a good winter oil. :)
     
  9. Nov 10, 2013
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    I think a 10-30 oil works fine.

    When it was my daily driver, I have started 6 volt f-heads at thirty below, but you only get one chance at it. I would always put in new points, cap and rotor each Fall.
     
  10. Nov 10, 2013
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    I suffered through a winter in northern New Brunswick where there as a prolonged spell of -30/-40 C. A block heater is nice but what made the biggest difference for starting was an electric battery blanket- with the block heater it would crank a bit before it caught, with the blanket on that engine spun like it was the middle of summer.

    H.
     
  11. Nov 10, 2013
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Or you could do it like the old days... build a campfire under the oil pan.
     
  12. Nov 10, 2013
    dunl

    dunl Member

    Sylvan Lake, Alberta
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    Howard, I'm from PEI. I know the weather. :)

    So are you saying that more juice (from having a warmer battery) is more effective than a block or coolant heater?
     
  13. Nov 10, 2013
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    That's my experience- extreme cold certainly sucks the life out of them. Now the block heater will make a difference but to me the main benefit was the heater blowing warm air as soon as it was on. :)

    H.
     
  14. Nov 11, 2013
    dunl

    dunl Member

    Sylvan Lake, Alberta
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    My heater is a coolant heater...not electric.
     
  15. Nov 11, 2013
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    So was mine- FYI it was a '79 chevy suburban with a 350. Now that truck had the quickest heater for blowing warm air I've ever seen but with the block heater running it was blowing warm immediately at start up. :)

    H.
     
  16. Nov 11, 2013
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
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    Block heater in the main line for the bottom radiator hose is what we always used (NW Colorado -20s regular to the -40s at times). We kept them plugged in with a timer so it would come on a couple hours before we got up and going. Instant heat, and if you left the defrost on, the radiant heat as it flowed would clear the windshield too.
     
  17. Nov 11, 2013
    Mr. Gangrene Jeans

    Mr. Gangrene Jeans I See Voices&Hear Visions

    Kansas City
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    My Dad tells the story of his Dad, with cars back in the 40's shoveling hot coals from the woodstove onto the crossmember. If he knew it needed to start first thing, he would drain the oil the night before and leave it in a pan on the woodstove. What a bunch of stinky fuss and bother, I feel fortunate to give that a miss. I don't think it needs to be a battery blanket, although I have one on the wife's Cherokee, Dad just plugged in the 75/100 watt trouble light in the cage, and put it next to the battery. At -40, I would use all of the choices, or not shut it off from October to March.
     
  18. Nov 11, 2013
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
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    I found that taking a hub cap from that neighbour that won't return your shovel and putting a little charcoal in it and lighting that up, then sliding it under the oil pan works real well!
     
  19. Nov 11, 2013
    bolerpuller

    bolerpuller Member

    Great White North
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    Forgive the newbie question....If it's not electric, what did it run on?
    Also would like to know were I can get one?
    Thanks!
     
  20. Nov 12, 2013
    68BuickV6

    68BuickV6 Well-Known Member

    Hesperia, CA.
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    Coolant from the engine would flow through the heater core and heat it that way typically.
     
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