Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2023 21:35:46 -0600
Reply-To: John Rodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Cold Weather starting
In-Reply-To: <211586157.1626069.1676602648578@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Block heater is essential in subzero cold. When it's like that, sometimes
the engine will not even turn over, even with a fully charged battery. Then
too is the flow ability of the oil to critical parts thru the oil channels.
Want to kill an engine? Start one in extreme cold and watch it throw a rod
or something. Of course I'm talking about Alaska cold since I lived there
for so many years. But there are places in the Lower 48 that get that cold
also. Diesels are never shut down on the North Slope because they would
never start again in winter. I have seen men do chin ups on propellers
stored horizontally on aircraft engines in Alaska cold. I saw an aircraft
engine fail just after lift off because even though the temp gauge showed
warm, the oil in the engine oil sump was still a block on take off and
there was not enough warm oil to circulate and lube the engine parts under
the heavy load of takeoff. be sure your engine is well warmed up before
driving off somewhere. It should be warm enough to put out hot air in your
heaters before moving.
On Thu, Feb 16, 2023 at 8:57 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
wrote:
> Oh....I forgot to mention....this starter configuration is on a Subie
> EJ22. This motor has higher compression than WBX motors, by a lot. No
> problem. Works every time.
>
> On Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 06:22:09 PM PST, Richard Koerner <
> rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
> Righto. The Bosch SR0408X with Karl's adapter is the way to go (mine
> was a rebuild...seems ok...but what the heck do I know, but 3 years later
> it is wonderful). Super duper powerful. I have no knowledge of zubzero
> weather. But what are you going to do anyhow? I had mechanic do the job;
> at most, it's some crimping here and there....he shrugged...just did it.
> Just let the mechanic do it....don't fret about OEM plug and all...get down
> to basics.
>
> On Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 06:01:44 PM PST, David Boan <
> dboan@outlook.com> wrote:
>
> Thanks for all the prompt replies. I took a look at the Westy Ventures
> website, and if I understand, the adaptor is so I can use a newer '96 - '03
> VW starter. The Bosch SR0408X/409X seems to be what is recommended. Is this
> starter what most people would suggest, again, thinking in terms of subzero
> weather?
>
> It looks like an OEM plug is also needed? Does this all just bolt on?
>
> Dave B
> Boise
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net>
> Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2023 4:28 PM
> To: David Boan <dboan@OUTLOOK.COM>
> Cc: Vanagon List <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Subject: Re: Cold Weather starting
>
> Hi David,
>
> I would recommend Karl’s adaptor that works with either a TDI or gas
> gear reduction starter. Same advantages as GW or the ones Dennis mentioned
> now on Amazon but these are easier to get on the road if needing a
> replacement.
>
> I have one on my 85 and love it. And, am about to put one on my 84.
>
> Eric Caron
>
>
>
>
> > On Feb 16, 2023, at 6:21 PM, David Boan <dboan@OUTLOOK.COM> wrote:
> >
> > Hello Vanagon Types
> >
> > I just returned from a short trip to our local mountains to do some
> snowshoeing. My van is well setup for driving in snow although not a
> syncro. The challenge I face is not the snow but getting the van to start
> in sub-zero temps. The other morning at 8 AM it was -10f, and it is not
> uncommon to be much colder than that. When my starter battery starts to
> give up I can jump it from my two 100ah house batteries, but it still
> cranks slowly and took me more than a half hour to get it started.
> >
> > I am wondering if I would be better off with a gear reduction starter. I
> read that GoWesty recommends the high output gear reduction starter for
> operating in sub-zero temps. So, my question is, does anyone have
> experience with this starter? For those of you in the cold climates, does
> this seem like a good investment?
> >
> > Dave B
> > Boise
> > '85 Westy
>
>
>
>
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