OMG! it's freakin cold out!

[mzf]

i can't believe my car started this morning! bet ya $10 kerry's s2k doesn't start. :rolleyes:

[Brian_Earl_Spilner]

Pfft. Newer Hondas have ZERO trouble starting in cold.

[Kerry]

Pfft. Newer Hondas have ZERO trouble starting in cold.

That's a joke right? My S2000 has a 400cc battery, and I don't have a block heater. I pushed the start button this morning and all I got was *Long Pause... Wuhwoo* That was it, the starter turned once.

I went over to Catrina's little Focus (Which she didn't have plugged in) and started 'er up.

My car does not start sub -30 degrees. I think 'll try and start it tomorrow. =)

[Brian_Earl_Spilner]

That's a joke right?
No!

My Civic starts like a charm in this weather, my mom's Civic starts like a charm in this weather, my friend's Accord starts like a charm in this weather...

[poSSum]

You think this is cold? When I was a kid ....... :p :D

[Kerry]

No!

My Civic starts like a charm in this weather, my mom's Civic starts like a charm in this weather, my friend's Accord starts like a charm in this weather...

What size batteries are in those cars? The car was so cold today I'm not sure that a block heater would have helped, the transmission oil was a gummy, it was like pulling the shifter through sludge. So it's still sitting at home.

[I8AV8]

we have a a couple people here at work that came from warmer climates and this is their first winnipeg winter - i really think its funny hearing their reaction to this type of cold. you can tell them how cold it gets here, but it just doesn't sink in until it's -48 and you have to go out...

[niks325i]

I8AV8, What's with the avatar? http://www.wpg-autox.org/forums/images/icons/icon8.gif Woman hater?

Nik

[Brian_Earl_Spilner]

What size batteries are in those cars? The car was so cold today I'm not sure that a block heater would have helped, the transmission oil was a gummy, it was like pulling the shifter through sludge. So it's still sitting at home.
The same dinky little 400CC battery as the S2000s.

Shifting I agree is sluggish, but the cars do start.

Then again, the S2000s certainly aren't much of a winter car to begin with.

[Kerry]

It still starts if you don't plug it in? Maybe the force needed to turn the engine in the S is greater than the others. I know mine won't start when it's this cold.

[Burn]

VW/Audi's don't even have block heaters... oil pan heaters and inline coolant heaters... but talk about contradiction.. I haven't plugged our Jetta in for 3 years+.. EXCEPT last winter one night... and the incorrectly dealership installed inline heater burned a hole through a hose... hehehehe.

Car turned and ran fine first try today.

[Blk996]

It still starts if you don't plug it in? Maybe the force needed to turn the engine in the S is greater than the others. I know mine won't start when it's this cold.

Sounds like your starter needs more torque too! :p

Cavalier started like a charm (plugged in though).


Born in Vancouver, moved here in 1991, and I still can't stand this cold weather.

[I8AV8]

I8AV8, What's with the avatar? http://www.wpg-autox.org/forums/images/icons/icon8.gif Woman hater?

Nik

my apologies if it's offensive.

i have my moods, i'll change it...

[Burn]

Sounds like your starter needs more torque too! :p

Cavalier started like a charm (plugged in though).


Born in Vancouver, moved here in 1991, and I still can't stand this cold weather.

Cold weather meh, put on another coat ;)

Thing I don't miss about the coast is no sun! I love that even though it is cold as the North Pole here.. at least the sun comes out between October and April... back west people would be close to wrist slashing by mid spring!

[niks325i]

my apologies if it's offensive.

i have my moods, i'll change it...

Thanks. Not sure what you mean by it, but I think it could be interpreted quite negatively. We all have times of frustration, but I and I'm sure others on here would appreciate it if you did change it. Thanks. http://www.wpg-autox.org/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

Nik

[Blk996]

Thanks. Not sure what you mean by it, but I think it could be interpreted quite negatively.

I thought he was just offering her a cookie :)

Thing I don't miss about the coast is no sun! I love that even though it is cold as the North Pole here.. at least the sun comes out between October and April... back west people would be close to wrist slashing by mid spring!

Ahh... that old argument. Me, I'd take the rain over the cold any day for winter. And you'd find that opinion with most people who live on the West coast, and the opposite opinion here. And come Summer, there's plenty of sunshine out West.

[STi_Sue]

I don't usually plug my car in, but I did last night! Even so she was still quite unhappy about starting. Then I went and pulled the end off my block heater cord trying to get it unplugged, doh! So I guess it doesn't matter now, lol. :rolleyes:

I still haven't gotten around to finding a way to protect my clutch master cylinder, it just hasn't been cold enough often enough these last two winters to bother. Not so today! This weather makes shifting interesting. :D

I8AV8, please do change it. Thanks.

Sue :)

[90RioGS]

Kerry's car is gonna have significantly higher compression than a Civic or Accord, so yeah it will require more torque to crank the engine.
Kerry, if you want something to help the cold starts, but can't find/get a block heater, try a battery blanket. There are also other solutions like magnetic or stick-on warmers for the oil pan.

[Corey]

After speaking to some people in the block heater business, I plug in my cars every chance I get when it's below freezing. There have been numerous studies done that document a reduction in engine wear, unfortunately I only have anecdotal evidence of them.

Ahh... that old argument. Me, I'd take the rain over the cold any day for winter.
I've never been so cold in my life as I was at a VCMC autocross at Boundary Bay. It was around 2C with driving rain. It just chilled me to the bone and there was no way to stay dry as the wind blew the rain in any openings in your jacket/pants. I prefer days like today over that.

I still haven't gotten around to finding a way to protect my clutch master cylinder, it just hasn't been cold enough often enough these last two winters to bother. Not so today! This weather makes shifting interesting. :D
I had the same issue with my WRX today! I pumped the clutch pedal whenever I was stopped at a light, but as soon as I had been driving for a while it felt like the fluid was nearly frozen on the next clutch application. The brakes were similar, but not as bad. I couldn't imagine how it would be on your highway drives!

[mixed_menace]

no block heater (damn US car)..started fine though. Hooray for Optima Yellow Tops!

[grail]

I just came from a highway drive in my subie. Talk about interesting! Definitely no fast shifting being done. hehe...

[Gemini]

That's a joke right? My S2000 has a 400cc battery, and I don't have a block heater. I pushed the start button this morning and all I got was *Long Pause... Wuhwoo* That was it, the starter turned once.

If only you'd followed Catrina's advice and bought a Miata you'd be driving your own car today. :p

[justkickin]

Mine started right up, plugged in. Always plugged in below -10 around here unless it is in the garage (then -20). As for the clutch, starting was stiff. By the time I left the sitters it was acceptable. I have synthetic in the tranny as well.

Half way to work I had to undo my jacket, take off the gloves and turn down the heater!

Guess Nissan > Honda in the cold as well! :D

And if you think this is cold, try Iqaluit in February...that is COLD!!!

[Kerry]

If only you'd followed Catrina's advice and bought a Miata you'd be driving your own car today. :p

But I wouldn't be able to live with myself. At least I can say the Focus isn't mine.

:D

[Hard Dog]

It's days like these that I'm happy that my manual tranny car is parked for the winter.:D It's so much fun, in -30 weather, to shift gears when it feels like your transmission is filled with tar and you need both feet to depress the clutch pedal (and then hope it comes back up).:(

[mindslide9]

i had to enter my buddy's integra from the trunk last nite, then press open the doors...it started no problem but shifting was a different story.

[I8AV8]

I8AV8, please do change it. Thanks.

Sue :)

no need to flog a dead horse.

[ForesterCarlin]

I am so glad I am stuck in Thunder Bay and my car is sitting at home not being used. By the time I get home the cold spell is supposed to be over. The most inconvenienced i have been from the cold was the tips of my hair freezing on my walk across the street in the morning from my hotel to my office.

[nishanna]

93 Civic, turbo'd, 180,000 kms - started in the morning after an overnight spell of -36C, NOT PLUGGED IN! Had to turn over about 5 times first, but still started. I couldn't believe it at the time, but now I realize that's just how good Hondas are :p :D

TSX - always started easily no matter how cold, but always plugged in

S2000 - always started easily last winter no matter how cold, but always plugged in

In all cases though, the clutch was pretty much like pushing it through mud... and the S2000's normal notchiness in the gears was amplified x10 (had to double-clutch almost every shift until it warmed up)

Oh yeah, the pathfinder was parked outside all day today and started up no problem for the drive home from work and it wasn't plugged in. Not bad for 300,000 kms! And I'm glad that it's taking the beating and the S2k is nice and warm in my underground parking spot.

[jeff]

The CR-V started last night after about 6 hours without being plugged in, but it was rough. Took about 5 or 6 tries. This morning it was plugged in and started easily, but the power steering was crazy stiff. I think the city should just declare a frozen-in day if it's below -33c. Just plain sucks.

[20v101]

Van wasnt plugged in, and command start did its job. I remember the stock motor in the corolla. It sat outside not used for 2 years. one day my jetta was frozen, and barney (f150) was frozen, yet the corolla with the blown tranny started. Just pissed me off lol. My cressida though was the same way, always would start no issue.

[grail]

Sounds almost like my brother's old mazda turbo 323. You couldn't drive in the rain without taking on water... but man, it would start every time in the cold. :)

[mzf]

we should start a pool on if kerry will be able to start his car tomorrow. it's not supposed to get any warmer til early next week.

[Kerry]

lol, I think I can do it tomorrow. :p

[codewhore]

i wonder if my car even has a block heater. car started first crank this morning...once it actually decided to try to crank. it's odd, turn the key to the start position and nothing happens besides the light on the dash. did that a few times and then it decided to give it a go.

[niks325i]

Both vehicles started fine this morning. I had to drive the BMW to work. One heavy weight item I refuse to dump is my heated seat. Mmm good! :)

Nik

[JT_TT]

yea i'm in kelowna, little bit warmer here, andlast night before i left for the airport it was garage kept,but i'm not all worried about the TT, it may not have a block heater at all, but i'm running 0-30 AMS oil provided by Fastsynthetics.ca (there's a plug for ya big guy) and the oil has a cold pump tempurature of -58 orsomething stupid it. but vw's ussually start up no problem.

happy birthday guys!!!

oh and corey and dustin i'll think of you when i hit big white :p

oh yea and its warmer here....

[917guy]

My first week here was 21 years ago. Nights at -37, days at -24to26, and no block heater in the 289ci 66 Mustang with the tiny OE size 22F battery. Started half the time; got boosted the other mornings. Put in a block heater 3 days later, and got a new Pony w block heater by week's end. Since then, I appreciate the benefits of using it even on -5 and -10 days. Lots of data from tests reported at SAE on flow versus wear, and the flow characteristics go way bad at these temps. I wrote the (IEC) international test method for non-Newtonian low temp viscosity. Develped method in 1987-88 and finished the approval process about 12 years ago.

The Pony had a gear-oil filled steering box, which like some manual transmissions would freeze up. Today was not cold enough for that for the Geo, which has a grease filled non assist rack, and a trans with lighter oil. You really should change your trans oil in fall.

The Geo does not have a place for a freeze-plug heater, just a little low power heater 'near' the intake manifold. It started fine with about 90 minutes on the timer this morning, but it did take 8 seconds, not its usual 2 to 4. I moved the timer back 2 hours...

Kid's Stellar started OK, but his block heater went open-circuit (they should have about 35 ohms (after you disconnect all other loads); I am waiting until it gets a bit warmer before I change the heater (and test its cord). In the meantime his $75 auction car doesn't seem to mind the cold... Geo and Stellar get bigger batteries every winter. worth carrying a few extra pounds.

If you use a 600 to 800 watt interior warmer, you never have to scrape, and the whole interior is warm most days. I have been doing that for nearly 40 years. Worth the 14 cents.

David

[mzf]

i just got confirmation that my block heater was not plugged in. i went to plug it in when i got home just now to find the end had broken off. the wires are so corroded there's no way it's carrying a current. so i'm officially now without a working block heater. doh!

[wpgfordguy]

TRY HAVING 350 CARS THAT WON'T START!!!

mine were ok at home, but my garage is at 14 degrees :P

[justkickin]

TRY HAVING 350 CARS THAT WON'T START!!!
All Fords I bet. :D :laugh: You should have a Nissan on the lot to boost those with. :lol:

[CDN-SiR-02]

Mine started right up, plugged in. Always plugged in below -10 around here unless it is in the garage (then -20). As for the clutch, starting was stiff. By the time I left the sitters it was acceptable. I have synthetic in the tranny as well.

Half way to work I had to undo my jacket, take off the gloves and turn down the heater!

Guess Nissan > Honda in the cold as well! :D

And if you think this is cold, try Iqaluit in February...that is COLD!!!

Man it's gonna be great seeing you in traffic this spring and knowing my little civic has more horsepower and torque per pound than the almighty Altima. Ohhhh yesss, I'm gonna rub it in too..:woot:

..and yes the civic started first crank, not plugged in.

[HondaMike]

After speaking to some people in the block heater business, I plug in my cars every chance I get when it's below freezing. There have been numerous studies done that document a reduction in engine wear, unfortunately I only have anecdotal evidence of them.

I appreciate the benefits of using it even on -5 and -10 days. Lots of data from tests reported at SAE on flow versus wear, and the flow characteristics go way bad at these temps.

I'm with you guys on that one. I bought my old Civic with 240K on it, was from Ontario, ie. no cold starts in its life. Had to have a block heater installed and I always had it plugged in under -15 after that. Made it to 308K without so much as a drop of oil burnt or any noticable engine issues. Of-course rust was a different story...

Having said that my newer 95 Civic started fine on Thursday after being left in the frigid windswept Canad Inns parking lot all day. Course then my wife left the lights on on Friday so it didn't start then. Boosted fine but I'm wondering how many cells in the battery froze... Time will tell I guess.

[justkickin]

Man it's gonna be great seeing you in traffic this spring and knowing my little civic has more horsepower and torque per pound than the almighty Altima.
But I can still carry more groceries and have more cargo nets! :p :laugh:

[mzf]

All Fords I bet. :D :laugh: You should have a Nissan on the lot to boost those with. :lol:


hahahaha that's awesome! nicely done, tim!

[20v101]

Man it's gonna be great seeing you in traffic this spring and knowing my little civic has more horsepower and torque per pound than the almighty Altima. Ohhhh yesss, I'm gonna rub it in too..:woot:

Will this be the year of the weight/hp ratio battles? I should be close to 200 at the crank boosted, and my car is a bit lighter... could be good :)

[mzf]

350 will still own you all. :D

[917guy]

Whenever you suspect that a batt has run down, you should bring it indoors for many hours to make sure any freezing is reversed. An overnnight in the basement will minimize damage. A bit of plate shifting makes it subject to 'not being there when you need it most' syndrome. Even if the ends don't get forced out 10-15mm, it can still be harmed by freezing. Any cell discharged will be filled with a liquid with a freezing point above our current ambient.

I always keep spares. If a relative screws up and discharges a batt, I swap it out, and let the discharged one warm. Next day, I charge it up.

Ontario: When I worked for Eldorado Nuclear, an hour the other side of Toronto, we had a -34C one morning. The Datsun 510, with no form of preheat, still started within 15 seconds. (about 1980) It helps that all across Canada, the oil companies put a lot of C4/C5 stuff in the retail gasoline. A gallon takes you fewer km, but they start so much better, when the mixture includes extremely volatile stuff.

David

[justkickin]

350 will still own you all.
STi will own 350...if not, it won't be the drivers fault, it will be because Nissan > Subaru. :D (Gotta start the excuses early).

[90RioGS]

But I can still carry more groceries and have more cargo nets! :p :laugh:
I wouldn't be so sure. Never underestimate the cargo capacity of a hatchback! I moved from my old apartment to my mom and dad's one year... with my CRX! That included a computer desk, computer, TV, TV stand, and much much more!

[CDN-SiR-02]

Actually Wray's got a good point... I can put a huge load of stuff in my car!

Cool, now I'll be able to really mock you :D

Honda Civic Si-R > Nissan Altima SE-R

[90RioGS]

Steve, you speak as if me having a good point is a rare occurence.. :moon:

[wpgfordguy]

hey tim...


http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/700991/2/istockphoto_700991_you_suck.jpg

[niks325i]

... but i'm running 0-30 AMS oil provided by Fastsynthetics.ca (there's a plug for ya big guy) and the oil has a cold pump tempurature of -58 orsomething stupid it. but vw's ussually start up no problem...



Hey thanks! It should definitely make for easier starts and better lubrication in this weather.http://www.wpg-autox.org/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

Nik

[justkickin]

I can put a huge load of stuff in my car!
And there goes your power to weight ratio. :D

And a supercharger is cheating. Fun, yes, but still cheating. I can't wait for a chance to drive that thing though. Should be a lot of fun. Okay, so I have no comeback.

Nice pic Matt. :D

[wpg1.8qt]

Friday AM.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g185/JettaMK5/IMG_0038.jpg

Cheers.

[RobynT]

Sounds like your starter needs more torque too! :p

Cavalier started like a charm (plugged in though).


Born in Vancouver, moved here in 1991, and I still can't stand this cold weather.

haha born in manitoba, lived 14 years in manitoba...still can't stand the cold. :D winter sucks, and hey i'm the one that gets shoved out into the snow every day at school lol what are all of you complaining about?...and i have to wait for the bus too...:D

[mzf]

awesome drive to school this morning. the lights at waverley and bishop were out AGAIN! talk about a tedious drive today!

[Talon_Claudio]

Anyone with an older car and a hydraulic clutch might try changing the fluid this summer. Mine uses brake fluid, and when I flushed the system the response on really cold days was night and day.
As far as cold starts go, battery blankets help the car start, block heaters and oil heaters help a little less on the starting, but help with wear and tear.
Looks like there are a couple of warm days coming, so anyone with an S2000 had better get ready.

[mzf]

freakin -40 BEFORE the wind this morning.

i just have one question. how the @#$! did people live here 200 years ago? what the hell were they thinking!?!?!?!?!

[JT_TT]

well, still no block heater, and she still starts up like it's minus 10 :-)

[Hard Dog]

I had a REAL hard time getting on the plane in LA after I looked at the weather at home!! Stepping out of the airport on Saturday night just about killed me!:banghead:

[STi_Sue]

Stepping out of the airport on Saturday night just about killed me!:banghead:
LOL. Dave, I can't really muster any sympathy for someone who just spent one of the coldest MB weeks in California, sunny or not. :p :D

My car started this morning (even though plug still not fixed) but you can tell she's not made for MB weather... my outside temp gauge only goes to -30, lol.

Sue :)

[niks325i]

well, still no block heater, and she still starts up like it's minus 10 :-)

It's that good oil you got from me, JT!:) Gotta like that -42 degree Celsius pour point!;)

Nik

[SOLORX7]

couldn't belive it,the firefly started this morning.then I remembered I didn't plug it in last night! double wow!

[piston_honda]

Did Kerry ever get his S2000 started or is it still sitting in his parking lot??? :)

[conebasher]

That's a joke right? My S2000 has a 400cc battery, and I don't have a block heater. I pushed the start button this morning and all I got was *Long Pause... Wuhwoo* That was it, the starter turned once.

I went over to Catrina's little Focus (Which she didn't have plugged in) and started 'er up.

My car does not start sub -30 degrees. I think 'll try and start it tomorrow. =)

Kerry, I'm suprised nobody has suggested it yet but just get your oil changed to 5w30 full synthetic. When I was a truck driver I had a rusted out 1988 Chevy Suburban (you remember that beast?) with no block heater. I would park it in a field in Altona while I was on the road for weeks at a time and it always started because I had synthetic oil in it. The MINI isn't even available with a block heater, has a tiny battery mounted way out back (long battery cable=voltage drop) and it always starts, as does the high compression Hemi in my truck.

[90RioGS]

Personally, I don't think oil has a great effect on the ability to start, though it certainly does reduce engine wear on start-up.
On a side note, I believe the S2000's already run a 20-weight oil (probably 0w20 is recommended for winter), and most owners end up putting Mobil 1 or something similar in anyway.

[SRT BRAD]

Haha, winter beater 87 Shadow with 312K starts not plugged in!

[Kerry]

Actually, I replaced the stock battery with a 500cca Optima battery and haven't had another problem. It starts every time. Even on Saturday when Catrina's car wouldn't mine started right up.

[wpgfordguy]

power steering fluid freezing all over town, probably a dozen towed or limped in with power steering lines blown off ( PINKLDY included)

the mustang.... it's awesome, and LOVES the cold, dense air. poly bushings are a little creaky though.

[codewhore]

power steering fluid freezing all over town, probably a dozen towed or limped in with power steering lines blown off ( PINKLDY included)
power steering problems when it is sooooo cold?!?!? i never would have guessed. ;)

[Brian_Earl_Spilner]

My car starts and runs fine in the cold, but damn is the clutch pedal ever a leg workout to press until the car warms up.

[ForesterCarlin]

My solution is just not driving my car....this is the first winter I don't have to drive my car everyday and I plan on giving my car a break until it warms up a bit. I can tell the difference in my power steering now that i am using synthetic fluid, it "warms up" a lot quicker. But I hear you on the left leg clutch workout.

[nishanna]

what left leg workout? my automatic pwnz you all! hahahaha

[Corey]

My car starts and runs fine in the cold, but damn is the clutch pedal ever a leg workout to press until the car warms up.
Try an STI clutch! The fluid never warms up due to the blast of air from the hood scoop and there's an orifice in the line to keep the kiddies from blowing up trannies due to side-stepping the clutch.

After highway driving for a while you don't even need to modulate the clutch while starting from a stop - the pedal comes up at its own speed. :(

[mzf]

my power steering fluid dumped all over the driveway yesterday morning when i started the car. yay! i'm hoping it's a bit warmer out tomorrow. if it's not just a hose popped off, i think i'll just remove the power steering belt and go without. :)

[90RioGS]

Cable clutch OWNS!
Of course, I'm not driving my car in the winter anyways.. but.. back when I did, I never had to worry about my clutch. Transmission got pretty sludgy though..

[JT_TT]

my clutch doesn't feel that bad at all, i know mine uses the brake fluid and brake booster to work. power steering was tougher, but still one hand opperation, which i thought would be alot tougher because of the quick ratio. but i can see how some older dried out lines would NOT like this weather, or a small design flaw would be highly exagurated at this tempurature.

it's too freaking cold though i hope it passes soon, i've been getting like 3-350 km for a fill instead of 5-550 from the same gauge reading. however i do try to let the car reach a good tempurature once i start it up so i drive around aimlessly sometimes.

[jeff]

The trusty Honda finally let me down this morning :(

It was plugged in, but the battery just didn't have enough steam, and after about 10 reeeeeaaaaaaly slow cranks, she was done. a quick boost from mom's garage-kept car did the trick, but I'm worried about what's going to happen at 4:30. Brought my cables along just in case.

On a related note, I'm thinking about starting a drug cartel somewhere in Mexico or maybe Venezuela. Y'know, just for the winter. Who's with me?

[JT_TT]

oh i'm definitly in with the drug ring thing, just as long as it gives me enough money during the winter to feed my tire addiction for the whole summer.

[mzf]

i'm in. you could get rich if you developed a drug to keep you warm. :)

[mindslide9]

HAhahaha Jeff thats perfect! My uncle is from Venezuela and he's got a Testarossa so it must be working for him! (He's also a surgeon in Boston so that might have something to do with it, just in case he sees this!)

[codewhore]

He's also a surgeon in Boston
a handy profession to be in when the time comes to get the drugs back out of the "mules" ;)

[niks325i]

Just realized that my blockheater hasn't been working this winter, but it hasn't affected the BMW's ability to start. Sits at work all day too and starts no problem at the end of the day. Gotta like that. :)

Nik