Oil warmer dipstick

[akbeemer]

Many people in Fairbanks, AK store their bikes outside all winter, including the new motorcycles stored by some dealers. Temperatures there can remain sub-freezing for several months and sub-zero for nearly as long; extended periods of -40 F are not rare. There are folks there that have stored their bikes in such a manner for decades and suffered no ill effects. Some remove the battery, but some feel a well charged battery will do just fine if left out all winter.

 

[wecm31]

I grew up in North Dakota as a kid of the 1950s.

Hey Paul.....I guess we were almost international neighbors (plus a decade), as I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Great place to live, I wouldn't want to visit there!!

As a poor student, we were often faced with cars that would not start in -40 F/C.
Lacking the funds for a tow truck boost, (and in the absence of friends with cars on occasion) we used to bring the battery inside. Place it in the tub and run hot water (free in apartments!!!) around it, just below the terminals.

Once the battery was toasty, you wouldn't (or likely you would) believe the difference in cranking amps that would bring to the equation. Usually enough to get the car started.

Cold is a double challenge...the oil is thick and fighting rotation, but the battery performance is at its worst as well. From those days with the bath tub, I almost think the slow cranking was more electrical than mechanical.

 

[PGlaves]

Once the battery was toasty, you wouldn't (or likely you would) believe the difference in cranking amps that would bring to the equation. Usually enough to get the car started.

At -40F compared to 70F you have about 20% of the battery cranking ability available if I remember correctly. I knew folks who had quick disconnect cables and brought their battery in every night.

 

[jeff488]

At -40F compared to 70F you have about 20% of the battery cranking ability available if I remember correctly. I knew folks who had quick disconnect cables and brought their battery in every night.

I think that percentage is correct. I grew up in South Dakota, and had 30 below temps.
Not only is the battery in a hurt, that temp is very close to the minimum flash point of gas, which doesn't help things. Then flood the engine and wash down the cylinder walls.
I had a '65 VW with a 150w heater that attached to the oil pan at the drain plug area. Really made a difference.

 

[23217]

The purpose of a heated dip stick is to heat the oil to make it easier to start. You put it in the engine and plug it in for 10 minutes, and then start the engine. Yes, it helps turn over the motor easier. I used to use them in tractors when I was young.

Today, they don't use heated dip sticks. They used anti-freeze heaters that heat the anti-freeze inside the engine. This work a lot better. You can buy them from the dealer for your car.

But, you would never leave a heated dip stick in the engine for an extended period of time. It would ruin the oil, and provide you with a nifty electric bill.

 

[lmo1131]

They used anti-freeze heaters that heat the anti-freeze inside the engine.

Okay, now I'm really lost ... I know where the dip stick is, but where is the freakin' radiator on my /5

 

[akbeemer]

At -40F compared to 70F you have about 20% of the battery cranking ability available if I remember correctly. I knew folks who had quick disconnect cables and brought their battery in every night.

Coldest temperature at which I got a car to start without having some sort of heat applied was around -40. We were winter camping in the White Mountains north of Fairbanks. The temperatures went from zero to -66 F (according to the BLM) in less than 24 hours in the Beaver River Valley where we were. We were able to get 2 of 4 snogos running and luckly the trailhead where our trucks were parked was up on a ridge where the temperature was warmer. It did blow the seal on the oil filter due to the increased preassure from trying to pump -40 degree oil.

 

[typ181r90]

Same here.

Even in the coldest NJ Winters, my R90 always started right up. Of course a good tune-up and an electronic ignition helps!

I agree, 30 last night and took the bike with me on night shift, going in again tonight and still using 20w50.

 

[PGlaves]

-40. We were winter camping in the White Mountains north of Fairbanks.

Kevin, that doesn't sound even half as smart as I thought you were. What were you folks thinking?