2012 xtx apex -30 cold start problems solved...??

[ruso]

Hey , just got back from dinner...indeed will try all of these methods ...less maybe pouring water all over my new apex ...i believe i'll come up with something i little more civilized ...i guarantee you that..rxpete not sure youve noticed we don't have hoods anymore..on that note..rxviper ..guess i'll give that method a whirrr ...not really likin the starter keepin the engine turning over to get her to flame up steady...and already running straight up synthetic ..first thing done... 400mi. no i believe that "Ultrafrozen" understands something that in my industry is what is know as "heat exchange" not exchanger.. and it doesn't need to be in the form of a pail of water... as cromagnon as that is I must admit it is a form of heat exchange..holy... sorry just kinda funny is all ...wow...at any rate not gonna do that.. we got south winds yesterday for a bit seemed to push the cold front further north ...but it'll be back..stays cold -30 to -40 off and on ...mostly on for the next 6 to 8 weeks here...just sayin.....don't worry will rig up something excellent...and keep you posted ....like my dear old man used to say ...I didn't just fall off the crabapple truck you know....never understood that....he was from the old country ...good guy rip.
ps we got about 11/2" last night on top of the new groom ...wow never had a 144" track before...today I held er to the bar for about 6 heartbeats ....that's how I count you know.......104mph is 6 beats ...tomorrow 7...maybe 7....we'll see...lol later...merry merry to all you sled heads....lovin it just lovin it......

 

[Sasquatch]

After u prime the pump turn key to start and hold it for an extra second or two and that will keep it running had the same problem with mine and that seemed to work every time after it. I know bought a pcv from lumber racing and that made it quite a bit better also it fires and picks up right away no stumble

It doesn't grind the starter. Just keeps the engine cranking during the initial stumble so it does die. Works every time

X2 -30 and colder starts like a charm just by holding the key for a second longer!

 

[ruso]

thank you for all and any input...
David

 

[TBay Sledhead]

Hold the key after the engine starts will do no damage to the starter. It not like a regular auto starter in that it has no bendix. It has what is called A sprag clutch is a one-way freewheel clutch.

It resembles a roller bearing, but instead of cylindrical rollers, non-revolving asymmetric figure-eight shaped sprags are used. When the unit rotates in one direction the rollers slip or free-wheel, but when a torque is applied in the opposite direction, the rollers tilt slightly, producing a wedging action and binding because of friction. The sprags are spring-loaded so that they lock with very little backlash.

 

[ranger1]

A few have already mentioned to hold the key for a few seconds after the initial fire up, definitely helps! Like Bluedave has mentioned on a few posts " series20 battery, 330 cold cranking amps , the only way to go!!!
As far as pouring hot water on a -30 to -40 engine, don't think I would be willing to take the chance!!!!

 

[ruso]

......

 

[dirk]

Holding the starter longer is also the trick to R6's, maybe it's just a yamaha thing...

 

[Ultrafrozen]

... no i believe that "Ultrafrozen" understands something that in my industry is what is know as "heat exchange" not exchanger.. and it doesn't need to be in the form of a pail of water...

If all the other tricks don't work, heating the engine works.

The Anti-Gravity battery pack sells for around $150 and can be used to run a 12VDC heater to heat the engine compartment. The battery is small and fits in your pocket. If your truck battery dies, you can boost it with the battery pack.

No heat exchanger just plain-old 12 volt power to run a resistive load in the form of a heater. If it's -40C and the sled is outside in the wind, I'd cover the sled with a tarp. You can get insulated tarps at Acklands-Grainger.

 

[Irv]

One thing you can do if not already done is put 100% synthetic oil in the engine as it stays more fluid in the extreme cold.

The anti-gravity battery pack might be a good thing to keep on hand. I'm not sure if using it to heat the oil, coolant or battery would be more effective, any ideas?

Never heard of them before UltraFrozen so I Googled it.

Looks like a pretty handy thing to have around, especially if your way up north on a trip and are concerned about your sled starting.

Any idea if this can be used in sequence with the regular battery still attached?

Thinking,,, hook it to your leads that are on the right side under the panel and crank like you normally do?
Would this not help give the battery/starter some extra cranking juice in order to get your sled going, or would this be ill advised for some reason?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf7u8rQTt94

Also, any idea who carries these in Ontario, or at least Canada?

Thanks.

 

[Ultrafrozen]

...Also, any idea who carries these in Ontario, or at least Canada?

Thanks.

Royal Distributing and Radio World has them. Not sure who else.

Hooking it directly to cables out the right side can't hurt, just like boosting a car! I'd try it at home first to see if the fuse blows.

I've done this before with a huge battery charger and we only hooked up the charger as I was cranking the engine over. Started a flooded Phazer in -27C.

 

[Irv]

...Also, any idea who carries these in Ontario, or at least Canada?

Thanks.

Royal Distributing and Radio World has them. Not sure who else.

Hooking it directly to cables out the right side can't hurt, just like boosting a car! I'd try it at home first to see if the fuse blows.

I've done this before with a huge battery charger and we only hooked up the charger as I was cranking the engine over. Started a flooded Phazer in -27C.

Thanks, and good idea on trying it at home first.

 

[Phatboyc]

Hold the key after the engine starts will do no damage to the starter. It not like a regular auto starter in that it has no bendix. It has what is called A sprag clutch is a one-way freewheel clutch.

It resembles a roller bearing, but instead of cylindrical rollers, non-revolving asymmetric figure-eight shaped sprags are used. When the unit rotates in one direction the rollers slip or free-wheel, but when a torque is applied in the opposite direction, the rollers tilt slightly, producing a wedging action and binding because of friction. The sprags are spring-loaded so that they lock with very little backlash.

This is some very good technical info. Thanks!

These past two weeks seems I had to start my sled below -20C all the time. Most of the time I had to crank it a second time to start. I knew if I hold it a bit longer after it kind of started I would be fine but was afraid to do it. Now I know better.

 

[wkeggenhoff]

x2 on full synthetic oil, will keep the cranking speed up for the cold statrs compared toa pertrolium based or semi synthetic oil'
Works great for a diesel engine as well

 

[apex55]

On a side note the engine has to be cranking fast to start. They won't start unless the battery can turn over the machine fast. These aren't like to old machines that will start with a battery lower then full charge. They need a certain voltage or amps to fire up.

X2 This just happened to me. It was -21 without the wind-chill. Sled turned over slow. Pulled out the relays and put them on the cars defroster to warm up. Still wouldn't start. Put on the battery pack, turned it over and it revved fast and started right up. No problems the rest of the day or the next morning when it was only 5 out. Battery was brand new. Started fine at home when I loaded, but didn't like the sub cold.

 

[apex55]

This is what I bring up in the car and used. With a 20% coupon it's $80. Can't really carry on the sled though.

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-por ... 60703.html

I do carry jumper cables but that antigravity kit is interesting. Wonder how it holds up in the cold?