Leaving tractor in unheated garage,starting ideas?

[Frank1541]

A block heater will warm up most of the engine. It only takes few degree increase to make a difference.
I used to put an incandescent spot light into the muffler heat shields a few hours before I needed the use the tractor. When I had a Magnum 18. This worked great.

[darkminion_17]

I never had an issue with starting a gear drive in winter. All mine stay in a cold garage.

[SDBOB]

Ok thanks guys. I've tune it well cant remember when. In summer a little throttle starts right up. Past winters choke it , fires right up. I'm just thinking easier on engine being warm.

[johnwd98]

Originally Posted by jbrewer

Stock 100?

I'd not bother with a block heater. Given that it's only splash lubed I would not think a block heater would do anything in regards "crankability" anyway.

If the choke works and the timing is right, it should start right up.


If you happen to live in Minot ND, I think the cub manual specifies a lighter oil viscosity (which would accomplish the same thing)

I agree with this and would like to add, a battery maintainer is a good idea too.

[Farmall450]

I've gotten to the point where I'd prefer to give it a splash of ether than crank for ages. Arguably worse when the key switch/battery/starter are being pushed to the max.

I will say my 1862 starts well due to the larger battery. Better than the 1811 w/ the same motor, part of the reason why it has the blower on it (and power steering). Unfortunately I have the carb off for a rebuild and haven't gotten around to it.

[athomas]

most engine dipstick heaters are about 24 " long and need to be in 3-4 " of oil to work properly but with only a qt of oil it likely wouldn't work well and may cook the oil, like I say if it starts well in warmer weather it should be ok maybe a battery tender would be as far as I would go , fire it up and let it fast idle for a min or so and go to work !

[Billy-O]

When the "polar vortex" is in effect, I run a ceramic heater near my 125 hydro... It helps engine turn over easier than without the heater. Otherwise, tractor starts fine most cases with a good CCA battery and bright and tight connections.

[Grandpa53]

Ever hear of AMSOIL synthetic oils? That plus keeping the exhaust valve clearance to a minimum works wonders for my 109 that is kept in an unheated garage 100 miles due south of International Falls Minnesota. Rarely do I have to add any external heating devices.